Scientifically referred to as pyrosis, heartburn can be colloquially defined as a burning sensation or inflammation of the digestive tract, particularly the esophagus and stomach. It is not a disease in itself; rather, heartburn is a symptom of other digestive disorders, including dyspepsia and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn causes immense discomfort and reduces the urge to eat. It is one of the common problems during pregnancy. Some of the causes of heartburn are as follows.
- Functional heartburn: Functional heartburn is a condition caused by other gastrointestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), GERD, and esophageal motility disorders, among others. These indigestion disorders are primarily caused by the intake of large quantities of food, intake of high calorie and spicy foods, consumption of alcohol, insufficient intake of water, and so on. Functional heartburn is caused by regurgitation or reflux of acids (and digestive juices) to the esophageal tract, resulting in inflammation.
- Cardiac disorders: Sometimes, cardiac diseases like acute myocardial infraction and angina cause sudden chest pain, which also causes inflammation of the esophageal tract.
The prime symptoms of heartburn are acute chest pain with inflammation or burning sensation. Some heartburn home remedies are as follows.
- One of the most effective natural remedies to relieve heartburn and indigestion disorders is to consume chamomile tea after meals. One can also have green tea after every meal to promote proper digestion and absorption of food, thereby reducing the susceptibility to functional heartburn.
- Another effective remedy for heartburn and indigestion relief is to consume aloe vera juice, which helps repair the epithelial lining of the digestive tract.
- One of the most effective natural remedies to relieve what causes heartburn is to consume raw potato juice. It can be prepared by grinding raw potatoes without peeling, and mixing it with carrot, orange, or cranberry juices.
- An effective remedy to cure heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux is to consume a roasted piece of ginger with each meal.
- One of the most effective heartburn home remedies is to consume baking soda in water.
- Another beneficial heartburn and indigestion remedy is to consume a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey in water.
- Cinnamon sticks can be boiled in water to cure heartburn.
Other than these effective remedies, there are certain precautionary measures that must be taken to prevent the conditions from aggravating.
- First and foremost, regulation of the diet is key to maintaining a healthy digestive tract and preventing various diseases related to the digestive system. You must consume a lot of fresh fruits, salad, and green leafy vegetables. Intake of ample amounts of water is an important part of a heartburn diet. In fact, consuming a healthy diet is one of the most effective heartburn home remedies during pregnancy.
- One must avoid the intake of starch-rich foods while suffering from heartburn. These foods include potato, rice, whole milk, white sugar, and white flour, among others. In fact, it is recommended to consume a low calorie diet to alleviate heartburn.
- Intake of alcohol is strictly prohibited for patients of heartburn. Smoking after meals should also be strictly avoided for patients of heartburn.
- It is recommended not to have chewing gum just before meals as this fills digestive tract with air and aggravates the condition.
- The body posture while eating also determines the state of the digestive system. As such, one must always sit upright and eat food to enable proper digestion.
- Fatty foods such as butter, cheese, processed foods, etc. are best avoided. Eating fatty foods is what causes heartburn and gas in most cases which could also result in burping.
- Patients of heartburn must refrain from consuming chocolates.
One must take the advice of a doctor if heartburn persists for a while; the doctor will be able to make a proper diagnosis and provide adequate treatment.
answered by G M