There are many health organizations that devote their time and effort – not to mention financial resources – in search of the best ways to get rid of heartburn. Heartburn in pregnant women, for instance, is a common occurrence but few people know how to manage it. Here are some of the best methods recommended by healthcare professionals to get rid of heartburn.
Do away with habits that favor heartburn:
Before tackling heartburn treatment, first be aware of the habits you need to change to prevent its occurrence. Smoking and drinking alcohol are harmful to the respiratory system. Not everyone knows that smoking can also affect the digestive system. The food we consume has to be properly digested, and because of this, you should eat only what is easily digestible, especially if you are prone to heartburn attacks. Don’t lie down immediately after a heavy meal. Sit upright for some time to let the food settle in the stomach. Never wear any tight-fitting clothes that can create pressure on your stomach.
Medication to get rid of heartburn:
There are many drugs available to get rid of heartburn. The most commonly used medicines are the H2 blockers and the proton inhibitor pumps. These have been proven effective in treating heartburn but have to be taken only under proper guidance. If the condition of heartburn gets more severe, it can only be treated with surgery.
Instant remedies:
Some natural products are found to provide instant relief against heartburn. One effective way to stop heartburn is by drinking plenty of water. Water can fight all digestive troubles and so make it a point to drink several glasses of water throughout the day. It is said that when you drink some hot water the acidicity is very easily reduced. Aloe vera, slippery elm, licorice, and apples are said to have beneficial effects against heartburn. Take these nutritious food products immediately after having a meal.
Chewing gum is also said to have a soothing effect against heartburn, but it isn’t exactly the components of the gum that provide the benefit; instead, the saliva secretion induced by the act of chewing gum is what counters the acidity in the stomach. The added saliva secretion is what soothes the affected lining of the esophagus. Drinking decaffeinated tea is also said to give relief to heartburn symptoms.
Get rid of heartburn when pregnant:
Heartburn is said to be a common problem during pregnancy. Although common, it is not something to be ignored as the pain can often be unbearable and may even cause premature contractions when they occur during the third trimester of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, however, you cannot just take medications which could harm the baby. Instead, rely on natural products to counteract heartburn’s symptoms. Pregnant women can eat papaya, but eat only ripe papayas because the unripe papaya is said to have a negative effect on pregnant women. Ginger also calms nausea which could be related to heartburn.
