Monday, February 9, 2009

The Natural Remedy For Heartburn Pain

By Kristy Risanth

Many adults and pregnant women suffer from heartburn. Even though the name implies that heartburn is related to a heart problem, it isn't. Although some people do mistake heart troubles for heartburn. Some sufferers say it's like a chest pain that moves upwards with a bitter taste in their mouth (this is the acid regurgitation) and some describe it as a burning sensation behind the breastbone.

The pain caused by acid reflux, heartburn, is generally experienced during or after eating, when you bend down after eating, or when stooping. Although these can trigger heartburn, many pregnant women are also thought to suffer from it as the baby is applying pressure on the stomach.

Heartburn is not considered a disease of it's own. Instead, it is normally attributed to GERD - Gastro Esophageal Reflux, more commonly known as acid reflux. Heartburn is one of the main indications of GERD. Some people do not experience the burning pain and instead just get a sour taste in their mouth. It's also described as indigestion or sour stomach.

Unfortunately, changes in your diet can help alleviate your heartburn symptoms, similar to natural home remedies. But the main trouble is that they do not cure the cause of heartburn. Acid reflux or GERD, and other digestive disorders, allow heartburn, and certain types of food can aggravate the pain. So whilst it does help to reduce intake of alcohol, acidic foods, tomatoes, chocolate, fatty foods, overeating etc. it is not the way to cure your acid reflux or permanently stop heartburn.

Antacids are available over-the-counter or off-the-shelf without a need for prescription. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you of the dose needed and how often you should take it. While antacids can provide relief within minutes, they are considered a temporary solution for excess stomach acid i.e. for mild heartburn sufferers, and are not for continued consumption as they are not a holistic natural remedy for heartburn. What's more, when taken for longer periods, they may stimulate your stomach to produce extra amounts of acid.

A home remedy that is commonly known would be baking soda with water, or taking honey after meals. However, just like antacids, baking soda with water, and other home remedies are not recommended for frequent sufferers of heartburn. These remedies only provided temporary relief and are not be consumed regularly for the same reason that they target the symptoms and are not a natural remedy for heartburn AND acid reflux.

A holistic natural remedy for heartburn would help strengthen your body's immune system and other functions to be able to heal iteslf. Unlike antacids, baking soda and honey remedies, this would not only alleviate heartburn symptoms, it would also tackle the problem of acid reflux. Thus providing a more permanent solution for heartburn sufferers.

A holistic natural remedy for heartburn will invariably help your body's defenses in fighting other digestive disorders. The reason being that a holistic remedy helps your body heal itself by strengthening it. Thus encouraging our bodies to work the natural way we were made to stay healthy. This also helps you avoid any side effects that drugs may cause. However, be sure to be prepared for any "healing crisis". A healing crisis can happen when your body finds that it is able to start flushing out toxins that it was previously helpless to deal with. And thus, you may find yourself feeling ill or weak as your body rigorously works on a detox. - 15438

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