Educate yourself about alternative medical treatments available for specific diseases and conditions. This site is presented to help you research alternative medical treatments, natural and herbal remedies and different ways of thinking about how to solve specific medical problems.  Please read our disclaimer.

Alternative Treatments for Heartburn

Alternative treatments for heartburn have been used by people in other cultures for many years.  Some treatments are very effective for some people.  Others may only work because the patient believes they will work, much like the way placebos sometimes work in medical experiments.  However, we believe that the more you know about the options, the more you will be able to make intelligent, informed decisions about the medical treatment, which may be right for you and your particular medical conditions.  Please read our disclaimer.

About Heartburn

Heartburn is a common condition that occurs when hydrochloric acid from the stomach enters a person’s esophagus. Oftentimes the acid is allowed to enter this unprotected pipe that leads from the mouth to the stomach, because of the misfunctioning of the cardiac sphincter. Such an occurrence results in a burning sensation in the chest and can sometimes be felt in the neck, throat and jaw. Other symptoms include a chronic cough. Many people who experience heartburn know the triggers of the condition. For others, it’s a matter of numerous guesses and hypotheses. For those seeking relief, there are many specific triggers, causes and consequently much advice on lifestyle changes that will help to reduce the occurrence and pain of this frustrating condition.

• Sleep on an angle. Gravity can greatly help to alleviate your heartburn troubles, if employed correctly. When you sleep make sure that your head is elevated in comparison to your stomach. Such a position can help to make sure that your stomach acid stays or subsides to where it belongs. To achieve this you can prop up two bed posts slightly or place something beneath your mattress on one end.
   
• Try not to sleep or lie down within 2 ½ hours of eating. When lying down gravity is not on your side and after eating is when heartburn strikes. Avoid napping after meals, and try to adjust your schedule so that you eat at least 2 ½ hours before falling asleep.
   
• Avoid smoke as it can relax the cardiac sphincter, the essential valve that separates the stomach from esophagus. It has been documented that smokers have more frequent and worse heartburn in comparison with non-smokers. It is also worthwhile to be conscious of second-hand smoke and avoid environments where it is prevalent.
   
• If you are overweight, try to reduce your weight through exercise and a proper diet. Excess fat and weight on the stomach can squeeze against the organ and force acid up into the esophagus more regularly.
   
• Avoid overeating. It stands to reason that when there is more food in your stomach there is less room for stomach acid, helping its ascent into your esophagus. Try to eat in small portions. Further, remember that it takes a slight time for your stomach to register that it’s full, therefore if you are a fast eater, remember to slow down and take a minute or two to let your stomach process how full it feels.
   
• Take a log of what triggers your heartburn. The specific triggers vary between people and it is always best to understand yours. Keeping a log of what you eat, followed by your experience of heartburn can help you to rely less on your memory to target specific triggers.
   
• Be mindful of your caffeine intake. Caffeine is another known relaxing agent of the cardiac sphincter. This often means that those who suffer from heartburn must eliminate coffee, chocolate and sodas from their diet.
   
• Consider avoiding carbonation, as is used in most soft drinks. Carbonation upsets the stomach and can exacerbate and even cause heartburn.
   
• Steer clear of peppermint. The common after-dinner mint is scientifically shown to cause and worsen heartburn.
   
• Pass up fatty foods. Fats stay in the stomach for long periods of time, making the stomach secrete acid for prolonged periods of time and allowing it to back up.
   
• Examine if alcohol triggers your heartburn. Alcohol can relax the cardiac sphincter.
   
• Antacid tablets help many people in alleviating heartburn. Find out if they’re right for you.
   
• Check the medications that you take. Both over the counter pills and prescription drugs can cause heartburn. The most common culprit? Aspirin and ibuprofen. Try taking Tylenol if you believe this is the problem. For assistance in analyzing your prescription medications, talk to your physician.
  
   

Have questions about Alternative Treatments?

We recommend that you review the information about physical therapy on this website, look at the alternative medical treatments on the appropriate websites, do your own independent research, talk with your doctor or other medical professional and learn as much as you can before making the decision that is right for you.  We are not qualified to answer medical, behavioral or health related questions, so please do not ask.