You know that sharp, burning pain that shoots through your chest and rises up to your throat.
Is it a heart attack? Nope. Cancer? No. Most of us know it as heartburn.
Whether you just ate a meal, are in a stressful situation or just dealing with some extra acid, heartburn can be uncomfortable.
Acid reflux and heartburn are common ailments affecting 60% of adults in the United States this year.
Struggling with the pain during family dinners, dates and during job interviews, heartburn becomes a natural part of life.
If you're looking for some relief that doesn't require your doctor to write you a prescription, these natural remedies may help get your heartburn under control.
Apple Cider Vinegar
With a pH of around 5, vinegar is an acid that will help lower heartburn levels. It helps to improve digestion and reduce the pressure that builds up causing the uncomfortable condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar is a good choice to help with proper digestion and can have added benefits of the probiotics it contains.
Just add 2 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar to 1/4 cup of water and drink. Repeat every 5 minutes until your heartburn subsides.
A lot of people find it effective to take a shot of it before meals to help pre-empt the acid reflux.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has a pH of around 2, which makes it an acid stronger than vinegar. Also containing lots of nutrients it boasts benefits including vitamin C. Not only will it help aid with the heartburn, the added nutrients will help with overall immunity.
It's not always effective on it's first dose, but by having some every day it will help aid digestion in the long run.
Juice half a lemon and mix it with a the same amount of water. Warm it up for 10 seconds in the microwave and drink it. It's best to have this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for full effects.
Try a Supplement
Pick up some digestive enzymes, HCL with pepsin, Probiotics, Magnesium or L-Glutamine and see if that will help your body to tackle the issue that is causing your heartburn.
Baking Soda
While baking soda seems to be a remedy for almost everything, it can also give relief for heartburn as well.
Baking soda is a base, not an acid, which means that drinking some of it will neutralize acid in your stomach or esphagus.
It's not the ideal way to deal with heartburn because it lowers acid levels, but in extreme situations it can be helpful.
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/4 cup of water. Drink up and if it doesn't help repeat after 5-7 minutes.
Other ways to deal with heartburn is a lifestyle change.
Eating smaller portions spaced throughout the day can help your body digest easier, which would prevent acid from building up in your chest.
Limiting the foods that increase stomach acid will also help. This includes fried foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, peppermint, alcohol and package foods with artifical ingredients.
Controlling your stress will also help defeat regular heartburn. Find out what is triggering your heartburn and work to keep your body calm during those peak times. Meditation and yoga is a great way to keep your body calm and clear your mind.
Also take a look and see what medications you're taking. Are the side effects causing your heartburn?
Hopefully this will help get your heartburn under control.
Source: SCD Lifestyle / Dr. Axe