You’re not the only one who has experienced a burning sensation at your chest or throat after eating a heavy meal. Heartburn is experienced by more than 60 million adults in the United States at least once per month. While heartburn is not usually a serious problem, persistent symptoms could indicate something more serious.
Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between heartburn, and other gastrointestinal problems. You’ll also find 10 natural remedies that can help relieve your symptoms.
What is heartburn?
Acid reflux can cause heartburn. Acid reflux occurs when digestive acids or food flows back up into the esophagus. This causes discomfort.
What does heartburn feel like?
Heartburn is most commonly a burning sensation that occurs in the chest and throat. However, it can cause other unpleasant symptoms.
Other heartburn symptoms include:
- The mouth is sour
- Trouble Swallowing
- You feel like you have food stuck in your throat
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Hoarse or sore throat
How long can heartburn last?
Heartburn episodes can last from a few seconds to several hours. However, this varies from one person to another. If you have heartburn frequently or if your symptoms persist for longer than a few days, this could be a sign that you are suffering from a more severe condition, such as gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD).
What can you do if your heartburn is not due to acid reflux?
Heartburn or GERD
GERD causes chronic heartburn. The condition is characterized by stomach acid and food refluxing into the esophagus.
Untreated GERD can cause esophageal injury, making it difficult to eat or swallow food.
GERD symptoms vary from person to person, but they are all common.
- Heartburn that persists, especially after eating or while lying down
- Regurgitation is the return of food or liquids into the mouth.
- You may feel as if food is stuck in the throat or chest
- Coughing that persists, especially in the night
- Chest pain or discomfort that can be misinterpreted as a heart attack
- Hoarseness and sore throat
- After eating, nausea or vomiting can occur. This is especially true if you ate a large meal or ate foods that were spicy or fatty.
You may need to seek more intensive treatment if you experience any of these symptoms. Ceciel T. Rooker is the Executive Director of International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. If you suspect you might have GERD schedule an appointment with a health professional.
Heartburn or heart attacks
Heartburn is sometimes mistaken for another condition, such as an attack of the heart. Knowing the difference is important so that you get the correct treatment.
Heartburn is most common after eating, and it usually only affects the chest or the throat. Heartburn can be treated with antacids and other home remedies. It usually doesn’t cause any other symptoms.
Heart attacks, however, can cause chest pain to spread into the arm, the neck or the jaw as well as other symptoms. Call 911 or get medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms:
- Uncomfortable pressure or squeezing in the middle of your chest, lasting several minutes, or coming and going.
- You may experience pain or discomfort in one or both arms
- Back, neck, jaw or stomach pain
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Sweating profusely
- Dizziness or nausea
- Fainting
Heartburn prevention and home remedies that work fast
Heartburn can be treated at home to prevent or relieve symptoms.
1. Smaller, more frequent meals
Spreading your meals out throughout the day can help prevent heartburn. Avoid late-night eating to allow your body to digest.
2. Avoiding spicy foods and fats
Capsaicin is a chemical found in spicy foods that slows digestion and keeps food longer in the stomach. You are more likely to experience heartburn. Spices can irritate your esophagus and cause symptoms to be even worse.
Fats can cause heartburn two different ways. First, they can cause the release of bile in the digestive system, which can irritate your esophagus. They can also stimulate the release cholecystokinin (a hormone) which relaxes lower esophageal muscles and allows stomach contents back up.
Choose lean meats, vegetables, and low-fat food instead of high-fat foods such as french fries and fried chicken.
3. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
Both coffee and alcohol, according to research, can increase the risk of heartburn by relaxing the lower-esophageal muscle. Limit your intake or stop drinking these drinks altogether.
4. After meals chewing gum
Gum chewing increases saliva, which helps to reduce acid in the stomach and mouth.
5. Raising your head while sleeping to alleviate nighttime symptoms
Multiple studies show that raising your head eight inches above the pillow can reduce acid exposure in the esophagus and increase acid clearance. To prop up your mattress, you can place some books underneath the top of it or use a wedge-shaped pillow.
