Home Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn is a digestive problem and usually the irritation and burning pain are felt in the upper abdomen. Heartburn occurs when the excess gastric acid refluxes back to the gullet (a tube connecting the mouth and the stomach) and a burning pain can be felt.

Eating properly is the best way to avoid the heartburn attack. Avoid taking foods that are too spicy, too much vinegar and fried foods. Limit the intake of vegetables such as cabbage, radish and onion too. Eat slowly, chew your food properly and avoid eating too much before bedtime. Eat your meals in small portion regularly and avoid starving. Drink more water and avoid too much alcohol.

Stay away from smoking as smoking after meals might trigger heartburn attack. Keep a good posture during and after meals. Avoid slouching on the table while eating and don't lie down after meal to keep the acid where it should be. Wear comfortable underclothes and avoid tight belts during and after food so that you can relax your stomach.

Here are a few home remedies to ease heartburn and acid reflux:

For hyperacidity problem, you can try:

• chewing some basil leaves
• sucking a small piece of jaggery (a coarse unrefined sugar made from both sugarcane and the date palm tree) slowly after every meal
• sucking a clove slowly after meal
• drink a glass of cold milk or fresh mint juice after every meal
• drink coconut water 4 to 5 times a day
• mixing 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar with 2 tsp of honey in a glass of warm water, drink it in continuous large gulps. Have it in the morning before breakfast and 2 hours before bedtime.

For heartburn problem, you can try easing the pain by:

• chewing a few almonds
• drink ginger root tea with honey after meal
• take a spoonful of yellow mustard with a cup of water
• drink a few tbsp of pickle juice or eat a pickle with your meal
• adding 1 tsp of powdered egg shell (cleanse, dry & grind) to your tea and sweeten with 1 tsp of honey, it has no taste but works great