Home Remedies for Heartburn

Heartburn, also called acid reflux, happens when some of the stomach contents, including acid, back up into the esophagus. It causes a burning sensation which is usually felt in the middle of your chest. Try these home remedies for heartburn to ease the burn. Included are a few handy tips to prevent it.

Home Remedies for Heartburn: Brown Rice

Rice is a bland food and makes it less likely to increase stomach acid. Eating it plain or with a little sweetening can help ease the discomfort.

Home Remedies for Heartburn: Soda Crackers

Unsalted soda crackers are bland, easily digestible and help absorb stomach acid. Keep them on hand for immediate relief of the next bout of heartburn.

Home Remedies for Heartburn: Apples

An apple a day will keep the heartburn at bay. Eat one peeled, with the skin on or cook a few for dessert.

Home Remedies for Heartburn: Pumpkin

Bake slices of fresh pumpkin and sprinkle on a bit of cinnamon which is also good to get rid of hearburn. You could bake pumpkin and apples, spice it with some cinnamon and honey for a delicious cure.

Home Remedies for Heartburn: Cinnamon

Put a small pot of water on to boil. When it is boiling, add a stick of cinnamon and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink a cup for relief from the acid. If you buy cinnamon tea in a store, make sure it does not have black tea in it. Black tea is a cause of heartburn. Make some cinnamon toast for a tasty nighttime snack.

Home Remedies for Heartburn: Yogurt

Have a cup of yogurt to soothe the burn. Make sure you pick a brand that has live cultures in it for the best results.

Home Remedies for Heartburn: Papaya

Eat it raw to get the most benefit. It contains an enzyme, papain which fights indigestion. Get a glass of papaya juice and add one teaspoon sugar and two pinches of cardamom to relieve stomach acid.

If you are pregnant, do not eat papayas. The contain natural estrogen and could induce a miscarriage.

Tips to prevent heartburn

- Instead of lying flat, raise yourself up by sleeping on extra pillows. By having your upper body elevated, it will keep the acid from back up into your esophagus.

- Do not lay down right after eating a meal, wait at least an hour.

- Do not eat anything for two to three hours before bedtime.

- If you drink coffee, it could be contributing to your heartburn. Even decaffeinated coffee can cause acid to build up.

- Cut back on your soda intake. The carbonation in soft drinks cause the stomach to distend pushing acid into the esophagus.

With these simple tips and home remedies for heartburn, you can stop the misery and sleep better at night.

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