Heartburn Home Remedies, A Little Advice for You

An assortment of homemade cures can be found all over the internet. Some are unusual while others seem to make a lot of sense when you know how they help. Papaya, garlic, bananas, almonds and apple cider vinegar are a few heartburn home remedies that people use.

Each remedy comes with a warning. Read the entire how to use and the warning before trying the method.

When garlic is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is cooking. Did you know that garlic is also an herbal supplement that boosts your immune system and makes your heart stronger? Yes, this food is very versatile. It seems that garlic is also among the most used home remedy ideas as well. Garlic sauce can cause heartburn for some individuals. A clove or two of garlic can stop heartburn in its tracks.

If you decide to give garlic a try, chew a clove at the first sign of heartburn. If you think you may want to try it in the future, place some cloves in apple cider vinegar. When needed, take a little sip of the liquid.

Raw garlic works because it is a power-packed antibiotic. Garlic is known to kill the organisms that are found in heartburn sufferers.

Warning: Garlic may interfere with certain prescription medication. Consult your doctor before you use it. You are going to have bad breath after chewing the garlic. To treat this problem, chew gum, sprigs of parsley or a couple coriander seeds.

Another remedy is papaya. This fruit assists in digestion as well.

Fresh papaya can be difficult to find. You can use dried papaya but only eat small amounts.

Before you eat your meal, eat some papaya. If you have heartburn after the meal do the same.

Papain is an enzyme that is found in the papaya fruit. The enzyme assists in digestion.

Warning: If you are allergic to latex, talk to your doctor before consuming papaya. Papaya should be avoided by those who are pregnant.

Some believe that banana's help with their heartburn while others say this fruit causes their heartburn. Those who like bananas should try this remedy. If not, look at some of the others mentioned in this article.

Not too ripe, but fresh bananas are recommended for desired results.

Eat the banana as usual or use dried bananas.

Bananas act as an antacid by covering the lining of your stomach, which in turn, provides relief from heartburn.

Warning: Diabetic, or those taking MAOI inhibitors, should talk to their doctor before eating bananas.

Another home remedy, for heartburn, that many swear by is apple cider vinegar.

For those who can handle it, drink a teaspoon of the apple cider vinegar by itself. If that is something you simply cannot do or do not want to attempt, here is an idea to take the edge off.

Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a tad bit of sugar. Add a little amount of baking soda and 6 ounces of water. Drink the mix while it is still fizzing.

Since vinegar is a base, it is understandable that it would work against excessive stomach acid. It is believed that vinegar also makes the esophageal sphincter contract which aids in keeping the stomach acid down.

Warning: When using this remedy, do so sparingly or drink it through a straw. Vinegar will start to eat the enamel off your teeth if direct contact is made on a regular basis. Drink plenty of water when using this remedy as well.

Last but not least, almonds can be used to relieve heartburn. So, leave some room in your stomach for this tasty remedy.

Eat a few almonds when the first sign of heartburn arises.

Almonds contain a high level of oil which counteracts the stomach acid.

Warning: If you are allergic to tree nuts, DO NOT use this remedy.

You'll discover some excellent natural ways to treat heartburn at: Heartburn Home Remedies. And to learn about the best natural heartburn treatment system out there go to: Heartburn No More Review

Acid Reflux, which creates heartburn affects about 60 million Americans daily. It must be countless worldwide. Is there any quick fix for this discomfort? Actually there is a few things that work pretty well. Here are some tips to help you stop acid reflux quickly.

A cure, permanent and natural is what you really want. But, for now, while your throat is on fire, these ideas will offer some relief for most persons.

1. Chew gum. Chewing gum causes your glands to produce more saliva. As this saliva flows down your esophagus, it will help flush down the stomach acids which are giving you trouble. Some people have trouble with peppermint, so watch which gum flavor you choose. Sugar free is best.

2. Hard candies are a good thing to suck on. They cause you to create saliva the same as chewing gum. Saliva has bicarbonate properties that help neutralize the acid.

