Heartburn: What to do? Home remedies to effectively relieve heartburn

Heartburn, a common and uncomfortable disorder, affects a large number of people around the world. Often felt as a burning sensation behind the breastbone , they can vary in intensity and frequency.

👉 While heartburn is generally associated with an overproduction of stomach acid, it is less known that, sometimes, it can also be the result of a lack of acidity in the stomach!

In this article, we will tell you about the different facets of heartburn, addressing their causes, their symptoms, and presenting effective remedies and solutions to relieve them.

We will also discuss how certain dietary supplements , designed specifically to act on the acid balance of the stomach, can play a key role in the management and prevention of heartburn.

Understanding heartburn and heartburn

Heartburn, often confused with heartburn, is actually a manifestation of stomach acid moving up into the esophagus, a condition medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 🌋

This burning sensation behind the breastbone is usually the result of a dysfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that acts as a door between your esophagus and your stomach.

When this valve doesn't close properly or opens too often, stomach acid can come back up, irritating the lining of your esophagus.

Sourness, on the other hand, manifests itself as a burning sensation in the chest or throat, often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

These sensations (heartburn and heartburn) can occur or intensify after eating or when bending over or lying down.

Understanding the distinction between these terms and the mechanics behind these unpleasant sensations is essential to identifying the most effective treatment and prevention methods.

What are the symptoms of heartburn?

The symptoms experienced with heartburn can vary from person to person, but there are common signs to look out for.

The most obvious symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the chest, often after eating, which may be worse when bending over or lying down.

Other symptoms may include:

• A sour or bitter taste in the mouth , especially after eating (we will then more readily speak of sourness).
• Difficulty swallowing , as if food gets stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
• A feeling of regurgitation, where stomach contents come back up into the throat or mouth.
• A dry cough, persistent sore throat or hoarse voice, especially in the morning.
• A feeling of bloating or fullness, even after a small meal.

What causes heartburn?

The causes of heartburn 🔥 are diverse and numerous. The main ones include:

• Diet : Consuming spicy, fatty, acidic or fried foods increases the risk of heartburn. Chocolate, caffeine, soda, alcohol, and even certain fruits like citrus can also trigger or worsen symptoms.
• Lifestyle habits : smoking, consuming alcohol, eating too quickly or just before bed can promote digestive problems such as heartburn.
• Physical factors : Increased pressure on the stomach, due to obesity, pregnancy or wearing tight clothing, can cause stomach acid to rise (acid reflux).
• Medications : Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can irritate the esophagus and stomach. Paradoxically, antacids taken excessively can also contribute to the development or worsening of heartburn.
• Gastrointestinal disorders : Conditions like hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach moves up into the chest, or gastric motility disorders can contribute to GERD and heartburn.

Heartburn can sometimes be a sign of a deeper imbalance, such as a lack of stomach acid or a failure of the esophageal cardia to close, highlighting the importance of not just treating the signs, but to seek to understand and treat the underlying cause [1].

Indeed, contrary to popular belief, heartburn is not always due to excess acid.

Sometimes they result from a lack of acidity that prevents the lower esophageal sphincter from closing properly, allowing irritating stomach contents to back up into the fragile and sensitive lining of the esophagus.

This highlights the importance of a personalized approach in the treatment of heartburn, taking into account the specificities of each individual. 👀

Whether through changes in diet, adjustment of lifestyle habits or the use of appropriate dietary supplements, understanding the root of the problem will allow you to adopt a more targeted and effective treatment strategy. ✅

How to relieve heartburn quickly?

Heartburn can be both uncomfortable and upsetting. Fortunately, there are several methods to quickly relieve that burning sensation in your stomach [2]:

• Take an over-the-counter antacid: To quickly neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief. It is generally effective for occasional burns, but it should not be used chronically without consulting a doctor.
• Other medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor antagonists, may also be effective in relieving stomach pain due to excess acidity over the long term.

• Reduce the consumption of trigger foods , such as spicy, acidic or very fatty dishes: opt for softer, easier-to-digest foods to quickly lower the pH of your stomach (fruits such as melon, apple, nuts, potatoes, etc.).
• Avoid lying down right after eating : lying down can make acid reflux easier. So wait at least two to three hours, in an upright position (standing, sitting or semi-sitting position), after a meal before going to bed or bending over.

Treatment of heartburn with natural products and grandmother's remedies

For those looking to treat burning and heartburn with a more natural approach, various products are available. We have selected 7 of the most effective ones for you:

• Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, the juice of this plant can fight heartburn by soothing the gastric and esophageal lining [3].

• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice can support and soothe the stomach lining and relieve burning without the side effects associated with the glycyrrhizin found in regular licorice [4].
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Although it may seem counterintuitive, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water before meals may help some people by improving digestion and normalizing blood levels. stomach acid.
• Apple Pectin: Apple pectin is a soluble fiber that can help absorb excess acid in the stomach, thus providing relief from heartburn [5], [6].
• Baking Soda: Half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water can act as a natural antacid and provide quick relief. Use this solution with caution, occasionally, as it is high in sodium.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger helps soothe the stomach [7], [8], [9]. Consume it as tea or incorporate it fresh into your meals.
• Chamomile: Chamomile tea can help reduce inflammation in the stomach and relax the muscles of the digestive tract, thus providing relief from heartburn [10].

What to do to prevent heartburn and heartburn in the long term?

👇 Here are 10 practical tips to avoid the discomfort associated with heartburn:👇

1. Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, sour, fatty or fried foods.
2. Reduce the consumption of coffee, soft drinks, alcohol and chocolate, which are known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
3. Include alkaline foods like bananas, melon or cucumbers which can help neutralize stomach acid.
4. Eat small meals frequently rather than large meals to avoid overloading your stomach.
5. Chew slowly and thoroughly to aid digestion.
6. Avoid eating right before bed or lying down. Wait at least two to three hours after a meal before lying down.
7. Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase pressure on the stomach and promote reflux.
8. Raise the head of your bed a few inches to prevent acid from backing up into your esophagus while you sleep.
9. Adopt stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing, as stress can exacerbate heartburn.
10. Stop smoking! Smoking can damage the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of acid reflux.

By incorporating these adjustments into your daily routine, you can not only reduce heartburn episodes , but also improve your overall well-being .

If you continue to experience heartburn despite these changes, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment.

Relieve and prevent heartburn with our Betaine HCl food supplement.

In the quest for natural and effective relief from heartburn, our Betaine HCl dietary supplement stands out for its ability to support the digestive system in a holistic (comprehensive) manner.

Formulated from quality ingredients , our Betaine HCl offers a complete solution for those looking to improve their digestive health and prevent the discomforts associated with heartburn.

Indeed, by improving the acid balance of your stomach, Betaine HCl stimulates the tight closure of the lower sphincter of your esophagus (also called cardia), thus preventing the acidic contents of the stomach from coming back up and preventing burns [11] ,[12].

👉 Betaine HCl also contributes to optimal digestion by activating the enzymes necessary for the effective breakdown of fats and proteins. This can be particularly beneficial after heavy or high-protein meals.

By improving digestion, our supplement helps prevent heartburn , but also other common symptoms such as gas (flatulence), bloating, and reflux, thus providing daily digestive comfort.

Our formula also supports liver function by helping with fat management and facilitating the elimination of toxins, thereby contributing to the overall health of your liver.

Furthermore, by regulating homocysteine ​​levels, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, Betaine HCl plays a role in preserving heart health.

This will protect your heart while relieving your heartburn and improving the overall health of your digestive system!

Conclusion

Heartburn and heartburn no longer have to compromise your quality of life!

By adopting healthy eating and lifestyle habits and considering natural solutions like our Betaine HCl food supplement, you can not only relieve these discomforts, but also support your digestive health in general.

FAQs

References

1. P. Moayyedi, “Are you suffering from heartburn? Avoid consuming medications that inhibit acid secretion,” Accessed: February 6, 2024.
2. P. OF WEIGHT, “Acidity, gastric reflux, heartburn… Take action! », Accessed: February 1, 2024.
3. P. Sharma, AC Kharkwal, H. Kharkwal, MZ Abdin, and A. Varma, “A review on pharmacological properties of Aloe vera,” Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res, vol. 29, no. 2, p. 31-37, 2014.
4. DJ Neustadt, “Stop the Burn—7 Proven Ways to Stop Acid Reflux,” NBI. Accessed: January 31, 2024.
5. O. Zaitseva, A. Khudyakov, M. Sergushkina, O. Solomina, and T. Polezhaeva, “Pectins as a universal medicine,” Fitoterapia, vol. 146, p. 104676, 2020.
6. Havelund, C. Aalykke, and L. Rasmussen, “Efficacy of a pectin-based anti-reflux agent on acid reflux and recurrence of symptoms and esophagitis in gastro-esophageal reflux disease,” Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., vol. 9, no. 5, p. 509-514, 1997.
7. O. No, “Ginger: 11 benefits, how to use it (and when to avoid it)”, Accessed: February 2, 2024.
8. A.-G. From Weight, “Ginger: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosages and Warnings”, Accessed: February 3, 2024.
9. V. Demars, “Ginger: Zingiber officinale Roscoe”, Hegel, no 3, p. 236‑239, 2022.
10. HAS. One and AP Disorders, “German Chamomile: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosages and Warnings”, Accessed: February 1, 2024.
11. AN Wellness, “Banish the Burn - Advanced Natural Wellness”. Accessed: February 2, 2024.
12. HAS. Un and AP Disorders, “Betaine Hydrochloride: Uses, side effects, interactions, doses and warnings”, Accessed: February 2, 2024.