The internet is rife with heartburn remedies, but there are three basic ways in which to treat heartburn: Reduce the production of acid, neutralize the acid in the stomach, or prevent the acid from moving back up the esophagus (swallowing tube).
Reduced Production of Acid Heartburn remedies that reduce the production of acid include pharmaceuticals and natural herbs.
The remedy you use will depend upon the severity of your heartburn and your ability to avoid the foods that trigger it.
Drugs In the category of drugs are H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors.
H2 receptor blockers are older drugs and include things like Tagment(cimetidine), Zantac (ranitidine), and Pepcid (famotidine).
These medications work by preventing the stomach from making acid The next class of drugs is the newer proton pump inhibitors.
This includes such medications as Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), and Protonix (pantoropozle).
These drugs work by blocking the pumps the put acid into the stomach.
These drugs take several days to start working, but are very effective and usually only have to be taken once per day.
Natural Remedies A number of natural supplements can reduce stomach acid production and serve as very useful heartburn remedies.
Melatonin is able to reduce the symptoms of heartburn more effectively than Prilosec, making it a very effective natural remedy.
Other remedies that work to reduce acid production include: - Folic acid - Vitamins B6 and B12 - L-tryptophan - Licorice - Milk thistle - Chamomile - Pineapple Acid Neutralization Preventing the stomach from producing acid is among the most effective of heartburn remedies, but takes a few days to work.
For people with only occasional heartburn or those looking for immediate relief, the best solution is to neutralize the acid.
As before, there are both pharmaceutical and natural ways to go about this.
Drugs The medications that neutralize acid include things like Tums and Malox.
These medications usually contain bicarbonate, which is basic.
When a base (pH greater than 7) and an acid (pH less than 7) mix you get water (pH 7).
The net result is a more neutral pH in the stomach and symptom relief.
Natural Remedies Anything that contains a base that is safe for consumption will neutralize acid in the stomach.
Human saliva actually contains bicarbonate, so stimulating its production (chewing gum) can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn.
Other natural approaches to neutralizing stomach acid include: - Baking soda - Fennel Seed Oil - Celery - increases saliva production Preventing Acid from Reaching the Esophagus At the top of the stomach is a muscle that acts like a valve to prevent acid from getting into the esophagus.
It turns out that certain foods can cause this value to malfunction.
Here is a list of foods that should be avoided in anyone looking for alternative heartburn remedies.
- Tomatoes - Chocolate - Caffeine - Soda - Citrus Fruits - Onions - High fat foods - Peppermint - Alcohol Posture One thing that can help to prevent acid from reaching the esophagus is gravity.
Thus, you should try to stay upright for an hour after eating, avoid eating before bedtime, and raise your head at least six inches while you sleep.
Surgery If the above solutions don't work, then surgery may prove to be the most effective among the heartburn remedies.
This surgery works by tightening the valve to the esophagus.
This is usually very effective, but carries with it the risks of infection and blood loss that can occur with any surgery.