3. A glass of water mixed with a tablespoon of baking soda can offer relief. Drinking slowly is better than gulping, as you are trying to rinse the acid back into the stomach.

4. Apple Cider vinegar mixed in warm water will do the same rinsing as baking soda and might be easier for you to swallow.

5. Herb Tea helps sometimes. But not just any herbs. Ginger is good, so is basil and oregano. Remember the dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones. Use about a tablespoon in 2 cups of hot water, and let ti steep for about half an hour. Be sure to strain the tea before you drink it. Some folks take this tea about 20 or 30 minutes before their meals and find it helps. It also helps to take a hot cup of this tea before bed.

While these natural tips will ease your discomfort temporarily, the smartest thing to do is to ind a natural way to cure your heartburn once and for all. Yes, it can be done, no matter what your doctor may have told you.

There is a program called Heartburn No More which teaches you to heal the basis of your acid reflux and gives you a lifetime cure. You can find it, and about what to eat at the same time as you accomplish the cure at Bye Bye Acid Reflux

For those who suffer from acid reflux, they might be shocked to learn that getting relief could be as simple as making a few lifestyle changes. Keep reading for some tips on stopping acid reflux before it gets going.

A number of people experience acid reflux during the nighttime. But by simply avoiding evening snacking, you can more easily achieve relief from acid reflux. Don't snack for several hours leading up to bedtime. This can be difficult if you're inclined to be a late-night snacker. But remember that you will not have a restful night if you give in to temptation.

The time at which you eat is important, however what you eat is just as critical. For example, foods that are acidic like coffee, alcoholic beverages, citrus juices and tomato products all increase the probability of undergoing acid reflux. Excess production of stomach acids can be caused by even seemingly innocent food items. Foods that are highly spiced or high in fat will also activate an episode of acid reflux.

Limiting the quantity of food you eat is another significant factor in preventing acid reflux symptoms. This consists of limiting your portion sizes at each meal. If your stomach is overstuffed, food is forced back into the esophagus. This thoroughly exacerbates the fiery feeling in your chest since it has soaked up some of the stomach acids.

If excess weight is a problem for you, think about dropping some of the extra pounds. When they do, many individuals discover their acid reflux symptoms are reduced. Normally they experience lowered pressure on the stomach, which leaves more room for the digestion process. Accordingly it is not quite as likely that it will be brought back up the esophagus.

Sometimes you may surrender to temptation and eat too much or choose the wrong foods. If that occurs, it's vital that you stand or sit straight up and steer clear of lying down. This will help to keep the food in your stomach, away from your esophagus, and speed up the digestion process. When you do lie down, make sure to keep your head elevated, either by propping up your mattress or utilizing an special wedge pillow for acid reflux.

It is not just those who are heavy who must make some lifestyle changes to avoid acid reflux. Smokers are also at higher risk of suffering from this condition. The esophagus muscles of those who smoke aren't as efficient as they should be. Consequently they are less able to prevent the undigested food in your stomach from making its way back up. Additionally, the stomach acid of smokers is more toxic because of the presence of chemicals. Every time you take a puff on a cigarette, you raise your risk of going through acid reflux symptoms.

Keep in mind that modifications to your lifestyle might not be the fix for severe acid reflux. Some will still require a visit to their physician before they find any relief.

Almost everyone gets a bad case of acid reflux at one time or another. Some people, however, never seem to be able to get rid of it. Learn more about the symptoms, prevention and treatment of this painful condition at Heartburn Relief.

by Edmound Johnsonberg

These days, heartburn is a complaint more commonly known by sufferers as acid reflux. This complaint affects the food pathways or digestive tract but is often called other names. The problem arises from an upset in our stomachs digestive fluid (hydrochloric acid). The disorder gives you a burning sensation in your chest near the heart and stomach, when the acid wants to return up the digestive tract.

When we eat and swallow our food it is allowed into the stomach area to be digested by the esophageal sphincter valve which should then close back up in order to stop the hydrochloric acid from escaping. The problems start when for some reason this valve does not shut and the stomachs digestive juices are allowed to flow back up (acid reflux) causing the feeling of heartburn. This condition is also known as GERD which is the shortened version of the correct medical name: gastroesophageal reflux disorder.  At the moment it is considered that a poor diet is the underlying reason for the acid reflux problem but not the main cause of the condition,overeating could also add to the problem and cause unnecessary stress on the stomach and its ability to process food.

