If you are an adult, then you might have experienced that type of indigestion that is often felt as a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid creeping up into the esophagus as in Heartburn. And for one reason or another, it is the most irritating and painful indigestion anyone would ever feel.
Why not try natural cures for Heartburn?
Many a times, you will be told heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid, but contrary to this assumption, studies show that a person suffering from heartburn, or acid reflux has too little stomach acid, not too much.
Apparently, the lack of necessary stomach acid slows the digestive process. Food sits in the stomach, creating gas that produces pressure. This pushes the stomach contents, including some of the stomach acid, into the esophagus. This can happen more easily for pregnant women, since there is less space in the abdomen and stomach contents can more easily be pushed up.
If you have ever experienced heartburn, you might understand the intense pain it can cause and the absolute need for relief. Yet most antacids and other medications offer short term relief at best so why not go for natural remedies.
Lemon Juice: Taking a natural acid like lemon juice can help supplement the stomach’s own production. This is the most effective if you can take more than 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice squeezed into a small amount of water as needed to help avoid heartburn or get rid of it once it comes.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Same theory as the lemon juice, vinegar increases the stomach’s acid content and is a fast natural remedy for heartburn. Just mix two teaspoons into a glass of water and drink the mixture every 5 minutes until heartburn has subsided.
Baking Soda: This is a short term solution to really severe heartburn pain in case other remedies are not working or you cannot access them. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into 1/4 cup of water and drink it every few minutes until heartburn subsides. This would not be a substitute for addressing the underlying low-acid issues, but an effective immediate relief.
Papaya: This fruit that is available in any market of Rwanda not only encourages digestion, it also eases indigestion (and constipation), and is known to relieve heartburn. The magic is in the enzymes papain and chyomopapain, which break down proteins and soothe the stomach by promoting a healthy acidic environment.
