Many have experienced burning sensations in the esophagus and stomach. In such a situation, it is important to have a drug on hand that will help you quickly cope with an unpleasant symptom. Now there is a huge number of remedies for heartburn: improvised, folk and medicinal preparations. Which one to use is up to everyone, but you need to know the pros and cons of each method of getting rid of heartburn.
What is heartburn
This is a condition in which stomach acid is released into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation and discomfort. Most often this happens after eating. In a completely he althy person, such symptoms are rare. Usually those who have problems in the work of the gastrointestinal tract complain of heartburn.
Reasons
Any remedies for heartburn are not able to eliminate the root cause of the problem, they only remove the symptoms. In order to permanently get rid of the pathology, it is important to find out the provoking factors. And those are more oftentotal are:
- Stomach ulcers.
- Gastrointestinal reflux.
- Diaphragmatic hernia.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Gastritis.
- Malignant tumors in the stomach.
- Alcohol abuse and smoking.
- Increased acidity of gastric juice.
Improvised remedies for heartburn may also be needed by a perfectly he althy person if they abuse too fatty, fried foods. Bending over and exercising immediately after a meal can also trigger this unpleasant symptom.
Folk remedies for heartburn
It is not always necessary to run to the pharmacy for medicines to eliminate this unpleasant symptom. Quite effective folk remedies for heartburn at home. The following recipes can be used:
- Chew a small piece of calamus root and drink water if necessary.
- Take a teaspoon of crushed ginger or calamus root and mix with 4 dessert spoons of honey. Dissolve a dessert spoon of the mixture in 50-70 ml of warm water and take three times a day half an hour before meals.
- Baking soda. This home remedy for heartburn will quickly help get rid of it, but you should not abuse it. It is necessary to extinguish soda in the amount of half a teaspoon in a glass of warm boiled water and drink in small sips.
- White birch bark. The crushed remedy is taken in half a teaspoon for heartburn and washed downwater.
- Mineral water or milk will also help relieve an unpleasant burning sensation in the esophagus.
- A good way to get rid of heartburn, which tormented for a long time - is a tincture of gentian yellow. To prepare it is necessary: pour 20 grams of raw materials into 200 ml of water and leave to infuse for 2 hours. After straining, drink 3 times a day, a tablespoon 30 minutes before meals.
- Fry buckwheat well in a pan until dark brown and grind into flour. Take several times a day on the tip of a knife.
The advantages of this treatment include the absence of contraindications, so almost everyone can use these remedies.
Recipes of our ancestors
You can get rid of heartburn and other digestive problems by following the rules of nutrition that our ancestors adhered to. In the diet, fruit drinks, pickled foods were present in large quantities, the use of fried and smoked foods was limited.
Following the advice of the ancestors is easy, given that some products can cope with disorders in the digestive tract just as well as medications. Eating sauerkraut before meals will have a beneficial effect on the entire digestion process. Our ancestors also had their own recipes for dealing with heartburn:
- Before eating, drinking a glass of milk with honey will ensure the formation of a protective film in the stomach, which will prevent the negative effects of hydrochloric acid and heartburn.
- Pour three tablespoons of chamomile 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. Take 3-5 times throughout the day.
- Eaten a small amount of pumpkin seeds will eliminate the onset of heartburn.
- Protect the mucosa and eliminate burning in the esophagus Flax seeds.
These home remedies for heartburn are present in almost every home, so you can use them if you do not have medicines on hand.
What folk methods are not recommended?
Despite the effectiveness and relative safety, doctors still do not recommend using the following remedies:
- Rose hips.
- Sea buckthorn.
- Chicory.
- Apple cider vinegar.
- wormwood.
- Med.
Recommendation is explained by the fact that these drugs lead to an increase in the production of gastric juice and the production of hydrochloric acid, which becomes the culprit for the burning sensation.
No need to take infusions or decoctions of mint or lemon balm to eliminate heartburn. These herbs are great for nausea and spasms, which relaxes the sphincter, making it even easier for stomach contents to pass up the esophagus.
Medicines for heartburn
Burning in the esophagus and a bitter taste in the mouth cause a lot of inconvenience, so these symptoms require medical intervention to find out the causes. It is not worth taking drugs without a prescription from a specialist, since each has its own purpose and therapeutic properties.
All drugs are divided into several groups:
- Antacids. Their purpose is to neutralize hydrochloric acid.
- Antisecretory. slow downproduction of acid by the glands of the stomach.
- Gastrointestinal tract stimulants. Helps restore the disturbed functioning of the digestive system.
Antacid therapy
Drugs from this group can treat heartburn. Remedies relieve symptoms due to the following properties:
- Absorb harmful substances.
- Cover the surface of the intestines.
- Promote the synthesis of bicarbonate, which enhances the process of mucus secretion.
- Reduce acid production.
It is also necessary to take into account that the drugs of this group have contraindications. These include:
- Under 14 years of age for most medicines in this group.
- Pregnancy period.
When taking, remember that therapy with them is allowed for no more than 2 weeks, and these drugs may reduce the effectiveness of other drugs taken at the same time.
The composition of these medications contains magnesium and aluminum hydroxide, which in a matter of minutes cope with high acidity. To prevent the development of bowel disorders, it is better to take medicines in the form of aluminum and magnesium hydroxide.
