Heartburn is a condition that most of us have experienced at one time or another. It is common in everyone after a large Thanksgiving meal, and for some unfortunate folks, it happens several times each week. Several simple cures can provide relief, and natural solutions that have been passed down through the generations are still effective. Common sense tells us to watch what we eat and drink to stop the onset of heartburn, but when that fails to work, try some of these solutions.
Add two heaping teaspoons of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water, and let it steep for several minutes. Fennel seeds are found in natural health food stores, and in the bulk area of your supermarket. You should find relief from your heartburn by the time you are done your cup of tea.
Another common cure is ginger root. This can be found in the produce section of your supermarket. You will need to peel it, and then shred it. You can steep it in tea, or add it in with your cooking to aid digestion and prevent any discomfort.
Peppermint has been a long time favorite natural digestive solution. You can grow it in your garden or in a patio pot if you wish. It is also found in the supermarket. Simply wash the leaves and stems, and chew on them when you feel the start of an episode of heartburn.
Rhubarb is another natural solution for heartburn; however, the sour taste of it prevents this from being a popular cure. If you are up for it, chew on a slice of the stalk to find relief. Stewed rhubarb can also be effective. Wash the stems, and discard the leaves. Cook them with a bit of water and sugar. Adding a pint of strawberries will make it much more pleasant.
As with all edible substances, be sure that you are not allergic to them before consuming them.
Not all heartburn cures work effectively for all people. Each of us has our own sensitivities and idiosyncrasies. The first step to take if you are frequently suffering from heartburn is to keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat and drink for several days, and see if you can find a common food trigger. The solution can be as easy as eliminating a specific food or spice from your diet. For some people, a combination of food and stress works as a heartburn trigger. If that is the case for you, then you won't have to give up anything, you will just have to enjoy your trigger foods on the weekend when you are away from stressful environments.
Being aware of your risk factors can help you avoid and episode of stomach distress, but it is not a perfect solution. Avoiding fatty foods, alcohol, strong spices and coffee is important, especially if you are a frequent sufferer, but it is not always possible to give up everything that can be a trigger. Chewable antacids can provide immediate relief, but if you find yourself reaching for them more than a few times a week, it is time to make an appointment with your health care provider. Heartburn can be a symptom of a more serious digestive problem, such as acid reflux.
Discovering a cure for heartburn begins with finding the trigger, then avoiding it when possible. When that is not possible, one of these easy solutions will provide relief.
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