3 Home Remedies For Heartburn

More than 60 million Americans experience heartburns at least once every month. However, the term heartburn is misleading as this sensation has nothing to do with the heart; rather, it occurs in your digestive system.  
The lining of the esophagus is much thinner than the lining of the stomach. When the acid from your stomach enters the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation called heartburn. A person feels a sharp, tightening, or burning sensation in the chest while experiencing heartburn. For some people, the burning sensation isn't just limited to their chest, and it reaches from the stomach to their throat.
Continue reading to find out effective home remedies for heartburn and when is the right time to seek medical attention.

Don't Lie Down After a Meal

The temptation to collapse on the couch soon after eating or get under the sheets after having a well-deserved late dinner is quite strong. However, acting on this temptation can lead to worsening or the onset of heartburn. Keep active for at least 30 minutes after taking a meal and wait for at least two hours before going to bed or lying down.

Avoid Having Cigarettes, Alcohol, or Caffeine

One of the most pleasurable cigarettes for smokers is the one they have after meals, but it can cause various problems. Among all the other health problems smoking causes, it also leads to heartburn by relaxing the muscle responsible for keeping stomach acid from entering the esophagus. Alcohol and caffeine also adversely impact the functionality of the esophageal sphincter.

Lay Down in an Elevated Position

Laying down straight or head down can cause the acid in the stomach to enter your esophagus or throat. Consider elevating the head of your bed around 5 inches. This will prevent reflux and heartburn. When your upper body is elevated, gravity works to your advantage and makes it less likely for the contents of your stomach to enter the esophagus above them.
It's crucial to understand that the cure lies in raising the head of your bed and not just your head. Placing some extra pillows under your head affects your posture and puts your spine in a bent position. This can increase the pressure on your stomach even more and aggravate reflux and heartburn symptoms even more.
These simple remedies are very effective in reducing or even eliminating heartburns but may not work for everyone. If you experience frequent heartburn and the sensations are extreme, it could be something that requires looking into by a healthcare professional.
For your convenience, TelMDCare offers online consultation for the treatment of heartburns. In addition to the treatment for heartburn, they also offer affordable online healthcare for various diseases like asthma, migraine, and high cholesterol.
You can also book online doctor appointments and get virtual doctor prescriptions.
Contact them to avail of their services.