Heartburn? Think natural...

I had heartburn today so I needed a reminder of how to get rid of it naturally... I usually use a 1/2 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar, and chase it with a very small amount of something sweet and overpowering like creamer ... I swish it around after I've held my breath and forced down the ACV. LOL!

This is from Tipnut.com:

12 Heartburn Remedies Plus Causes & Prevention Tips

Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful and burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone usually associated with regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.

It’s is a major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); acid reflux is also identified as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma.

Despite its name, it actually has nothing to do with the heart; it is so called due to a burning sensation near to where this vital organ is located – although some cardio problems may give rise to a similar burning sensation.

Compounding the confusion is the fact that hydrochloric acid from the stomach comes back up the esophagus because of a problem with the cardiac sphincter, a valve which misleadingly contains the word “cardiac,” referring to the cardia as part of the stomach and not, as might be thought, to the heart. Source: Wikipedia.

Treatment:

Everybody’s different so what works for one may not work for another. Once you’ve found a remedy that works–stick with it.

1. Chamomile Tea: Sip during attacks as well as after meals to prevent it from happening in the first place.
2. Peppermint Tea: Same as above.
3. Baking Soda & Water: This will help neutralize stomach acid but should only be used moderately, regular use could dramatically increase one’s salt intake (baking soda is high in salt). Mix 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of baking soda per glass of water. Due to the high salt content in baking soda, pregnant women shouldn’t use this treatment.
4. Ginger: Cook into food, sip Ginger tea or chew a fresh piece for relief.
5. Celery: Eating a stalk of raw celery can help (excellent choice for pregnant women).
6. Almonds: Chew on raw almonds until discomfort eases–just a handful should do it.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar: Is there anything that ACV can’t tackle? A teaspoon to two tablespoons (whatever is needed) of apple cider vinegar should stop this in its tracks. Another option is to mix apple cider vinegar with honey (2:1 ratio).
8. Mustard: Take a spoonful (or two if needed) of mustard when discomfort hits…will take a minute or two to bring relief.
9. Pickle Juice: Take a drink or two of this to settle the stomach.
10. Pineapple: Eat a slice or two of fresh pineapple when it hits or right after meals.
11. Yogurt: Eating a couple spoonfuls of yogurt when you feel it coming on can help ease it away. If one regularly suffers from this, try adding yogurt to the diet on a regular basis–it’s good for you in more ways than one (excellent choice for pregnant women).
12. Lemon Juice: Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to half a glass of water and drink.

Symptoms:

• Burning feeling or sense of pressure inside the chest
• Burping
• Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
• Rising bile in the throat

You may be suffering from acid reflux disease if symptoms are persistent and experienced on a daily basis, check with a doctor.

Pay attention to diet, if a common culprit is found every time this occurs avoid eating it in the future. Some habits and foods that are common triggers:

Foods:

• Chocolate
• Coffee & caffeine beverages or foods
• Soda beverages
• Fried & fatty foods
• Spicy foods
• Tomatoes
• Onions

Habits:

• Smoking: This activity can affect the digestive system and the esophagus. If a regular smoker suffers from this, consider quitting or at least dramatically reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked.
• Shed Tight Clothing: Wearing clothes or belts that are tight around the waist can trigger it.
• Snacking Before Bed: Avoid eating 2 or 3 hours before going to bed or laying down to give the body time to digest the food eaten.
• Lose Weight: If you are a few pounds overweight or even obese, losing weight can help stop regular occurrences of discomfort.
• Exercise: Going for a walk after each meal will help the body digest. If that’s not possible for every meal, do it at least once a day after the heaviest meal (usually supper).

Note: These are simply tips and information that I’ve collected, they’re not professional medical advice and not intended to replace professional medical care.