6. Milk
The milk contains calcium and proteins that are essential nutrients. They can help relieve heartburn quickly. Whole milk’s fat content can stimulate stomach acid production, so it is not for everyone.
You can help your symptoms by drinking nonfat milk, or eating yogurt or cheese in small amounts. Try goat’s or cow’s dairy, as they are easier for most people to digest.
7. Baking soda for heartburn
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is alkaline by nature, and neutralizes stomach acids. It also provides relief for heartburn. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with a glass water, and drink slowly. This remedy should only be used occasionally to prevent side effects such as stomach cramps or diarrhea.
8. Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that can be used to treat nausea or vomiting. However, more research needs to be done on its effects.
Try ginger tea or ginger slices steeped in hot water. You can also try ginger supplements containing 200-2,000mg.
9. Aloe vera
Aloe vera can soothe the lining of your esophagus, which may help with digestion. In a 2015 study, it was shown to reduce GERD symptoms without causing any side effects.
To prevent heartburn, drink 2 fluid ounces pure aloe Vera juice 20 minutes prior to meals.
10. Slippery Elm
The herbal supplement slippery elm can soothe and coat inflamed tissue on the lining of your esophagus while also acting as a protective barrier against acidity.
You can take one tablespoon of powdered slippery-elm bark with water or tea, up to three times a day. You can also take 400-500 mg as a capsule up to three time per day.
Do you have heartburn that is persistent?
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help manage heartburn. If your symptoms worsen or persist, this could be an indicator of a serious condition.
Consulting your doctor can help you determine the best treatment for heartburn, and also distinguish it from other medical conditions that need further attention. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision about when to seek medical attention.
References:
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/heartburn-what-you-need-to-know
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/acid-reflux-heartburn-and-gerd-whats-the-difference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140167/
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-attack
https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/chronic-heartburn
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6702398/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8747955/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6702398/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16246942/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7816499/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28521699/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20388098/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28251844/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32657961/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27250962/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25956834/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4331235/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30184159/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30184159/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20939854/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33383958/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/#:~:text=Ginger%20is%20an%20ancient%20herb,and%20vomiting%20and%20is%20safe.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26742306/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2880354/
Heartburn or Something Else? Heartburn Home remedies and symptoms appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distinction between holistic medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine treats specific conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, etc.
What is holistic medicine opposite?
Holistic medicine examines the whole person and all its aspects. It is based on the concept that any illness must have multiple causes and requires a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They partner with patients to achieve optimal wellness.
They seek to identify underlying causes of disease and prevent it from recurring. Holistic doctors look at the whole body, not just the organs. They refer to the whole of being as “the entire body.”
They treat the whole body, not just the skin. The doctor may recommend changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different from Alternative Medicine in that it treats the whole person and not the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine does not address these issues. It focuses solely on the body, mind, emotions, etc.
What is Alternative Medicine, and how can it help you?
It is an approach to healing that focuses on prevention rather than cure. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic Medicine
The field is experiencing unprecedented growth in holistic medicine. You can choose to pursue this career in many ways. However, returning to school is probably the best way to do it if you want to commit to this profession.
Several schools offer courses in holistic medicine. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. A number of programs are offered specifically for medical professionals interested in entering the field.
Online universities offer holistic health classes. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is one such program. Students can access a variety of holistic health education tools, and resources from this institution.
You can also enroll in a four-year college. Many colleges now offer holistic courses. A Bachelor’s Degree is offered by the University of California in Holistic Health Sciences.
A nutrition course is recommended if you intend to pursue a career involving holistic medicine. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
A holistic practitioner must be familiar with basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing which foods are healthy, and which are not. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.
It is important to know that holistic practitioners may not be experts in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Others combine both of these approaches into one treatment.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They also recommend that you eat plenty of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. Instead, they encourage people to eat organic produce whenever possible.
One thing holistic practitioners agree on is that a healthy diet will prevent disease. There are some things that they disagree on. For instance, they don’t believe that gluten causes celiac disease. Instead, they believe that a lack in nutrients is responsible for the disorder’s onset.
