How Do I Get Rid of Heartburn Fast?
If you have heartburn, you’re not alone. Up to 50% of adults experience it at least once per month. It’s uncomfortable and can become potentially harmful.
Heartburn, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), occurs when the strong acid in your stomach creeps up into your esophagus.
It can feel like a burning sensation. Other common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, bloating, sore throat and burping. Often there is a bitter or sour taste as well. Stomach acid is essential for good health and optimal digestion.
Stomach acid protects us against harmful microbes (i.e. bacteria) found in our food and drinks. It also helps us break down our food and digest nutrients. But we need that acid to stay in the stomach and not go up to our esophagus!
Stomach acid doesn’t usually burn the stomach itself. That is because the stomach is protected by a layer of mucus.
But your esophagus doesn’t have that same protection. It has a valve that is supposed to prevent things from going the wrong way (i.e. keep food, drink, and acid down; not allow it back up). And when your esophagus is exposed to stomach acid too often, it can cause burning, inflammation and other potential issues.
Here are a few tips that may help you overcome your heartburn symptoms naturally. Of course, if symptoms last for a long time, or get worse, it’s probably a good idea to see your doctor.
Tip #1 – Foods to eat (and avoid)
You may notice that when you eat or drink certain things, you get heartburn soon afterward. These triggers may be different for everyone; but often include onions, garlic, chocolate, citrus, tomato, mint, spicy foods, greasy foods, coffee, carbonated drinks, or alcohol. If any of these affect you, reduce them or even try cutting them out to see if it makes a difference.
Heartburn might also result from a sneaky food intolerance. Try eliminating grains, dairy, and processed foods for a few weeks and see if that helps.
Now, you may be wondering: “If I eliminate these foods/drinks, then what can I put in their place?”
Try increasing fiber intake. Yes, this means more whole, unprocessed foods, especially veggies! In fact, potatoes may be a great addition to meals if you suffer from heartburn. Try getting at least five servings of veggies every day.
Tip #2 – How and when to eat
Eat slowly. Use meal times to release stress. Chew your food very well. Don’t eat meals that are too big.
And don’t eat too close to bedtime. You want to avoid lying down with a full stomach. We’re talking finishing eating 2-3 hours before lying down, so schedule your dinner or snack with this in mind.
Tip #3 – Lifestyle techniques
Sometimes strenuous exercise can make heartburn symptoms worse. If this happens to you, then focus on low-intensity exercises like walking and cycling.
If symptoms come on as you’re lying down to sleep, try adding a pillow or two so your head is a bit higher than your stomach.
Another interesting tip is to try sleeping on your left side. Lying on your left side works because the valve that prevents the acid from “leaking” into your esophagus is located on the right side of the stomach. So, when you’re lying on your left, the acid is away from that valve.
Heartburn is a very common condition where stomach acid creeps up into the esophagus (where it’s not supposed to be).
If you suffer from symptoms of heartburn, there are many things you can do. There are foods and drinks to avoid and veggies to increase. You can eat slower, chew more thoroughly, and don’t lie down within 2-3 hours of eating. Also, try low-intensity exercise and sleeping on your left side.
Try these simple, natural strategies. They can help prevent or relieve heartburn symptoms for you.
Recipe: Baked Potatoes (Serves 4)
- 1 small bag of mini potatoes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Scrub potatoes and boil them until they’re soft. How long will depend on their size, so check them by feeling how easily they’re penetrated with a fork or knife.
- Drain the water and toss the potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
- Place in a roasting dish at 425F for about 15 minutes.
Serve & enjoy!
Tip: Don’t have mini potatoes? Use large potatoes or sweet potatoes and chop them to the size of mini potatoes.
Dr. Anna ND
- 14 Home Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux. https://authoritynutrition.com/heartburn-acid-reflux-remedies/
- Heartburn, reflux, and GERD: 10 nutrition and lifestyle tips for feeling better now. http://www.precisionnutrition.com/heartburn-reflux-gerd
- How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux… Naturally. https://www.dietvsdisease.org/get-rid-acid-reflux/