Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling that often starts in the upper abdomen just behind the sternum (breastbone) and may rise to your throat. It is due to acid reflux, in which stomach acid leaks into the esophagus. People suffering from heartburn may have a bitter taste in mouth, and feel sick and bloated. Some people have sleep problem, and a dry cough (especially at night). Heartburn often occurs after a heavy meal, and is more likely after lying down or bend over. Common causes of heartburn include incomplete closing of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, eating fried and spicy food, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, pregnancy, wearing tight clothes, excessive smoking and drinking alcohol, and stress. 

Home Remedies

• Eat few almonds when having heartburn.

• Drink a glass of chilled milk which is a quick remedy for heartburn.

• Add 10 drops lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon organic sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon
     baking soda (at last) into 1 cup of water and drink immediately to
     neutralize heartburn.

• Eat a bowl of rice pudding made with milk which helps to absorb stomach
     acid.

• Taking ginger root with honey after meal is also effective.

• Take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with a pinch of baking soda for
     immediate relief.

Do’s

• Eat small, regular meals rather than occasional big meals.

• After eating, stay upright; take a walk.

• If you are overweight, try to lose weight.
• Sleep with your head raised, which help to prevent acid reflux.

Don’ts

• Avoid hot spicy food, pickles, fermented food, chocolate, and coffee.

• Avoid alcoholic or very hot drinks.

• Minimize or cut out citrus fruit and sour fruit.

• Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes or belts.

• Don’t smoke; it may aggravate heartburn.

• Don’t sit hunched up at your desk; this will encourage heartburn. Try not
     bend or stoop over.
• Never go to bed or lie down immediately after a meal.

See Doctor                                    

• Symptoms become worse, or do not improve after a week or two.

• Getting recurrent bouts of heartburn.

     See doctor immediately if:

• Having prolonged chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath.

• Blood in vomiting or passing black stools.
• Have difficulty in swallowing.