Posts Tagged ‘Chronic Heartburn’
Many people suffer from heartburn and the burning and discomfort can be very disruptive. Many individuals look for heartburn natural treatment. Chronic heartburn is officially known as gastro esophageal reflux disease. The symptoms of heartburn may involve chest pain, sour taste in the mouth, and regurgitation of liquid or food, coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, and wheezing.
When treating your heartburn you should visit your doctor because if not treated properly heartburn can lead to more serious issues. However there are several natural remedies that can effectively treat your heartburn. The most common heartburn natural treatment is simple monitoring of your diet. Many times there will be specific foods that will trigger heartburn and you can avoid these foods to keep your heartburn to a minimum. Simply over eating is also a major cause of heartburn.
Heartburn & Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid
Some common food triggers include chocolate, citrus fruits, raw onions, tomatoes, black pepper, garlic, fatty foods, vinegar, coffee, milk, spicy foods, peppermint, alcohol and carbonated beverages. You also should not go to bed directly after eating but wait 2 to 3 hours as your heartburn may be more intense because you are lying down. If you still want to enjoy some foods that give you heartburn you could eat smaller portion sizes but this may depend on the intensity of the heartburn.
Stress is a Big Factor
Stress is also a cause of heartburn and by reducing your stress you can reduce your heartburn. Many individuals say that stress is a main factor that increases their heartburn there is no scientific evidence that links heartburn and stress. However stress will disrupt your lifestyle and eating at odd time may trigger heartburn. Additionally food stays in your stomach longer when you are stressed and this may prolong the length of your heartburn.
Heartburn Natural Treatments
Some people swear by chewing gum as a heartburn natural remedy. Why this works is unclear, but enough people have used this remedy to lend credence to its effectiveness for relieving the uncomfortable burning sensations associated with heartburn. Chew a piece of gum thoroughly and then drink up to two glasses of water.
A natural remedy includes degylcyrrhizinated licorice or DGL. This herb licorice has a glycyrrhizin element that reduces the risk of glycyrrhizin related side effect like high blood pressure. There have been some studies that show a decrease in inflammation and bacteria growth, which are part of heartburn but there is no definite link between DGL and heartburn.
Aloe vera juice can be used to soothe your esophagus. Aloe very has been used throughout history to treat inflammation and most suffers of heartburn will take ½ a cup of aloe vera juice about 20 minutes before eating. You should not use any other aloe vera products, as they will contain laxatives. It is only the juice that is recommended for heartburn.
Heartburn is a Burning Sensation
Heartburn is a burning sensation that many people can feel after eating, this sensation will start in the stomach and work its way up to the esophagus. Heartburn does not affect the heart itself but gets its name from the burning sensation that we feel in our chests when suffering from heartburn.
There is Three Classifications for Heartburn
• Mild Heartburn
• Minor Heartburn
• Severe or Chronic Heartburn
Heartburn can be classified in three different factors: minor or mild heartburn, moderate or normal heartburn and chronic or severe heartburn. It depends on the type of heartburn that you are suffering with the type of pain you will feel, the intensity of the pain and most of all the duration of the pain. This pain can be described as a short painful shock in our chests and stomachs or as an ongoing pain that burns our whole torso from the bottom of our stomachs to the top of our esophagus.
Mild Heartburn
If you suffer only with a mild heartburn then you will probably feel the effects of the heartburn maybe once a month at the most. This heartburn is not very painful and will not cause you a lot of discomfort. Also it can be treated quickly and effectively with antacids that are available in any drug store or pharmacy.
Moderate Heartburn
If you only suffer with a moderate type of heartburn you will probably feel the effects of the heartburn a number of times during the month at the most. This type of heartburn will normally cause a bit more pain and burning sensations than if you suffered from a mild heartburn, but can be treated as quickly as mild heartburn but the medication must be more constant. Other ways to reduce moderate heartburn is to find out what food causes you to suffer and reduce them.
Chronic or Severe Heartburn
If you suffer with chronic or severe heartburn you are likely to suffer with it on a daily basis or nearly a daily basis. Also this type of heartburn cannot be treated in the same way as the other two types of heartburn and because it is more constant. The pain is also more severe and the burning sensation in your chest will last for a lot longer. Antacids can be taken but they will not be able to relieve the pain completely and because of this it is better to speak to your doctor so he/she can provide a better medication.
It has been proven that people can suffer with heartburn due to various aspects of their day to day lifestyle including an irregular diet, too much alcohol, eating too much and just before sleeping and daily stress. Specialists recommend immediate treatment if you are suffering from any type of heartburn to make sure that this heartburn does not get any worse.
What is heartburn for most people is not life-threatening, but if not dealt with appropriately can lead to other illnesses, including GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease. As with any health condition, the best course of action is to seek medical attention promptly.