Simple lifestyle adjustments can help you manage heartburn; explore tips like sleeping on your left side, trying aloe vera, chewing gum, incorporating ginger and more for natural relief.
Do you sometimes get that burning feeling in your chest after eating? It’s the worst, right? We’re gonna break down some simple habits that can really help you fight heartburn. We’ll explore them further and give you some practical tips.
- 6 Simple Habits to Help You Fight Heartburn
- Avoid Excess Weight
- Sleep on Your Left Side
- Try Aloe Vera
- Chew Gum
- Try Ginger and Peppermint
- Try Baking Soda
- Preventing Heartburn
6 Simple Habits to Help You Fight Heartburn
Here are some straightforward tips and simple lifestyle tweaks that can help you manage heartburn and reduce excess acid without having to reach for medication all the time.
1. Avoid Excess Weight
Losing excess weight is one of the most important things you can do to help reduce heartburn. Research shows that people who are overweight are more likely to experience heartburn and acid reflux.
Plus, following a healthy diet and incorporating some positive food choices can also significantly contribute to resolving the issue. So, it’s best to avoid foods known to worsen symptoms like fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, tomatoes and alcohol.
2. Sleep on Your Left Side
Have you noticed that sleeping in certain positions makes heartburn worse? It turns out that lying flat can really trigger heartburn for some people.
Doctors and specialists often recommend that folks with heartburn sleep on a slightly elevated surface to reduce stomach acid from flowing back up. They also suggest trying to sleep on your left side.
Some studies have shown that sleeping on your right side might make heartburn worse and cause acid reflux symptoms.
3. Try Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known as a natural remedy for external burns, but it can also help soothe internal irritation. It can help soothe inflammation in the digestive system and potentially reduce irritation and excess acidity.
You can find plenty of aloe vera juices in stores that might help relieve heartburn.
4. Chew Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum helps increase saliva production in your mouth, which can help reduce acidity, ease irritation and reduce heartburn.
It’s recommended to try chewing natural gum without artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
We’ve noticed, from our team’s personal experiences, that the effectiveness of these remedies can vary significantly between individuals. We’ve also found that stress, which isn’t mentioned here, seems to be a big heartburn trigger. Something else that can provide relief is managing your stress levels by exercising or meditating.
5. Try Ginger and Peppermint
In terms of dietary choices, ginger is one of the most popular for combating and treating acid reflux. It’s been used for ages to help ease nausea and vomiting. Plus, it helps stimulate digestive enzymes, reduces acidity and eases digestion.
Peppermint is another natural option that may work similarly to ginger to promote digestion.
You can try either of them fresh, add them to salads and different soups, or use them in herbal teas, or any other way you prefer.
6. Try Baking Soda
Doctors have recommended using sodium bicarbonate, which we usually just call baking soda, with water for a number of health issues for ages, and that includes heartburn. Baking soda can help neutralize stomach acids, assisting in the treatment and prevention of heartburn and getting rid of it.
Add a tiny bit of baking soda to a cup of water and drink it as a quick heartburn fix, but be careful not to overdo it. Regular use of this mixture isn’t recommended as it could have some unwanted side effects.
If heartburn and acid reflux become a recurring issue, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Preventing Heartburn
Now that we know about some simple habits that can help you combat heartburn, here are some tips that will help you prevent it in the first place:
- Avoid any foods or drinks that might trigger your symptoms.
- Wear looser clothes around the waist area.
- Avoid large meals and try eating smaller portions.
- Cut back on smoking.
- Avoid laying down.
- Get enough sleep.
- Reduce stress.
- Avoid lying down for at least three hours after eating.
Key takeaways
- Losing weight if you’re overweight can reduce heartburn.
- Certain foods and drinks trigger heartburn in some people, so watch out.
- Sleeping on your left side with your head elevated may reduce symptoms.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Will drinking milk relieve heartburn?
Although milk can provide temporary relief by coating the esophagus, it can also stimulate the production of more acid, potentially worsening symptoms in the long run.
Is it bad to lay down after eating if you have heartburn?
Yes, lying down after eating can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, increasing the risk of heartburn. It’s best to wait at least 2-3 hours before lying down.
Can stress cause heartburn?
Stress can increase stomach acid production and sensitivity to pain, potentially triggering or worsening heartburn symptoms.
I used to suffer so much after dinner, but changing a few things, like when I eat and what I wear, has made a huge difference. Now, I can actually enjoy my evenings!
I never thought chewing gum could help, but it really does! It’s such a simple thing, but it gives me some relief after meals.
Sleeping on my left side and raising the head of my bed has been a game-changer. I wake up feeling much better now.
So, there you have it – some simple habits that can help you fight heartburn. It’s all about figuring out what works best for you and making those small changes. It might take some time and experimentation, but hopefully, these tips will get you on the right path to a happier, less burn-y you! We hope this helps you take a little more control, and as someone who’s dealt with heartburn for ages, I can say it’s worth the effort.