However, they agree that allergic reactions can be triggered by certain foods. Anaphylaxis can be caused by peanuts and shellfish, for example. They warn against too much caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners are able to use herbs to treat many illnesses. They avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. Because of this, they prefer to use natural remedies whenever possible.
Holistic practitioners often use a variety complementary therapies in addition to offering alternative treatments. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, this involves strategically inserting needles under the skin. This is believed to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms.
- Herbal therapy – This is a form of acupuncture that holistic practitioners also use to treat different disorders. Ginseng is one common herb that can be used to treat this condition.
- Homeopathy – Another form of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures. Consider a situation in which you experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with a certain ailment. You should seek the same ingredients in the original remedy.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage to promote relaxation and stress reduction. They claim that massage therapy can improve blood circulation and energy levels as well as ease muscle tension.
Make sure you are satisfied with the services provided by your chosen practitioner. You should look for a nutritionist if you need someone who specializes in nutritional counseling. If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture and the American Association of Oriental Medicine, (AAOM), certification is available.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about holistic care. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: Heartburn or Something Else? Symptoms and Heartburn Home Remedies
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/gut-health/digestive-issues/heartburn-or-something-else-symptoms-and-heartburn-home-remedies/
Published Date: Mon, 01 May 2023 14:50:01 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distinction between holistic medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine treats specific conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, etc.
What is holistic medicine opposite?
Holistic medicine examines the whole person and all its aspects. It is based on the concept that any illness must have multiple causes and requires a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They partner with patients to achieve optimal wellness.
They seek to identify underlying causes of disease and prevent it from recurring. Holistic doctors look at the whole body, not just the organs. They refer to the whole of being as “the entire body.”
They treat the whole body, not just the skin. The doctor may recommend changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different from Alternative Medicine in that it treats the whole person and not the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine does not address these issues. It focuses solely on the body, mind, emotions, etc.
What is Alternative Medicine, and how can it help you?
It is an approach to healing that focuses on prevention rather than cure. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic Medicine
The field is experiencing unprecedented growth in holistic medicine. You can choose to pursue this career in many ways. However, returning to school is probably the best way to do it if you want to commit to this profession.
Several schools offer courses in holistic medicine. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. A number of programs are offered specifically for medical professionals interested in entering the field.
Online universities offer holistic health classes. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is one such program. Students can access a variety of holistic health education tools, and resources from this institution.
You can also enroll in a four-year college. Many colleges now offer holistic courses. A Bachelor’s Degree is offered by the University of California in Holistic Health Sciences.
A nutrition course is recommended if you intend to pursue a career involving holistic medicine. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
A holistic practitioner must be familiar with basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing which foods are healthy, and which are not. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.
It is important to know that holistic practitioners may not be experts in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Others combine both of these approaches into one treatment.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They also recommend that you eat plenty of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. Instead, they encourage people to eat organic produce whenever possible.
One thing holistic practitioners agree on is that a healthy diet will prevent disease. There are some things that they disagree on. For instance, they don’t believe that gluten causes celiac disease. Instead, they believe that a lack in nutrients is responsible for the disorder’s onset.
However, they agree that allergic reactions can be triggered by certain foods. Anaphylaxis can be caused by peanuts and shellfish, for example. They warn against too much caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners are able to use herbs to treat many illnesses. They avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. Because of this, they prefer to use natural remedies whenever possible.
Holistic practitioners often use a variety complementary therapies in addition to offering alternative treatments. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, this involves strategically inserting needles under the skin. This is believed to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms.
- Herbal therapy – This is a form of acupuncture that holistic practitioners also use to treat different disorders. Ginseng is one common herb that can be used to treat this condition.
- Homeopathy – Another form of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures. Consider a situation in which you experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with a certain ailment. You should seek the same ingredients in the original remedy.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage to promote relaxation and stress reduction. They claim that massage therapy can improve blood circulation and energy levels as well as ease muscle tension.
Make sure you are satisfied with the services provided by your chosen practitioner. You should look for a nutritionist if you need someone who specializes in nutritional counseling. If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture and the American Association of Oriental Medicine, (AAOM), certification is available.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about holistic care. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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