Heartburn or Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when gastric acid from the stomach flows back up into the esophagus. This leaves a painful, burning sensation in the esophagus, and often spreads to the chest and throat as well. Sometimes, you might also experience regurgitation of this acid into your throat and mouth.

Excessive eating, drinking, and smoking are the most common causes of heartburn. However, the symptoms of heartburn can be alleviated by using a number of home remedies. Firstly, you should identify the food types that tend to cause heartburn and avoid them. These could include citrus fruits and dishes high on fat and oil.

Smokers should also avoid smoking before, after, or during meals. Nicotine prompts the release of stomach acid, which could aggravate heartburn. Moreover, smoking often causes you to swallow small amounts of air, which form air pockets in the digestive tract and inhibit the body’s ability to digest food.

Large amounts of undigested food encourage the release of stomach acid. Thus, you should also chew your food thoroughly and slowly and avoid swallowing large portions of food. It is not advisable to consume alcohol while eating as alcohol changes the acidity of the stomach and irritates the stomach lining leading to a burning sensation.

Ginger is a good natural cure for heartburn. It absorbs the stomach acids and reduces the chances of heartburn. Another home remedy is to increase the consumption of fibrous food types such as lentils and nuts, which naturally absorb excess acid. It is also a good idea to drink herbal tea and green tea. Herbal tea and green tea help soothe the stomach tissue, thus reducing the amount of acid it produces.

You can also try drinking apple cider vinegar or honey mixed with water before every meal. Apple cider vinegar aids in the metabolism of food, which reduces the need for stomach acid. Honey, on the other hand, contains enzymes that aid the digestion process. One of the simplest remedies for mild heartburn is to drink plenty of water, which aids in the digestive process and can help prevent heartburn.

Try going out for a walk after eating, which will help stimulate the digestive system. You should also try eating smaller meals rather than three large meals in the day as this does not put pressure on the digestive system. Make sure you do not keep large gaps between meals as this encourages gas and the production of stomach acid.