What is heartburn?

Heartburn is one of the known symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease which causes pain that is usually felt as a sharp burning sensation right behind the breastbone or sternum.
This pain sometimes stays in the lower part of the chest and can also radiate to the back of the throat.

What are the causes of heartburn?

Everyone has something including food items that they react to. Although this is the case, there are several causes of heartburn that are not unique to different individuals.

Heartburn is caused when acid escapes from the stomach into the esophagus due to the early relaxation or weakening of the LES (Lower esophageal sphincter) which is meant to close immediately after food enters the stomach.

A lot of other factors like hormonal changes caused by an increase in weight can cause heartburn. It is also believed that pregnancy aggravates heartburn.

Also, too much alcohol intake can contribute to the early relaxation of the LES while coffee, orange, fatty and fried foods, and other acidic beverages and foods can also trigger heartburn.

What are the various signs and symptoms of heartburn?

Although individuals are different, heartburn on a norm usually kicks off with the display of some of these symptoms

A painful burning sensation in the chest which is accompanied by the following;

• Regurgitation of food
• A very bitter, acidic taste in the tongue or within the mouth area.
• Difficulty in swallowing food

What are natural ways to treat heartburn?

Eat 3 hours before your bedtime

The time you eat can sometimes trigger heartburn. This is because, when you eat late, the food does not have enough time to digest before you lie down. The undigested food can easily escape from the stomach into the esophagus with the acid that it is carrying causing heartburn.

Take licorice supplements

Licorice supplements are made with the licorice root which helps to increase the production of the mucous coating of the esophageal lining for the maximum protection of the esophagus from any further damage that might be caused by the stomach acid.

Take a little quantity of baking soda mixed with water

Baking soda has been proven to have specific properties that enable it to neutralize the effects of stomach acid.

Try raising the head part of the bed you use

Raising the head of the bed allows the body fluids to settle down so that the body can properly relax

Take 1/4 shot of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar possesses nutritional contents that also help to neutralize the effect of stomach acid on the chest.

Take Ginger tea

Ginger contains phenolic compounds, anti-inflammatory and microbial properties that help in the healing of acid reflux and heartburn conditions.

Get some gum and chew

A 2014 research revealed that chewing gum for not less than 30 minutes after each meal helps to reduce the effect of the stomach acid. This is because, just by merely chewing gum, you stimulate the production and swallowing of saliva which helps to totally clear the stomach acid that flowed to your esophagus

How to prevent heartburn?

Stop smoking because it has been proven to interfere with the efficient functioning of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).

Avoid the intake of foods that trigger the feeling of heartburn

Engage in exercises as frequent exercising of the body help to keep one fit and minimize weight gain.

How do I get fast treatments for heartburn?

For quick relief from heartburn, your best option is Extra Effervescence. It contains 98% of all the necessary ingredients and essential nutrients that are required to get your body free from the discomforts caused by heartburn.