Use mustard against heartburn - how it works

Heartburn occurs when the stomach is over-acidified and produces too much stomach acid. Mustard is often used as a home remedy for acid regurgitation.

Why mustard works against heartburn

Sufferers report that the yellow paste quickly alleviates the symptoms. Others complain that the symptoms worsen afterwards. The effect of mustard against heartburn is not scientifically proven.

• Mustard contains mustard oils. These stimulate the stomach and prevent more stomach acid from being formed. The digestion of fat is stimulated and the stomach is relieved.
• Mustard is basic and shifts the pH in the stomach from acidic to basic. The vinegar contained in the mustard paste also protects against too much stomach acid.
• Mustard oil is hot. This may result in more stomach acid being produced and heartburn getting worse.
• But there is also reflux, which is triggered by too little stomach acid. In this case, mustard can also be beneficial by using its essential oils to ensure that stomach acid is produced.

How to use the spice with acid regurgitation

Use mustard in the form of seeds or paste against heartburn.

• Use mild mustard. If the mustard is spicy, there is a risk that the symptoms will worsen.
• If you don't like mustard paste, use mustard seeds. As a bonus, they also bring healthy oil and almost 30 percent protein.
• If you have acute heartburn, take a teaspoon of mustard. If the symptoms do not improve, eat a second spoon. However, you should not take more per day.
• If you want to prevent heartburn, try a mustard cure. Eat a teaspoon of mustard for lunch for five days.
• If you use chewed grains as an aid against acid regurgitation, it takes a little longer for the effects to take effect. These only release the oils in the stomach. This protects the esophagus and is recommended if it is already irritated. Also take a teaspoon as a dose.
• It is best to take the grains before eating, the paste after eating.
• There are hardly any side effects. Mustard can have a bloating effect because it releases gases during digestion. Drink a lot to get the gut going.
• Mustard is not a permanent treatment for reflux. If you regularly suffer from heartburn and have severe symptoms, be sure to speak to a doctor.