Eating large amounts of food at any meal can put a lot of pressure on your abdominal walls, the release of this pressure results in the stomach acids trying to flow back up the digestive tract. Since this valve protects your esophagus from your stomach acid, you need to take care this valve does not allow digested acidic food to pass back into the asophagus. To help with this condition, adjustments need to be made with regards to the size of meals consumed, which need to be smaller but more frequent. This situation can be a problem for the health of the body as the stomach, esophagus and mouth all need to be in good working order.this is because the stomach is not only responsible for breaking down our food but also for preparing this food to be converted to specific nutrients that every person needs.

While an immediate solution may be to use the well advertised acid calming drugs available they are not designed for long term usage,however, these can interrupt natural body processes and cause other health problems. It may take a while but the best solution is to make adjustments to your drinking and eating habits which may have caused the acid reflux condition,the idea is not to overload your stomach, which will give it time to recover. It may take a while but if the number of times you experience heartburn reduces, you may be able to enjoy some of the foods you stopped eating; all the while remaining conscious of the need to take things slowly and not place stress on your stomach again.

While eating is probably the largest factor in acid reflux disorder, other substances can also contribute; a few of these are listed below:

Smoking, Allergic reactions to certain types of food, Medication, Alcohol, Taking a nap after eating

All this comes down to a lifestyle change which ultimately only you can control, this is all possible if you want the heartburn problem to ease. Determination on your part to reduce the number of episodes of acid reflux is all that is required. It really is a decision only you can make!

About the Author:

Edmound Johnsonberg makes a lot of blogs. His latest website is about seeing the right golf cart wheels. You can see his new website at http://www.golf-cart-wheels.org.

by Mark Johnson

If you have acid reflux you don't necessarily have to use drugs to treat it. There are many natural acid reflux treatments available that can give you relief without the risk of side effects that using drugs presents. Here's some to try.

Although natural acid reflux treatments are usually safe you still need to use some common sense if you try them. Also, you should let your doctor know what you're doing, especially if you're taking medications for other problems. Some herbal treatment and supplements interfere with some prescription medicines.

Burdock is a detoxifying compound that also helps treat acid reflux. It appears to help both the liver and kidneys clear toxins as well as aiding in the digestion process. If you want to try this, take it with meals want to twice a day or follow the directions on the supplement you buy. In addition to burdock, you could take a celery seed which is also a recognized detoxifying herb.

Saffron is a spice made from crocus flowers. Most people think of it as a flavoring for rice, but it also has medicinal uses. It helps alleviate heartburn, apparently by protecting the G.I. tract. Though it's available in capsule form, why not cook with it to enjoy it savory flavor?

You may have heard of Devils claw as a supplement that reduces the risk of developing cancer. Although it is often taken for that reason it also is effective in relieving symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

There are many other natural acid reflux treatments you can try. Since we're all different we respond differently to various treatments. However if you stay with it it's entirely likely that you'll find a natural treatment combination that works well for you.

About the Author:

Continue your investigation of natural treatments at: Acid Reflux Natural Cures. There are also some great natural cures at Acid Reflux Home Remedies. With the information you've read here and what you find on those pages you'll soon be free of acid reflux.

Nighttime Heartburn: Don't Let it Keep You Up

by John Baker

While heartburn can attack at any point during the day, if it takes place in the night, it's particularly agonizing and bothersome. Many individuals who are confirmed to have acid reflux or heartburn are afflicted with nighttime heartburn. This only makes sense as lying down might make it easy for undigested food to move back up. For many, the lack of sleep is more harmful to their well being and mental health in the end than the actual heartburn.

