Finding a Natural Cure for Heartburn

Simple heartburn is common and simple enough to treat, and most stores carry something to help. If you prefer a natural cure for heartburn over something wrapped in aluminum foil, there is hope for you.

How Heartburn Happens

When you eat, food travels down your esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) into the stomach where it is bathed in gastric acid. The muscles of the LES open the sphincter to admit the food and close to keep the acid where it belongs. If the muscles of the sphincter relax too much, you can experience acid reflux. When acid comes in contact with the esophagus, the result is a burning sensation. For minor pain, the problem may be corrected by increasing your saliva with chewing gum. A glass of water may be enough to quiet the burning.

Often, it's enough to assist the digestion or counteract the acid. Many a natural cure for heartburn exists to accomplish that. First, attempt to avoid heartburn. Eat slowly while sitting upright. Avoid a too full stomach and watch out for spicy or fatty foods. Avoid caffeine and alcohol and don't eat too close to bedtime. Lying down while your stomach is full eliminates the benefits of gravity as a digestive aid. Aspirin and some other medications can irritate the stomach. Remember that everyone's stomach is a little different. What works for someone may not work for someone else.

Ginger, Water and Herbal Tea

One natural cure for heartburn is ginger. You can add it to food, drink it in tea or take it as a capsule. Digestion can be aided by enzymes like those found in papaya. Chewable capsules taken with water after a meal have been successful for many sufferers. Fiber absorbs excess acid. If your problem is caused by excess acid, fiber can be added to you diet through foods, fiber pills or beverages.

The most natural cure for heartburn is plain water. Water dilutes the stomach acid, washes away small amounts of acid in the esophagus and helps the digestion. Baking soda is also a natural antacid. A few tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of water adds acid which can strengthen the muscle reaction of the LES. Many sufferers swear by green tea after a meal. Green tea aids digestion and soothes the stomach. Herbal teas with peppermint, chamomile, ginger, licorice root or catnip can strengthen the stomach. A cup of such herbal tea after dinner is the natural cure for heartburn that many swear by.

If the first natural cure for heartburn that you try disappoints you, don't give up. Some aids attack heartburn in one way while others help in another. With patience, you can find the natural cure for heartburn that works for you.