Heartburn and acid reflux are becoming a serious problem for more and more people.
As each year passes, it seems more and more people complain of agonizing heartburn. Heartburn medication has become a huge business, with people resorting to pills to help them stop their pain.
Our increasingly unhealthy lifestyles are one of the main causes for the heartburn epidemic getting out of hand.
Heartburn is actually a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and is caused by acid refluxing back into the esophagus. Risk factors include those that increase the production of acid in the stomach, as well as structural problems that allow acid reflux into the esophagus.
Some of the foods that an cause heartburns are as such:
- High-fat foods: Foods that are high in fat may cause heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Spicy foods: It slows the rate of digestion. Spicy foods may also irritate your esophagus, further worsening heartburn symptoms.
- Milk: May cause heartburn due to its fat content. If whole milk gives you heartburn, it’s best to reduce your intake or avoid it.
- Alcohol: It increases stomach acid or directly damage the lining of the esophagus.
- Onions: Especially raw onions, are high in fermentable fiber, which may promote acid reflux symptoms.
- Carbonated drinks: They may cause heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Mints: If you experience heartburn after consuming mint, it is best to avoid it.
While many foods can make your heartburn worse, there are several foods that may help relieve symptoms.
Here are some foods that may help relieve heartburn:
- Bananas and melons: These fruits are naturally low in acid and are often recommended to reduce reflux
- Green veggies: Naturally low in fat, acid and sugar, green veggies include green beans, broccoli, spinach and celery
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is packed with fiber, which is linked to a lower risk of acid reflux. This fiber does not contain FODMAPs, so does not cause belching or reflux
- Grains and potatoes: Research has found that consuming grains and potatoes is linked to a 42% lower risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Ginger: This is a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting. While there is limited evidence about ginger’s effects on heartburn, it may help reduce reflux
Let’s discuss two of the main reasons for heartburn and acid reflux, and what you can do to cure heartburn naturally:
1. Being overweight can cause heartburn. This has to do with the extra fat in your stomach. This brings us back to lifestyle. You must make a commitment today to eat healthier, to be more active. How about walking more? Just walking more each day can help you slim down and ease your heartburn.
2. Stop smoking immediately. It’s no secret that smoking contributes to heartburn. Use this article as a gentle reminder that it’s time. It’s time to cure your heartburn and your first step should be quitting smoking.
Also, try to eat smaller meals spread throughout the day. In most cases, heartburn is caused by the way you live, and can be cured naturally.
Of course, not all cases of heartburn can be cured naturally.
Oftentimes, medical intervention is needed, and your doctor can tell you what the problem is by doing some simple tests. Sometimes, all you need to do is take some antibiotics that your doctors prescribes, and it will cure you forever.
As with any health problem, and chronic heartburn and acid reflux are serious problems, you must consult with a medical professional.