One approach to help avoid nighttime heartburn is realizing at what time it's alright to get into bed. You need your tummy to be as empty as possible before laying down. The latest you are supposed to have a meal is several hours before the time when you go to bed. This way you won't have an excessive amount of digestive acid within your stomach. Additionally, you should pass up alcoholic drinks during this time of night, or possibly give it up entirely. Lots of individuals enjoy having a nightcap to make them sleepy, yet you won't be doing much snoozing when nighttime heartburn strikes.

Another situation to avoid is wearing body-hugging clothing to bed. It might press on your body and worsen your problem. You might also choose to keep your covers loose if they tend to put pressure on you. Moreover, never sleep on your stomach if you can possibly avoid it. If you are inclined to turn over in your sleep, you might have to affix a pebble on the front of your night clothes to wake you up so you can get back into the appropriate position.

Lots of individuals get a lot of relief from heartburn during the night by stacking their pillows. This will help to guarantee that their shoulders, neck and head are elevated, and it prevents the acids in the stomach from going toward your throat. Nevertheless, if you shift around a great deal while sleeping, then you'll slide off of this incline. To deal with this, acquire a special acid reflux cushion or wedge-shaped foam cushion to help you remain in place.

There are quite a few antacids that you can use when heartburn awakens you in the middle of the night. Along with non-prescription remedies in the form of liquids, pills or tablets, there are also medicines prescribed by a doctor. It's generally okay to experiment with a non-prescription antacid for a week or so. But if you are continuing to suffer from nighttime heartburn no less than twice a week, you really ought to go to see your doctor. Acid reflux and heartburn aren't things that disappear by themselves.

If you're expecting a baby, on the other hand, you don't want to use heartburn medicine needlessly. Many drugs, even non-prescription products, could harm your baby. You need to speak to your physician about the most effective technique to safely handle your situation.

About the Author:

Heartburn may not be a life threatening condition, but it can certainly cause you a lot of distress. If you want to learn more about the causes of heartburn and what you can do to stop it in its tracks, visit the Heartburn Relief site.

	Heartburn: Extinguishing The Fire Inside List Price: $17.95 Sale Price: $11.97
	Help is here--now and in the long term--for heartburn sufferers. This is the first book for general readers about treating and preventing one of America's most widespread medical problems. Much of the advice in Heartburn comes from the frontiers of medicine...

by Richard H. Ealom

INTRODUCTION: Heartburn is a digestive problem that happens when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, producing irritation. It has nothing to do with the heart though the irritation may be confused with heart pain and vice versa and is the most frequent symptom of a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux. It is often called acid indigestion and usually happens after meals and is a daily occurrence for approximately 10% of Americans and as much as 50% of pregnant women.

SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid indigestion and a heart attack may feel the same. One of the most common symptoms is spitting up. Heartburn symptoms are just flat-out uncomfortable and very painful. However, many people will only experience the milder signs. Pay attention and treat it, particularly if you feel symptoms often.

The good news is that making changes to certain habits will go a long way to stopping acid indigestion and other symptoms of GERD.

Heartburn is usually simple to diagnose from the symptoms you describe to your Physician. If there are any questions about the diagnosis, you may take the following tests to check for ulcers or other problems that might create your signs: barium swallow x-ray study of the esophagus, complete upper GI (gastrointestinal) barium x-ray study of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine endoscopy: a procedure in which a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera is put in your mouth and down into your stomach so your Doctor can see your esophagus and stomach.

To help decrease the signs you can try not to put a lot of pressure on the sphincter muscle. Seek emergency treatment if the following occurs with the heartburn and do not go away within fifteen minutes of treatment: shortness of breath; sweating; weakness; or arm, back, or chest pain.

FOODS: To minimize attacks, a sufferer may find benefit in avoidance of certain foods that relax the opening between the stomach and esophagus, such as chocolate, peppermint, and chamomile tea shortly before bedtime.

Restricting diet is extremely important, since 90-95% of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal problems can link their symptoms to certain foods. If the person notices that certain foods seem to make the condition worse, or more frequent, they would be better served to stay away from them, or at least talk to their Physician about products that can help decrease the amount of stomach acid that can create acid reflux.

