Pulmonary Hypertension Life Expectancy, Outlook, Treatment
Home Remedies For Heartburn
WITHDRAWAL OF RANITIDINE In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that all forms of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine (Zantac) be removed from the U.S. Market. This recommendation was made because unacceptable levels of NDMA, a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical), were found in some ranitidine products. If you're prescribed ranitidine, talk with your doctor about safe alternative options before stopping the drug. If you're taking OTC ranitidine, stop taking the drug and talk with your healthcare professional about alternative options. Instead of taking unused ranitidine products to a drug take-back site, dispose of them according to the product's instructions or by following the FDA's guidance.
Ranitidine, brand name Zantac, is now marketed as Zantac 360, which contains a different active ingredient (famotidine). Famotidine is in the same class as ranitidine and works the same way but has not been found to contain unacceptable levels of NDMA.
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux or GERD, which feels like burning in the middle of your chest. Some home remedies may help relieve your symptoms, such as eating ginger or chewing gum.
Heartburn is painful and inconvenient. This article covers home remedies, medications, and lifestyle tips to help you get rid of heartburn, plus ways to prevent heartburn before it happens.
Heartburn is a symptom. It means the feeling of burning pain in the middle of your chest. The pain typically starts behind your breastbone and moves up toward your throat.
Acid reflux happens when your stomach acid travels too high up in your digestive system. Usually, gravity and your digestive system work together to keep stomach acid down in your stomach where it belongs. But sometimes it can rise up into your esophagus and cause irritation, heartburn, or other symptoms.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is persistent acid reflux.
If you're experiencing heartburn, you'll be glad to hear that there are several options for at-home fixes. But, like medications, home remedies and supplements can have risks. Some can interact with medications or cause other problems.
It's always best to talk with your doctor before trying these options.
Baking sodaBaking soda can calm some episodes of heartburn by neutralizing your stomach acid. To do this, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly.
To be safe, only use this baking soda remedy every once in a while, not frequently. Talk with your doctor about how to use baking soda safely.
Licorice supplementsLicorice root is an old herbal remedy that may help with heartburn. A 2017 study showed that herbal formulas with licorice consistently provided heartburn relief even better than commonly used antacids.
Eating too much licorice may raise your blood pressure, lower your potassium levels, and interfere with certain medications. Always talk with your doctor before taking licorice or DGL supplements.
Apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar is another home remedy that some people use to treat heartburn. Some believe that drinking apple cider vinegar could improve your digestive health.
No solid evidence supports this claim yet, but consuming small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar is typically considered safe.
Chew gumChewing gum stimulates saliva production and swallowing. This might help dilute and clear stomach acid from your esophagus.
According to an older study from 2005, chewing sugar-free gum for a 1/2 hour after meals may also help lower heartburn. But the results are based on just 31 people, so the evidence isn't very strong.
In general, gum chewing may benefit some digestive conditions. But a small 2015 study shows it can worsen others. Check with your doctor to see whether this method is worth trying.
GingerGinger has a long history of use in Chinese medicine. This herb can help relieve nausea, so some believe it may be worth trying for heartburn, too.
However, large doses of ginger may actually cause heartburn or other problems, so use it in small amounts.
When medication is needed, your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose one that's right for you.
OTC heartburn medicationsPlenty of OTC heartburn medications are available for use. These medications come in three types:
Some heartburn medications of these types are also available as prescription drugs.
To prevent heartburn or stop it from starting, there are several methods you can try.
Loosen your clothingYou might be having an episode of heartburn because tight clothing is compressing your stomach. If that's the case, the first thing to do is loosen your belt — or your pants, dress, or whatever else is holding you tight.
Try not to slouchYour posture can also contribute to heartburn. If you're slouching, try sitting up straighter. If needed, you can use cushions or supports to help you maintain a more upright position.
A 2021 case study suggests that long-term posture problems could contribute to GERD. In the study, correcting poor posture eliminated reflux symptoms. But more research is needed to understand the connection.
Elevate your upper bodyLying down can make heartburn worse. When it comes time for bed, adjust your sleeping surface to raise your upper body. Lifting your head with extra pillows may not be enough. To get relief, try elevating your body from the waist up.
Avoid cigarette smokeSmoking might be a go-to coping strategy when you're uncomfortable, but it won't make that burning feeling go away. In fact, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) says it can actually cause acid reflux.
If your heartburn is severe or happens often, it's a good idea to speak with a doctor. In some cases, your ongoing symptoms could be due to GERD and may require professional treatment.
It's not always easy to know what's causing your chest pain. Heartburn and heart attack can have similar symptoms. If you're concerned about your symptoms, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
What relieves heartburn immediately?The fastest-acting remedy for heartburn is likely to be an antacid. Antacids help neutralize stomach acid immediately, which is what causes heartburn.
