What helps against heartburn? Home remedies and tips
Heartburn is a common problem that affects many people. It manifests itself as a burning sensation between the stomach and throat. But how does this unpleasant phenomenon actually occur?
In this article, you will find out why heartburn occurs and which home remedies are actually effective. We give you practical tips on how to prevent and relieve heartburn symptoms. You can also find out when heartburn can be a warning sign of more serious illnesses and when it is advisable to see a doctor.
With our information you can effectively combat heartburn and improve your quality of life.
Understanding heartburn: Symptoms and causes
The phenomenon of heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This reflux of stomach acid causes a burning sensation that can extend into the throat.
Typical symptoms of heartburn
Heartburn is characterized by a strong burning sensation behind the breastbone. Frequent accompanying symptoms are belching, stomach pressure and a feeling of fullness. These symptoms can occur after eating, when lying down or during physical exertion.
How does heartburn develop?
Heartburn occurs when the sphincter muscle between the stomach and oesophagus does not function properly and stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. The sensitive oesophagus reacts to the acidic stomach acid with a burning pain.
- Heartburn is caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- The main symptom is a strong burning sensation behind the breastbone.
- Belching, stomach pressure and a feeling of fullness are common side effects.
When is heartburn a concern?
While occasional heartburn is usually not a cause for concern, frequent or intense symptoms can indicate more serious problems. Heartburn that occurs regularly or is accompanied by other symptoms can be a warning sign of a serious illness.
Frequency and intensity as warning signals
Frequent or intense heartburn may indicate damage to the esophagus. If heartburn occurs more than twice a week, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Possible complications of chronic heartburn
Chronic heartburn can lead to complications such as inflammation of the oesophagus or Barrett’s syndrome. The latter is a precursor to cancer and requires immediate medical clarification.
| Symptoms | Possible complications | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent heartburn | Esophagitis | Medical examination |
| Intense heartburn | Barrett’s syndrome | Immediate medical clarification |
| Heartburn with difficulty swallowing | Ulcers or scarring | Immediate visit to the doctor |
Risk factors for heartburn
An unhealthy lifestyle can promote heartburn. Various factors contribute to stomach acid rising into the oesophagus.
Dietary triggers
Diet plays a decisive role in the development of heartburn. Fatty, spicy and highly seasoned foods as well as hasty eating can stimulate the production of stomach acid.
Physical factors
Physical factors such as obesity, pregnancy and age can increase the pressure on the stomach or weaken the sphincter muscle, which promotes heartburn.
Stress and mental strain
Stress leads to muscle tension and can increase stomach acid production. This in turn can trigger or worsen heartburn.
What helps against heartburn? Proven home remedies
Certain foods and drinks can effectively relieve heartburn. These home remedies are particularly useful if you frequently suffer from heartburn.
Starchy foods
Starchy foods such as rusks, wholemeal bread without sourdough and bananas can bind excess stomach acid and thus relieve heartburn.
Potato juice as a natural remedy
A glass of potato juice before or after meals can neutralize the acid and form a protective layer over the mucous membrane.
Nuts and almonds
Almonds and certain nuts can help to neutralize stomach acid due to their high protein content. Just 5-6 well-chewed almonds can provide relief.
| Home remedy | Effect |
|---|---|
| Starchy foods | Bind excess stomach acid |
| Potato juice | Neutralizes acid and forms a protective layer |
| Almonds and nuts | Neutralize stomach acid due to high protein content |
Healing earth and baking soda for heartburn
Healing earth and baking soda offer natural help for heartburn. Healing earth binds the excess stomach acid and thus alleviates the symptoms.
To use, dissolve a teaspoon of healing clay in a glass of water and drink before the main meals.
Correct use of healing clay
Healing clay can also be taken undiluted, mixing with saliva in the mouth. Drink the mixture before breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Caution when using baking soda
Baking soda can neutralize stomach acid, but should be used with caution. Dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink slowly. Frequent use may cause flatulence and stomach pain.
Teas and drinks against heartburn
If you suffer from heartburn, certain teas and drinks can help to alleviate the symptoms. Choosing the right liquids can make a big difference.
Recommended teas
Some herbal teas have proven to be particularly helpful for heartburn. Fennel tea and chamomile tea are recommended due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Fennel tea can soothe the mucous membranes and aid digestion, while chamomile tea has an antispasmodic effect and soothes the irritated oesophagus.
Drinks that can increase heartburn
However, there are also drinks that can make heartburn worse. These include carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and acidic fruit juices. Peppermint tea can also exacerbate heartburn in some cases, as it relaxes the sphincter muscle between the stomach and oesophagus.
| Beverage | Effect on heartburn |
|---|---|
| Fennel tea | Soothes the mucous membranes, promotes digestion |
| Camomile tea | Antispasmodic, soothes the esophagus |
| Peppermint tea | Can increase heartburn |
| Carbonated drinks | Aggravate heartburn |
Linseed and other herbal helpers
Herbal remedies such as linseed offer a natural solution to heartburn. Linseeds are rich in mucilage, which swells in the stomach and protects the sensitive mucous membrane.
Preparation and use of linseed
To prepare it, boil one teaspoon of linseed with about 250 milliliters of water and then cool. Drink the resulting porridge slowly. It is important to drink at least two liters of water throughout the day, as linseed binds liquid in the digestive tract.