CONCLUSION: Heartburn normally is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (aka GERD), the rise of stomach acid back up into the esophagus. Acid indigestion and reflux are very common, with 10 percent of the population experiencing these signs at least once a week and may be brought on or worsened by pregnancy and by various medications.

It is common condition, and an occasional episode is usually nothing to worry about. Relief in the form of milk may be effective and drinking a small quantity of milk regularly over a period of time can begin to heal the effects as it washes acid back into the stomach.

A simple and relatively harmless way to treat a one time heartburn is to drink a solution of a small amount of Sodium bicarbonate mixed with water, which quickly neutralizes the acid that causes the pain.

Chewing gum can provide short-term relief by stimulating the production of saliva, which dilutes and flushes out stomach acid. When heartburn occurs frequently, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your doctor.

About the Author:

About The Author: Richard H. Ealom is the Author of this article and the writer of "Free Articles On Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". Want more Facts Please go to us at our websites@Diabetes & Cancer Secrets OR Go To Heart Disease & Obesity Secrets.

Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease, Also Known as GERD

by Frank Robson

You have just stuffed yourself at this wonderful meal. Just could not resist one more helping of the wonderful beef dish with the rich cream sauce.

After such a delicious meal, you couldn't help but curl up in your most comfortable position on the couch and watch your favorite television show. Naturally, there were peanuts available to snack on, sweet chocolate to satisfy your sugary cravings with, and a glass of fine wine to sip at your leisure.

Welcome to Signs of Acid Reflux

Even a situation as seemingly perfect as the one described above can be ruined by chest discomfort. A sour tasting fluid filled with the flavors of all the foods that you've been digesting can surge up past your breastbone and fill up your throat. Despite your desire to vomit out such a terrible mixture, it decides to stay right there causing extreme discomfort.

Some people also experience further unpleasant sensations when dizziness sets in as a result of a reaction by the Vagus nerve to stomach problems. All these symptoms are part of the body's typical reaction to acid reflux.

Ignoring the symptoms mentioned can further lead to feeling like there is food stuck inside your throat. Another feeling sometimes described by people is that of food not traveling comfortably down the food pipe.

Such an experience is commonly associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux.

Turns out that this acid reflux disease has nothing to do with genetic disposition, age, nationality, race and other classifying factors, but has everything to do with your attitude towards the quality of your eating, nutrition, and health. A child of two can get this disease, so can a teenager, and so can a senior in the family. While a very young child getting an acid reflux problem may be related to physiological development concerns, for everyone else , it is almost a disease brought on by overindulgence , and abuse of your digestive system.

About the Author:

Is heartburn keeping you up at night? Are you tired of watching what you eat at restaurants? Find out about a simple acid reflux cure that can help rid you of your stomach problems for good. Visit http://www.refluxrenegade.com for more info

	Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux. Doctor Recommended. Patented Folding Wedge Pillow for GERD, Sleep Apnea, Snoring. 32" L, 24" W, 7" H Sale Price: $79.95
	"Your pillow is truly a remarkable product. I have recommended it to family, friends and patients." - T.Hold, M.D. We all know that heartburn can turn a good night's sleep into a nightmare. If you suffer from acid reflux, sleep apnea, snoring or any other digestive or breathing problems, the Medslant Wedge Pillow can be the natural solution you're looking for...

	Heartburn & Reflux for Dummies List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $4.78
	How to recognize symptoms, get an accurate diagnosis, and find the most effective treatment Who is at risk for heartburn and reflux? What forms does reflux take? Is self-treatment dangerous? Heartburn and Reflux For Dummies answers these questions and helps readers work with their doctors to control symptoms, heal esophageal inflammation or injury, and avoid complications...

by Richard H Ealom

INTRODUCTION: Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). More commonly found among adults, yet, children as well as infants, can be likewise affected.

It is most often known by its symptom of "heartburn" which reportedly affects 1 out of every 10 adults in the United States and is a very serious and common problem in the world today. In severe cases, this can be very bothersome. It is treatable and you should ask your physician what treatments are available and right for you.

GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or commonly known as acid reflux, is a chronic condition wherein the esophagus gets inflamed and irritated due to the stomach's acidic contents that backflow towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe version of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting and poor weight gain.

HEARTBURN: The name of the ailment given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It is a symptom of another digestive disorder, and not a disorder by itself. Following heartburn, other reported signs are regurgitation, bitterness within the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if a hunk of food is entrapped. A heartburn every now and then does not necessarily mean one has GERD.

SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck) and can be greatly relieved or prevented by lifestyle and dietary changes as well as the use of herbs known to promote healthy digestion.

TREATMENT: Treatment is the next step, but recognize that proper treatment can really only be utilized once a definitive diagnosis has been made. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is ceased, the injury will return in the majority of patients within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and drugs to find the right solution for your heartburn and GERD.

Drug treatment is often only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some symptoms may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, persistent heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur two or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is produce by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is usually characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest region. It is a medical ailment, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that ailment. You should also realize that if it remains untreated for too long, you could be facing a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the correct treatment is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms.

About the Author:

R. Ealom is the Author of this article and the creator of "Free Articles On Sickness and Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". For more Facts Please go to our website "Diabetes,Cancer And Obesity Secrets" @ Diabetes,Cancer And Obesity Secrets

	Why Stomach Acid is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux and GERD List Price: $15.95 Sale Price: $9.40
	This groundbreaking book unleashes a brilliant new plan for permanently curing heartburn by relieving the root cause of the problem: low stomach acid.

	Heartburn & Reflux for Dummies List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $4.78
	How to recognize symptoms, get an accurate diagnosis, and find the most effective treatment Who is at risk for heartburn and reflux? What forms does reflux take? Is self-treatment dangerous? Heartburn and Reflux For Dummies answers these questions and helps readers work with their doctors to control symptoms, heal esophageal inflammation or injury, and avoid complications...

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.

What Heartburn Feels Like

Anyone with a penchant for big meals probably has had heartburn once or twice. Some of us tend to feel this pain a lot more than others. Actually answering the question "what does heartburn feel like?" is actually trickier than you might think. When we think of heartburn, we think of the dull, burning pain in the heart. True heartburn has nothing to do with that vital organ, however. Heartburn happens in the esophagus, the food chute from our mouth to our stomachs, where some stomach acid came up to cause that pain. Since the burning usually feels somewhere near to where we think the heart might be, it tends to confuse some to think of it as their heart that is hurting.

Heartburn or Angina?

The problem is that angina and heart attacks can feel a lot like heartburn. Keep this is mind if you or your family have some history of heart trouble. If you have had a history of it, you want to play it very safe and never dismiss any chest pains you might be feeling. Always consult a doctor when determining when it is safe to assume a chest pain is heartburn or something more serious.

If you're one of those people who feel like you've had heartburn every other day, you might treat it as such as long as it feels the same as all the other times (consult your doctor, as always, to determine if this is a safe move for you). If you decide to attack your problem like it's heartburn, there are some things you can try.

If your heartburn usually happens when you lay down to sleep, try propping yourself up so your head is above your stomach and feet. Gravity may help keep the acid at bay. Some people like drinking lots of water to ease the symptoms—if this works for you, great!  But for most people, this may not be practical right before bedtime.

Self Medicating Options

If you feel the need to medicate it, you can try your own solution of baking soda and water (unless you are watching your salt intake for health reasons such as hypertension, pregnancy or nursing). You can also try antacids that are sold in myriads of brands and colors. They often work, but reportedly not for long. Other medications slow the stomach's production of its acid, but these are said to take a longer time to work—but they may last for a longer period of time.

If you are having repeated problems of heartburn, you really should see a doctor.  Even if you feel confident that it's only a case of heartburn, it could be something like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Sometimes called acid reflux but even more serious condition that appears the same is heart related issue. Get advice before it gets worse.

You've got a lot of company when you've got heartburn. Rather than wondering what does heartburn feel like, just play it safe  and get your doctor's advice and get it treated properly. It will be well worth it to not have to deal with the pain and inconvenience of heartburn.