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Heartburn Remedies

There are various heartburn symptoms that plague many people on an ongoing basis, such as a burning feeling that resonates from the chest to throat, bad taste in the mouth, burping episodes, coughing, wheezing, restricted throat and hoarseness of voice. The onset of many digestive episodes can begin after eating certain foods or can begin with no apparent reason. Millions of Americans suffer with weekly or daily symptoms and most can relate their discomfort to certain foods. There are many digestive conditions that cause gastric discomfort such as acid reflux disease, ulcers, and hiatal hernias. In order to secure the most effective heartburn remedies, it is important for a health care professional to determine the exact cause of a patient's problems.

Acid reflux disease is a very common condition that affects a wide segment of patients. Heartburn symptoms that result from acid reflux disease can be extremely serious and can cause damage to the esophagus, stomach and throat if left untreated. This condition occurs when the sphincter muscle located in the lower esophagus does not close off the stomach effectively. Contents in the stomach that are combined with normal acids can wash back up into the esophagus and cause a burning or inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. Many times even the throat is affected by acid reflux and can become irritated, causing hoarseness and dryness. If this condition is allowed to persist, some people can develop scarring in the lining of the esophagus and throat which leads to permanent damage. This condition also may make a person more susceptible to cancer.

The disease is diagnosed in all age groups of patients from children to older adults. Heartburn remedies for acid reflux include dietary changes, medicines and if necessary, surgery to repair hiatal hernias that may contribute to the problem. It is not known the exact cause of acid reflux conditions but certain foods can complicate the problem such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, and sauces made from tomatoes. Those who smoke, drink alcohol and are overweight are also more at risk for the condition. Heartburn remedies for acid reflux can include various medicines made to normalize acid in the stomach and those that provide a coating to the lining.

People who have the condition should also not eat 2 or 3 hours before bedtime as well as sleep with their heads elevated at least six inches. A diet free of particularly irritating foods should be adopted even if a patient is taking one of the popular medications in order to allow the esophagus to heal. Ulcers are another cause for heartburn symptoms that include a hot, burning sensation in the stomach area that generally occurs between meals or when the stomach is empty. Other discomfort can include nausea, bleeding, vomiting or loss of weight. Ulcers can be treated by medicine that in some cases includes an antibiotic treatment that many times cures the infectious bacteria that has been found to cause them. While there are many over the counter and prescription heartburn remedies, there are also alternative treatments that can prove useful.

Some herbs, teas and other natural products have been used to calm stomach problems, reduce acidity and assist in getting acid reflux and other ailments under control. "Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth forever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven..." (Psalm 137:23-24a) Adding enzymes to a meal can help in breaking down the fats and neutralizing acids that occur in the gastric system. Enzymatic supplements such as bromelain which is derived from pineapple can offer some people relief. Bromelain is known to have anti-inflammatory and enzymatic properties that substantially assist digestion and help to alleviate heartburn symptoms. The herb ginger, can be ground and sprinkled on a meal, taken in capsule form or ingested as tea to help an upset stomach and minimize discomfort. Approximately 500 milligrams of ginger is recommended after each meal to provide a soothing effect.

Other teas that contain amounts of catnip, licorice root, and peppermint can help heal the lining of the stomach. Heartburn symptoms can also be treated by a healthy dose of fiber either found in foods or added to a diet through capsule or powder form. Fiber can provide more absorption for excess acid in the stomach and help to more quickly carry toxins out of the body. Taking care to drink lots of water is a must for those who suffer from bouts of stomach problems. Drinking at least 64 oz. of water a day will provide the body with the ability to wash acids and toxins from the stomach area more quickly which in turn, lowers the time that acids can irritate or damage the gastric area. There are many heartburn remedies both over drug counters and in kitchen cupboards that can spell relief to excessive heartburn and stomach problems. For people who suffer with more than an occasional upset stomach, seeking the medical opinion of a doctor should be the next step.

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