Would you believe that topping the list of household remedies for heartburn to counteract the excessive acid in the stomach is also sourced from an acid-based product? Yes, that’s true.
Would you believe that topping the list of household remedies for heartburn to counteract the excessive acid in the stomach is also sourced from an acid-based product? Yes,
that’s true. Online search shows that among the many remedies available, taking apple cider vinegar proves to be the best cure. Quite contradicting, right? How can an acid neutralize an acid?
To understand how apple cider vinegar works, let’s be aware of how acid reflux happens in the stomach. Heartburn occurs when the stomach content moves back up our esophagus. This transpires when the gatekeeper in our stomach called lower esophageal sphincter or LES is weakened and is not able to hold back our stomach content. Aside from too much acid, too little gastric acid also leads to the LES not functioning properly. By using a remedy like apple cider vinegar, the LES stays closed and keeps the food down to where it should be. This is because the LES reacts to pH, thus when it senses the acidity of the vinegar, the valve automatically locks up.
Another school of thought about these household remedies for heartburn believes that apple cider vinegar neutralizes the acid in our stomach. It is deemed that when the weaker acetic acid from the vinegar is combined with the stronger hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach, the result is a diluted acid. In theory, even with a milder acid the stomach can still perform its digestive function, but without acid reflux and heartburn acting up.
For better result when using the apple cider vinegar, mix two to three spoons of vinegar with eight ounces of water. Drink the concoction before meals or every time you feel acid reflux or heartburn.
One more on the list of household remedies for heartburn is to use baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate is the main component of baking soda and this element has a pH harmonizing effect which defuses the sudden rush of excess acid from the stomach. If you are going to use this, make sure that you are not hypertensive or suffering from high blood pressure. The high sodium content of baking soda may have an adverse effect and may cause unnecessary complications. Do not use this remedy when you have eaten too much or have drunk much alcohol. For the baking soda cure to be effective, mix one tablespoon of the powder to a glass of water. Dissolve the baking soda completely before drinking.
There are other household remedies for heartburn, but using apple cider vinegar and baking soda are considered to be the best. Like when eating, do not overuse vinegar and baking soda because this may lead to other unwanted results. If you are under medication, consult with your physician if you can use these remedies.
But if you want permanent solution to your heartburn or acid reflux, these remedies will not be enough. The best solution to your heartburn predicament is a change in lifestyle. Persistent heartburn attack is triggered by the food we eat. No matter how many remedies you take, if you don’t watch what you eat you will always suffer from acid reflux. Take note of foods which set off heartburn for you. To find out, do not overstuff your stomach with too many types of food at one time. You will get heartburn by simply doing that, and yet will not be able to identify which of the food you have eaten kicked off the heartburn.
If you are overweight, put extra effort in shedding the unwanted pounds. Do not allow yourself to be in a situation where you’ll be brought to a hospital in an ambulance. Remember, heartburn symptoms may feel similar to a heart attack and you will never know the difference until it’s too late. Eating the right kind of food is as much a weight loss solution as it is a household remedy for heartburn.
By using household remedies for heartburn and taking care of yourself by changing your lifestyle you will eventually lead a heartburn-free life. You may find following these remedies cumbersome in the beginning, but as you put your life in the right direction and consistently take household remedies for heartburn, you will see a better you at no time at all.