Other herbal remedies for heartburn
In addition to linseed, there are other herbal remedies for heartburn. A “KüKaLeiWa” decoction or a chamomile rolling cure can help to protect the oesophagus and stomach lining. Licorice root (licorice) has an anti-inflammatory effect and can also be helpful.
Dietary changes for heartburn
The right diet plays a crucial role in relieving heartburn. Changing your eating habits according to the anti-reflux plan can significantly alleviate or even prevent heartburn.
It is advisable to eat four to five small meals throughout the day instead of two or three large meals. A high intake of protein from foods such as dairy products, white meat, nuts and pulses is also important.
Beneficial foods
Protein-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, low-fat dairy products, nuts and pulses are beneficial for heartburn. High-fiber foods such as wholegrain products, steamed vegetables and non-acidic fruit can help to regulate digestion.
Foods that increase heartburn
You should avoid foods that can increase heartburn. These include fatty, fried and spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic and chocolate. Drinks containing caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks can stimulate stomach acid production and should be reduced.
| Food group | Beneficial foods | Foods that increase heartburn |
|---|---|---|
| Protein sources | Lean meat, fish, nuts | Fatty meat, fried foods |
| Dairy products | Low-fat dairy products | Full-fat dairy products |
| Fruit and vegetables | Non-acidic fruit, steamed vegetables | Citrus fruits, tomatoes |
| Drinks | Water, unsweetened teas | Drinks containing caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks |
A change in diet for heartburn should be made slowly and individually adapted, as not everyone reacts to the same foods.
Heartburn during pregnancy
Heartburn is common during pregnancy and can affect quality of life. It is important to understand the causes and take appropriate measures to alleviate the symptoms.
Causes of heartburn during pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones can loosen the tissue and reduce muscle tension, which weakens the stomach sphincter. In addition, the growing child, especially in the last trimester, presses on the stomach and encourages stomach acid to rise.
Safe home remedies for pregnant women
Potato juice has proven to be an effective home remedy for heartburn during pregnancy. It can neutralize stomach acid and form a protective layer over the mucous membranes. Starchy foods such as bananas and oatmeal can also help to alleviate the discomfort.
Lifestyle changes for prevention
Heartburn can be effectively prevented by making certain lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent heartburn in the long term.
Adapt your eating habits
Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of a few large ones can help prevent heartburn. Eating slowly and chewing well aids digestion.
Exercise and relaxation
Regular exercise such as walking after meals aids digestion and can prevent heartburn. Relaxation techniques such as yoga help to reduce stress.
Optimize sleeping position
The optimal sleeping position for heartburn is with the upper body slightly elevated. The head end of the bed should be raised by around 15-20 cm.
Drug treatment for heartburn
If home remedies and lifestyle changes are not enough, drug treatment for heartburn may be necessary. In such cases, various drug options are available to alleviate the symptoms.
Over-the-counter remedies from the pharmacy
Over-the-counter medication from the pharmacy can be helpful in the treatment of heartburn. Antacids neutralize excess stomach acid and thus relieve the burning sensation. They are available as chewable tablets, suspensions or gels.
H2 receptor antagonists such as ranitidine inhibit the production of stomach acid and are effective for around 12 hours.
Prescription drugs
Chronic heartburn or inflammatory changes in the esophagus may require prescription medication. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as pantoprazole or omeprazole block acid production in the stomach and are the most effective medication for heartburn.
Drug treatment should always be discussed with a doctor, as side effects can occur, especially with long-term use.
When to go to the doctor?
It is crucial to recognize the warning signs that require a visit to the doctor.
If heartburn occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should not hesitate to consult a doctor.
Alarm signals that require medical attention
Alarm signals that make a visit to the doctor necessary are persistent symptoms despite self-treatment, difficulty swallowing and weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Persistent complaints despite self-treatment
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
Diagnostic procedures for chronic heartburn
In the case of chronic heartburn, various diagnostic procedures are used to determine the exact cause.
A gastroscopy (gastroscopy) enables the examination of the esophagus and stomach.
Myths about heartburn dispelled
There is a lot of misinformation about heartburn, which we would like to clear up here. Despite the prevalence of the problem, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding it.
Ineffective home remedies
Some home remedies that are often recommended for heartburn are actually ineffective or can even make the problem worse. For example, milk can have a short-term neutralizing effect, but due to its fat content, it can exacerbate heartburn in some people.
Peppermint tea is another example that can be counterproductive, as it relaxes the sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus and can therefore promote heartburn.
Misconceptions about causes and treatment
A common misconception is that heartburn is always caused by too much stomach acid. In fact, it is often not the amount of acid, but the reflux of acid into the oesophagus that is the real problem.
In addition, many people believe that carbonated drinks can neutralize stomach acid, but this is wrong. In fact, they can actually cause more acid to enter the esophagus through belching.
It is also important to know that not all heartburn requires medication. For many people, lifestyle changes and tried and tested home remedies are enough to alleviate the symptoms.
Long-term strategies for a life without heartburn
Long-term strategies against heartburn require a combination of diet and lifestyle changes. A balanced diet with several small meals throughout the day relieves the stomach and is easy on the esophagus. People with heartburn should pay attention to their ingredients and avoid personal triggers. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques support digestion and reduce stress. With these strategies, many people can significantly reduce or even completely get rid of their heartburn symptoms and thus find long-term help.
