Suffering from a sudden bout of heartburn? See if these simple home remedies bring the relief you want. If the problem persists, see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
Heartburn driving you nuts? Here are a few tried-and-true home remedies that can provide quick relief.
Chewing Gum
Gum? Really? Yeah, we know it sounds a little odd, but studies show that chewing a piece of sugar-free gum after a meal for 30 minutes can reduce heartburn symptoms.
“Chewing gum stimulates the salivary flow rate,” Rebecca Moazzez, clinical lecturer in King’s College London’s department of restorative dentistry, tells Health.com. “Any acid that accumulates in the gut is washed away and cleared more quickly. The clearance of acid improves GERD [gastroesophageal reflux disease] symptoms.”
Baking Soda
It’s not just for your favorite cookie recipe. Baking soda can also curb your heartburn. Add a half-teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and let the sodium bicarbonate neutralize the acids that are churning up your symptoms.
Powdered Aloe in Water
Doctors say that a powdered form of aloe could quiet your heartburn when it’s mixed with water.
Aloe vera reduces inflammation so “it quiets down any inflammation that is in the esophagus as well as the stomach,” says Dr. Victor Sierpina, professor of integrative and family medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston.
A Glass of Cold Water
When heartburn comes on strong, head to the tap. Pour yourself a glass of cold water and drink it down. It should calm the heartburn. If you really want to crush your heartburn, take a 10-minute walk after you drink the water to help stabilize your body fluids.
Consult with a Doctor
Of course, home remedies aren’t a long-term solution. If you have persistent heartburn that is more than just a little nuisance, you should talk with your doctor. You could be dealing with acid reflux, or a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. There are medications, like Nexium, that can treat the condition, but you’ll need a prescription from your doctor first.
Longtime online facilitator eDrugstore.com carries prescription-strength Nexium that it can ship to customers who would prefer to order the medication online. If you already have a prescription from your doctor, you can fax it or scan and email it along with your order. Alternatively, eDrugstore can set up a complimentary online consultation with a licensed U.S. physician who can authorize a prescription if appropriate. To learn more, visit eDrugstore’s Acid Reflux page.
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