If you’ve ever experienced the pain and discomfort caused by heartburn, you probably wondered how to get rid of the problem, and quickly. Heartburn is a health condition which you should take seriously, particularly when it’s chronic. But finding a quick and effective solution can be difficult. Try these tips to see if they’ll give you the heartburn relief you’re looking for.
Watch What You Eat
The easiest method to get rid of heartburn is to be careful what you eat. More than 55 percent of problems related to heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion can be caused by lifestyle choices, including diet. If that’s the case, any relief you can get by prescription or over the counter will only mask the problem.
If you’re looking for heartburn relief, start by keeping an eye on what you’re eating. First of all, you need to establish which foods are causing your problem. The most effective means of doing this is to keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat, and make a note when you experience heartburn. Also pay attention to how quickly you ate your meal; this can also be a factor.
You’ll likely notice that there are specific foods or even combinations of foods and/or beverages that trigger heartburn symptoms. These substances will likely include spicy foods, acidic beverages such as wine or lemonade, and caffeine. Nicotine can also play a role in heartburn.
Your first and most important defense against heartburn is to eliminate these foods from your diet. If that seems a little harsh, try moderating your intake of the offending foods, and use some other solutions to minimize your discomfort.
Other Simple Solutions
There are several solutions to managing your heartburn pain once it’s too late to simply prevent it. Many people reach for an antacid product available over the counter, such as Tums or Rolaids. You can get these in tablet or liquid form; one of them is likely to work for you.
If you’re looking for a more natural treatment, try eating a few bites of ice cream or chew on some gum. This will produce saliva, which then dilutes and flushes out the stomach acids which are the cause of your discomfort. Or drink a cup of herbal tea or a glass of lukewarm water. Both of these will also help to reduce the acid in your stomach and give you heartburn relief.
But ultimately, keeping a tight rein on your food and beverage intake is the key to keeping your heartburn at bay.