The cost of drugs in this group is low, so most consumers can purchase them. Commonly used antacids include:
- Maalox.
- Almagel.
- Rennie.
- Gaviscon.
The lack of drugs from this groupis their short-term therapeutic effect. When using them, it is important to remember that they do not eliminate the cause of the pathology, so repeated attacks of heartburn cannot be avoided.
Antisecretory drugs
If the causes of heartburn are known, and treatment with folk remedies did not help, then you can try inhibitors of the production of hydrochloric acid. The benefits of these medicines include the following:
- Efficiency.
- Can be taken once a day, as they retain their effect for 8 hours.
- Produced as a suspension for children.
- Low cost.
But do not forget about the disadvantages of antisecretory drugs:
- The therapeutic effect does not occur immediately after taking, it should take about an hour.
- Do not apply to women in position and during breastfeeding.
- Often taking is accompanied by side effects, such as upset stool, headache, depression, acid breakthrough at night.
An important disadvantage is the addiction of the body with prolonged use, which subsequently makes it difficult to select medications. Therefore, taking drugs from this group should be carried out only after consulting a doctor.
The most effective drugs are:
- Omez.
- Noflux.
- Omitox.
- Gastrozol.
Gastrointestinal stimulants
How to get rid of heartburn with folk remedies, of course, but not always theygive the desired and fast results. The most effective treatment for heartburn is with antacids, proton pump blockers, and prokinetics.
Drugs "Domperidone", "Motilac", "Motilium" do not have a direct effect on the level of acidity, but their intake contributes:
- Increase the tone of the esophageal sphincter, which does not allow acid to pass from the stomach.
- Normalize the contractions of the walls of the stomach and accelerate the transport of food to the intestines.
- Reduce nausea.
These drugs also have an antiemetic effect.
Pregnancy Heartburn
Most expectant mothers in the second half of pregnancy complain of frequent heartburn. This happens for the following reasons:
- Progesterone is increased, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.
- The growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach, and part of the eaten is pushed into the esophagus.
Not all medicines are allowed during this important period for a woman, so you can use folk remedies for heartburn during pregnancy.
Among the medicines, it is allowed to use Rennie. The drug does not penetrate into the bloodstream, so it cannot harm the fetus. But keep in mind that it contains a lot of calcium, which can lead to early ossification of the baby's skull, and this is fraught with complications in the birth process.
Expectant mothers should remember:
- Antacids contain magnesium and aluminum hydroxide.
- Magnesium undesirableconsume in large quantities in the last months of pregnancy. The drug causes an increase in uterine tone and can lead to premature birth.
- Aluminum can replace calcium, which is necessary for the proper formation of the skeletal system of the fetus.
- "Vikalin" contains bismuth nitrate, so it is strictly forbidden to take in an interesting position.
- "Omeprazole" in the first half of pregnancy increases the risk of heart muscle defects.
It can be concluded that a pregnant woman should use drugs for heartburn only after consulting her gynecologist. "Maalox", "Renny" and "Phosphalugel" can be used, but only occasionally if absolutely necessary.
Folk remedies for heartburn during pregnancy are also best used carefully. Many can simply provoke allergies, and some formulations contain substances that can cause premature birth or early miscarriage.
There is nothing left for the future mother but to eat right and in small portions, as well as follow all the recommendations of the doctor.
Consequences of heartburn for the body
If nothing is done, then frequent and prolonged exposure to acid on the mucosa of the esophagus can lead to the following negative consequences:
- Inflammation of the esophagus.
- Formation of stomach ulcers.
- Structural changes in the tissues of the lower part of the esophagus, followed by degeneration into a malignant tumor.
These complications require mandatory treatment, as they can lead to deathexodus.
Nutrition for heartburn
The goal of a heartburn diet should be to:
- Exclude foods that provoke the production of hydrochloric acid from the diet.
- Select safe foods for a complete diet.
You can reduce the frequency of heartburn attacks or completely forget about it if you follow these recommendations:
- Eat often, but in small portions.
- To reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid, exclude dry food.
- Drink about 2.5 liters of water per day.
To prevent heartburn, it is necessary to exclude from the diet:
- Spices.
- Sauces, ketchup and mayonnaise.
- Marinades and pickles.
- Fatty fish and meat broths.
- Fried dishes.
- High fat dairy products.
- Alcoholic drinks.
- Strong tea and coffee.
- Sweet pastries.
- Bitter chocolate.
- Sour berries and fruits.
It is better to give preference to boiled and steamed dishes, low-fat meats and fish, cereals, baked vegetables. It is better to eat dried bread, and use low-fat milk.
Heartburn Prevention
To cope with unpleasant symptoms and prevent the development of complications, you can follow these recommendations:
- Find out the cause of heartburn and eliminate it.
- Remove triggers.
- Do not wear tight clothes that will compress the stomach.
- Do not exercise immediately after eating.
- Avoid constipation.
- Do not take Aspirin, carefully undergo therapy with Voltaren, Diclofenac, anti-arthritis drugs.
- Chew gum for a few minutes after eating to reduce acid secretion.
- If the doctor has prescribed medication, then do not stop the course of treatment after symptom relief.
If you follow simple recommendations, you will not need improvised heartburn remedies or medications.
Many pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are perfectly treated or corrected by revising the nutrition system. A little attention to your he alth and the right diet - and then heartburn will never bother you.
