Have you suffered the symptoms of acidity and heartburn after a late-night wedding party or wedding celebration? In such situations, people often blame the spicy foods, fried stuff, and the late-night shenanigans. But never try to understand the basics of this frequently repetitive situation, unless you rush to the hospital suspecting a heart attack. Acidity occurs when the basic PH balance of the stomach remains acidic over larger periods. In certain cases, a stomach abnormality called hiatal hernia can cause reflux and heartburn. If ignored, this recurrent irritation and inflammation of the esophagus can lead to ulcers and tissue breakdown.
What is acid reflux?
This reflux is a chronic condition that happens when the contents of your stomach move up into your esophagus. It’s also known as gastroesophageal reflux and if left untreated it can lead to serious complications.
What is heartburn?
The heart is a condition in which you feel burning on the lower side of your chest and it’s a symptom of reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Symptoms of heartburn
Acid reflux can cause heartburn and the symptoms of this include:
- Esophagitis, an inflammation of your esophagus.
- Tart taste in the back of the throat.
- Burning sensation and pressure which can extend up the breastbone.
- Sore throat
- Sour taste in the mouth.
- Chest pain.
- Persistent dry cough.
- Feeling like stomach contents have come back to the throat.
First aid or remedies for heartburn
Stand up straight
Many times, your posture can also contribute to heartburn. So, if you are sitting or lying down try standing up. An upright posture puts less pressure on your lower oesophageal sphincter and stops the stomach acid from rising into your esophagus.
You can chew gum
Science proves that chewing gum for half an hour after meals can lower heartburn. It stimulates saliva production and swallowing. This can help dilute and clears the stomach acid from your esophagus.
Loosen your clothing
When you experience heartburn, the first thing you need to do is loosen your belt – or your pants, dress, or whatever which is holding you tight.
Baking soda with water
Baking soda is easily available in every kitchen. It can calm down the episodes of heartburn by neutralizing your stomach acid. All you need to dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly.
Use apple cider vinegar
This is another great remedy that people use to treat heartburn. Besides, research has also proven that drinking apple cider vinegar after a meal can help alleviate heartburn.
Take licorice supplements
Licorice root is used to treat heartburn. It heightens the mucous coating of your oesophageal lining and protects it from damage caused by stomach acid.
You can use ginger
Ginger is another folk remedy for heartburn for centuries. It helps relieve nausea and acid related symptoms. You can add grated ginger or diced ginger root to your soups and other food recipes.
Summing up
Heartburn is very common and relatively easy to treat if you monitor what foods aggravate your esophagus and combat heartburn.
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