What can I drink to relieve heartburn?You can try apple cider vinegar and baking soda mixed with water. In addition, you can try ginger tea and low-acid fruit or vegetable juice like carrot juice.
Does drinking water help heartburn?Staying hydrated is important for healthy digestion. Drinking enough water helps food move smoothly through the digestive tract, potentially preventing acid reflux after you eat. Sipping water regularly can also help clear out excess acid in the esophagus.
That said, you may want to have your last drink a few hours before bed because drinking water too close to bedtime can make heartburn worse.
What foods get rid of heartburn?No single food can help get rid of heartburn altogether. That said, making some changes to your diet may help reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms. This means eating a balanced diet composed of fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Chewing gum can also help.
When heartburn hits, many OTC treatments, home remedies, and lifestyle adjustments may provide relief.
Adjusting your daily habits can also help prevent heartburn symptoms from developing in the first place. For example, try to:
If you experience heartburn more than two or three times per week, talk with your doctor. In some cases, they might prescribe medications or other treatments.
Nighttime Heartburn: 12 Sleep Tips
Nighttime heartburn affects four out of five people who suffer regular heartburn and acid reflux. The discomfort and bitter taste can make sleep uncomfortable, even elusive.
While over-the-counter and prescription drugs can treat symptoms once you have heartburn, "the cornerstone of treatment for any disease or disorder is prevention," say Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, and Brian E. Lacy, MD, PhD, in their book Healing Heartburn.
Fortunately, sometimes all it takes to prevent nighttime heartburn is a few lifestyle changes. WebMD turned to the heartburn experts to get their tips on stopping nighttime heartburn before it hits -- so you can sleep well tonight.
1. Sleep on your left side.This position seems to help reduce nighttime heartburn symptoms, says David A. Johnson, MD, internal medicine division chief at Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, Va. To remember which side to sleep on, Johnson offers this memory trick: Right is wrong.
2. Lose weight, even a little. Heartburn often just gets worse as you gain weight, but losing as little as two and a half pounds can help reduce heartburn symptoms, Johnson says.
3. Sleep with your upper body elevated. When you lay flat in bed, your throat and stomach are basically at the same level, making it easy for stomach acids to flow up your esophagus, causing heartburn. You can elevate your body in two ways:
4. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight clothes, especially near your waist, can put pressure on your stomach, leading to heartburn symptoms.
5. Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn. Foods that trigger heartburn differ from person to person. Common foods and drinks that can cause heartburn and interrupt sleep include alcohol; caffeinated drinks like colas, coffee, and tea; chocolate and cocoa; peppermint; garlic; onions; milk; fatty, spicy, greasy, or fried foods; and acidic foods like citrus or tomato products. Keep a food diary to help you track which foods may trigger your heartburn.
6. Steer clear of late-night meals or big meals. Avoid eating meals two to three hours before bedtime to reduce stomach acid and allow the stomach to partially empty its contents before you sleep, suggests the American Gastroenterological Association. Because large meals put pressure on your stomach, try eating a smaller meal in the evening to help prevent nighttime heartburn symptoms.
7. Relax when you eat. Feeling stressed when you eat in a rush can cause the stomach to produce more stomach acids. Relax after your meal as well -- but don't lay down. Some pros recommend trying relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
8. Stay upright after eating. This reduces the risk of acid creeping up your esophagus. You'll also want to avoid bending over or straining to lift heavy objects.
9. Wait to exercise. Allow a couple of hours after a meal before rigorous exercise. This gives your stomach time to empty itself.
10. Chew gum. Chewing gum encourages the production of saliva, which can soothe your esophagus and wash acid down into your stomach. Choose a flavor other than peppermint, which may worsen heartburn in some people.
11. Quit smoking.Smoking is a double threat when it comes to heartburn. Not only can cigarette smoke irritate your GI tract, but smoking can also relax the esophageal muscles that keep stomach acid where it belongs.
12. Talk to your doctor about the medications you take. Some medications may cause or worsen heartburn, including NSAIDs, some osteoporosis drugs, some heart and blood pressure drugs, some hormone medications, some asthma medications, and some depression medications. Just as everyone's food triggers for heartburn can be different, so can medication triggers.
If lifestyle changes don't help you manage your heartburn, it may be time for medication or other treatment. Call your doctor if:
Never ignore persistent heartburn. Left untreated, chronic acid reflux can scar and narrow your esophagus, cautions Gary Gitnick, MD, chief of digestive diseases/gastroenterology at UCLA. At its worst, untreated chronic heartburn -- a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- can develop into esophageal cancer.
Gastroenterologist Reveals Simple Ways He Gets Rid Of Heartburn
Many are looking forward to indulging themselves at this festive time of year. But there's nothing like heartburn that can ruin the amazing feast you've just enjoyed at your holiday gathering.
