Amelia Grant

Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation in the chest that can spread to the throat. It often occurs after eating and is caused by stomach acid entering the esophagus. Heartburn can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cause severe discomfort. In this article, we have gathered six effective ways to get rid of heartburn and improve your quality of life.

1. Eat healthy foods
Some foods aggravate heartburn, thus avoiding them can considerably improve the problem. For example, fatty and fried food might slow down digestion and raise the risk of acid reflux. Fatty meals also relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, making it simpler for stomach acid to enter the esophagus. 

Caffeine and alcohol trigger excessive stomach acid production and relax the oesophageal sphincter, thus they should be consumed in moderation. Chocolate and citrus fruits can worsen heartburn symptoms and should be avoided. Including more veggies, lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in your diet will enhance your general health and lower your risk of heartburn.

2. Control potions
Portion control is essential for preventing heartburn. Overeating boosts stomach pressure, causing acid to return to the esophagus. Eating in modest quantities is suggested to minimize stomach pressure and the risk of reflux. 

Instead of three substantial meals, attempt to eat five to six small meals each day. This will help alleviate the strain on your stomach and decrease your risk of reflux. Also, avoid late dinners because eating before bedtime might trigger heartburn. Try not to eat within three hours of bedtime so that your stomach can digest the meal before going to sleep.

3. Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial for managing heartburn. Being overweight puts extra strain on the abdomen, which can cause or worsen heartburn. Losing weight can dramatically reduce discomfort. A healthy weight may be achieved and maintained by regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. 

Physical activity increases metabolism and helps digestion, although it is best to avoid severe exercise just after a meal. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and complex carbs, as well as avoiding high-fat and sugar meals, will help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent heartburn.

4. Adopt lifestyle changes
Lifestyle modifications can significantly affect the incidence and severity of heartburn. Certain habits can lead to the onset of heartburn, and making little modifications to your routine can help minimize the frequency and severity of symptoms. For example, avoiding lying down after eating will keep stomach acid from entering the esophagus. 

Try staying upright for at least 2-3 hours after eating. This prevents stomach acid from returning to the esophagus. If you get heartburn at night, elevate the head of the bed to prevent acid reflux while sleeping. Avoid wearing tight clothing since it puts pressure on the stomach and aggravates heartburn symptoms. 

5. Try medications
Numerous drugs can help reduce heartburn if dietary and lifestyle modifications are unable to relieve the discomfort. However, it is best to consult with your doctor before taking them. If you have severe heartburn, you can search for a "gastroenterologist near me" and undergo a thorough examination and develop an individualized treatment plan. Antacids neutralize stomach acid and might offer fast but temporary relief. 

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) lower stomach acid production and may help with frequent heartburn attacks. Omeprazole and lansoprazole are two examples of such medications. H2 blockers limit acid production and can help with heartburn. Examples of such medications are ranitidine and famotidine. 

6. Use home remedies
Natural treatments and plants may also help with heartburn. Although their effectiveness varies, many people find them beneficial. Ginger, for example, contains anti-inflammatory properties that might help alleviate heartburn symptoms. Add fresh ginger to your meals or consume ginger tea. Chamomile tea reduces inflammation in the esophagus and alleviates symptoms of heartburn.