If you have ever experienced heartburn you will know without a doubt that it’s not fun. I have personally had my fair share of heartburn and indigestion. Sadly, it is something that runs in my family and I just need to be careful what I eat. For me, certain things will trigger heartburn like sugar, simple carbs, or heavy meals.
The thing is when I have heartburn I really don’t like taking over the counter antacids. I try to avoid them at all cost and see if I am able to calm the raging inferno naturally. The reason I’m not a big fan of over-the-counter antacids is that with long-term use they can cause a lot of damage to your body.
Chris Kessler states in his article, “The FDA report cautions against high doses or prolonged use of PPIs, because they’ve been shown to increase the risk of infection, bone fractures and dementia.
But the danger doesn’t stop there. As I pointed out in my series, all acid stopping drugs (not just PPIs) inhibit nutrient absorption, promote bacterial overgrowth, reduce resistance to infection and increase the risk of cancer and other serious diseases.”
The New York Times reported:
“Several studies also have shown an increased risk of bone fractures from osteoporosis in patients taking P.P.I.’s, though the results aren’t consistent. Possibly the change in stomach acidity reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium.”
All I can say to that is “no, thank you.” It’s honestly not worth the risk especially when there are natural healthy ways to help you with your heartburn.
Most of the time these natural ways do the trick. That’s why I wanted to share them with you.
8 Natural Remedies For Heartburn
Ginger root tea or Ginger supplements – Millions of people across the world suffer from indigestion and heartburn. The gingerol and other compounds that are found in this root help stimulate, saliva (which releases enzymes), bile and other gastric juices to help the digestive process. Read more on the benefits of ginger here: 10 REASONS HOW GINGER CAN BETTER YOUR HEALTH
Baking Soda, Lemon Juice, and Water – Use half a teaspoon of baking soda and half a squeezed lemon (juice) is to be mixed with a glass of warm water. Make sure the baking soda is completely dissolved in the mixture.
Hot Water – Now it may sound weird that warm or hot water can help with heartburn, but it does. I have experienced it time and time again. Ayurvedic medicine advocates that you drink water warm, as cold liquids and food can reduce your digestive ability. Cold drinks slow down the digestive system. This causes energy that is supposed to be used for digestion to be used to raise the temperature of the liquid in your stomach to body temperature.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Your stomach may not have enough acid. Apple cider vinegar is similar to the acid levels of your stomach to help digest foods properly. Adding a tablespoon of ACV to warm water is all you need to do. I highly recommend getting organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother. It will contain more enzymes than filtered vinegar.
Fennel or Fennel Tea – “Fennel has a carminative effect, which means it can sooth the digestive tract and reduce acid and inflammation as well as gas and bloating. You can chew fennel seeds after a meal to aid digestion and prevent heartburn. Fennel is also available in liquid extract or tincture. According to Vitamin Stuff, the recommended dosage is 1 tsp. of tincture to be taken three times each day or 1/2 tsp. of liquid extract per day. “Learn more from Fennel Seeds & Heartburn
Mustard – “Mustard is a seed, which belongs to a group of alkaline food. If the food is alkaline, it means that it has the ability to neutralize the pH levels in your stomach.
The magical ingredient of mustard seeds is vinegar, which is nothing but weak acid. Its role is to balance the amount of acid from the consumed food and in this way it prevents heartburn.”
To read more on Mustard and its effect on heartburn go here: Mustard for Heartburn: Natural Home Remedies
Aloe Vera – Aloe can be very soothing to the stomach when it’s inflamed. To use aloe juice as a remedy for heartburn, try drinking 2-3 ounces when you have symptoms. For me personally, aloe is not very good tasting, but it is worth taking. I don’t recommend sweetened versions of aloe juice since sugar will just irritate your heartburn even more. The most common side effect when taking aloe by mouth is diarrhea so add aloe to your diet slowly. Start with one ounce a day and increase as needed.
Probiotics –
Probiotics are known for helping our lower GI tract, but many studies are showing that probiotics also aid the upper GI. A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology found that those who took probiotic supplements for 14 days experienced fewer of the common GERD symptoms such as nausea and regurgitation compared to those who did not take probiotics.
I have personally tried 7 out of 8 of these natural cures. the only one I have not tried yet which I want to try is mustard. all the other ones I have done before many times over they can all really help with tummy issues especially heartburn.
Drop me a comment below and share any fun facts you have about heartburn or ways that you help calm your raging inferno.
Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading.
She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine. Read More…
Yvette Mitchell
Thursday 24th of May 2018
I drink a lot of ginger tea, it really helps with my digestion
Melissa Tumino
Wednesday 1st of August 2018
Me too, Yvette! I even take them in capsule form if I am not able to make tea!