How To Get Rid Of Heartburn

Knowing how to get rid of heartburn easily is a concern, not only of individuals suffering from acid reflux disease, but of everyone. Heartburn can strike anyone, after all. It can cause much discomfort to pregnant women who may not necessarily have acid reflux disease. It can also happen to just about any normal being.

Heartburn occurs when some of the acids from the stomach back up to the esophagus through the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (or valve), causing irritation to the walls of the LES. For this to happen, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) has to be weak or does not contract, otherwise it would have kept food safely in the stomach to undergo the normal process of digestion.

What makes the LES weak?

Why does not the LES tighten when it is supposed to? Normally, the LES tightens as food passes through, to prevent reflux of stomach acids that can corrode the LES, but there are factors that apparently weaken the LES. Here are some of them:

· Alcohol-consumption

· Cigarette smoking

· Slouching or poor posture

· Use of medications such as Calcium-channel blockers, nitrates and antihistamines.

· Too much consumption of fatty and fried foods, spicy foods, peppermint, caffeinated drinks, citrus fruits, and tomatoes (including tomato-based products)

How To Get Rid of Heartburn

When trying to understand how to get rid of heartburn, therefore, the focus will not be so much on taking antacids but in controlling these triggering factors. It's true that taking antacids provides immediate relief, but if you are taking these almost every day, you are going to end up with problems worse than heartburn.

To prevent future attacks of heartburn or keep it from getting worse:

· Avoid all those factors identified to trigger heartburn.

· Avoid drinking milk as well as it can prompt the production of more stomach acids.

· If you have to take Calcium-channel blockers, nitrates or antihistamines, remember to take them with meals to keep your tummy from reacting negatively.

· Maintain good posture. Of course it does not necessarily mean that you'll have to act like a supermodel, but try to keep your upper half as straight as possible, especially when eating.

· If heartburn happens at night while you are sleeping, get up and drink a glass of water to flush the acids back to the stomach. It also helps to drink plenty of water during the entire day, but during mealtimes, limit it to a glass or two. The reason is that too much water in your tummy can force the LES to open. Drinking too much liquid during mealtime can also make you feel uncomfortable. As much as possible, drink water gradually when eating.

· Make time to enjoy your meal. Eat slowly, and make sure to chew your food completely. This breaks down food into smaller pieces which make them easier to digest. Chewing also encourages the production of saliva which neutralizes the acids.

· Fruits like banana and papaya can provide immediate relief. These fruits are rich in enzymes and fiber which help soothe your digestive system. Eat them before eating, if possible, to reap more benefits.

· Some people swear by apple cider vinegar. A teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar in half a glass of water accordingly relieves heartburn fast.

· Don't lie down or sleep after eating. Wait for a couple of hours at least before lying down.

Knowing how to get rid of heartburn does not reduce the need to seek medical attention when the condition occurs in increasing frequency and severity, and if it is accompanied by vomiting and bleeding.

If you suffer from heartburn, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome and lack of enough digestive enzymes in your system, there is relief. Discover the perfect solution at Detox-Colon-Cleansers.com.

Copyright © Alyna E. Roberts

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