Before turning to any quick-fix medicines, it's worth noting "there are several fast-acting remedies that can help alleviate persistent heartburn" without medication, Dr. Joseph Salhab, a board-certified gastroenterologist and liver specialist based in Florida, told Newsweek.
Salhab, known as @thestomachdoc on TikTok, explained that recent studies have sparked a conversation about the long-term use of acid reflux medications, specifically proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
"Except for very specific conditions, these medications should be a temporary aid, providing comfort as you work on healthier lifestyle choices," he warned.
"The goal is to lessen the need for medication in the long run" by focusing on the underlying causes of acid reflux, he added.
What Is Heartburn and What Are the Symptoms?Heartburn is a common condition that occurs when "stomach acid escapes into the esophagus—a place it doesn't belong," said Salhab.
There is a muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach that opens to let food in and closes so that food and acid stay in the stomach. When this valve is weak or stays open when it shouldn't, acidic contents from the stomach can flow upwards, the doctor explained.
This results in the characteristic symptoms of heartburn, which include a burning sensation in the chest or throat and sometimes a sour taste in the mouth. "These symptoms are often more pronounced after eating, when bending over, or when lying down," he said.
A stock image of a man suffering from heartburn, sitting with his hand over his chest. The characteristic symptoms of heartburn include a burning sensation in the chest or throat and sometimes a sour taste in the mouth. IStock / Getty Images PlusHeartburn that occurs frequently can develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
A study of more than 71,000 adults aged 18 and over in the U.S., conducted by Cedars-Sinai, a nonprofit hospital based in Los Angeles, found that GERD may affect nearly a third of Americans each week.
According to the study, published in December 2019 in Gastroenterology, 30.9 percent reported feeling GERD symptoms in the past week. More than a third of the GERD sufferers were reported to be on therapy, mostly involving PPIs. Among those taking daily PPIs, 54.1 percent reported persistent GERD symptoms, the study found.
Salhab warned that "persistent heartburn should never be overlooked, as it may be a sign of more serious health issues," adding that it's crucial for those who frequently experience heartburn to consult with a gastroenterologist or a healthcare provider.
"They can help determine if your symptoms are due to a common issue like acid reflux, or if they indicate something more serious requiring further medical evaluation," the doctor said.
A stock image of a woman with her hand on her chest while holding a burger in the other hand. Foods containing spicy ingredients, such as fast foods, are among the potential triggers of heartburn. IStock / Getty Images Plus Ways to Get Heartburn Relief Without Medication"While we're still learning about the long-term effects [of medication], it's clear that making lifestyle changes is key to managing heartburn and acid reflux," Salhab said.
Here are some simple methods that the doctor personally uses to address heartburn without relying on medication.
Chew GumChewing gum after meals can be a "simple and effective way" to tackle heartburn for the following key reasons, as explained by Salhab.
"I would recommend sugar free gum or lozenges to help protect your teeth," Salhab noted.
Go for a Walk After EatingSalhab says that walking for around 30 minutes after a meal, especially after dinner, can help with heartburn.
"This gentle exercise helps food and digestive juices move through your system more efficiently, preventing them from lingering in the stomach where they can lead to acid reflux. As a form of exercise, walking can also help you lose weight and increase your physical activity, both of which are crucial in treating heartburn," he said.
A stock image of a couple at a park. Going for a walk after a meal can help with heartburn symptoms. IStock / Getty Images Plus Belly BreathingBelly breathing can be particularly helpful for managing heartburn symptoms, especially when medication is not available, Salhab said.
The technique works by using the muscles in the body to "tighten the gate between the esophagus and stomach, closing it off, so that less acid can reflux upward," he explained.
Belly breathing is performed by breathing slowly and deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand instead of your chest. This can take practice. Hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds, then slowly breathe out through your lips. It's important that your belly is expanding during this process.
"For those suffering from heartburn, practicing this technique for about 10-15 minutes after a meal can serve as a preventive measure. It's also effective when symptoms flare up, providing a natural way to alleviate discomfort," advised Salhab.
Foods To Eat To Reduce HeartburnSalhab explained that some foods can weaken the valve between the esophagus and stomach, while others may slow down the stomach's emptying process. "This can cause food to remain in the stomach longer than necessary, increasing the likelihood of acid refluxing back up," he noted.
Reducing the intake of certain foods may lead to a noticeable improvement in heartburn symptoms, the doctor said.
Foods known to be potential triggers of heartburn often include spicy ingredients, such as the following:
Certain beverages might also contribute to discomfort, such as the following:
Everyone is different when it comes to food and heartburn, so it's important to see what works best for you.
"You can start by cutting out certain foods to see if your heartburn gets better. Then, slowly add them back into your diet one by one. This way, you can tell which foods cause problems and avoid cutting out things you enjoy for no reason," said Salhab.
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Uncommon KnowledgeNewsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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