Heartburn: Hints on Dealing

It starts out a small fire and can become a huge inferno. Erupting like a volcano, heartburn or acid reflux can be very painful.

I used to suffer heartburn quite often and would try all most anything to relieve the burn; however, did you know that over-the-counter and prescription drugs for heatrburn are only supposed to be used for 2 weeks maximum?

So...I started researching some natural heartburn remedies.

First of all, I found out what foods can trigger an attack or make it worse when it has already started.

I was very surprised to find out my beloved peppermint may actually aggravate heartburn by relaxing the ring of muscle at the top of the stomach, slowing acid to splash up into the esophagus. Needless to say I stop eating peppermint candy after I ate.

Here is a list of foods that can make heartburn worse:

• Alcohol
• Cheese
• Milk chocolate
• Anything with caffeine
• Fried foods
• Potato chips
• Grapefruits and oranges
• Onions
• Tomatoes

SLIPPERY ELM BARK: Soothes the digestive tract. Take 1 to 2 capsules with a glass of water or milk before meals.

CHAMOMILE: Calms heartburn. Can drink as a tea or take 1 capsule with a meal twice daily.

MEADOWSWEET: Tea for Acid Stomachs: Take equal parts of meadowsweet, chamomile flowers, and comfrey leaves, dried. Mix together and store in a clean jar. Use 1 tablespoon to 1 cup boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 6 cups a day.

GINGER: Very effective for digestive problems. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles on the esophagus walls, which helps to prevent acid reflux. You can make a tea with powdered ginger or fresh ginger root. Or, take two ginger capsules twenty minutes before eating.

APPLES : Eat one with meals for heartburn relief or eat a few slices before you go to bed to help relieve acid reflux.(This is one I use very often!)

HOT PEPPERS: This remedy sounds backwards; however, studies suggest hot peppers might protect the stomach lining and actually reduce heartburn and indigestion.

RICE: Eat daily for frequent heartburn suffers particularly that associated with pregnancy

SALIVA: Chew a piece of gum or suck on a piece of hard candy (not peppermints!) to wash the acidic material back down the stomach where it belongs.

NOTE: If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before trying any natural remedy.

**Important: Persistent heartburn should not be ignored and should be evaluated by a physician.

Vickey Boatright is a fund accountant for a non-profit organization and author of the website: http://www.naturalremediesforbetterhealth.com a resource for home and herbal remedies for common ailments such as heartburn, indigestion, allergies, acne, etc