Heartburn - what to do? - The best tips against reflux

Sporadic heartburn, also called reflux, is not dangerous to health. It is still uncomfortable. We'll explain what you can do about it and what triggers heartburn at all.

How does heartburn develop?

If gastric acid rises into the esophagus, it causes a burning pain - heartburn. A sphincter usually prevents gastric contents from flowing back. There are several factors that can cause reflux.

• Pregnant women are often plagued by heartburn. The reason for this is not only the pressure from below on the stomach through the enlarged uterus. A hormone also contributes to heartburn: progesterone causes the sphincter to relax. Both together then lead to increased heartburn.
• Obesity as well as some foods also promote the uncomfortable burning sensation.
• Medicines help, but unfortunately also have side effects. For some medicines, one of these undesirable effects can be heartburn.
• If you have a diaphragmatic rupture, parts of the stomach can move into the chest area. One of the signs of a so-called hiatal hernia is increased heartburn.
• Not only physical factors play a role in the development of heartburn. Psychological stress, such as stress, can also cause the burning sensation behind the breastbone. The reason for this is the increased acid production in the stomach.

Reflux - that helps

There are many medications for heartburn. They are helpful for the acute condition. However, nature offers plenty of home remedies, and the right diet prevents it.

• The most well-known home remedy for heartburn is milk. It is supposed to neutralize stomach acid. However, the effect has not been proven. On the contrary: According to the latest studies, milk is even said to stimulate acid production.
• Instead of drinking milk, it is better to drink a stomach-friendly tea. Chamomile, fennel, anise and caraway should help.
• Nuts and almonds work wonders for heartburn. Chew it slowly and swallow it down.
• You may be surprised at the tip, but it helps: chew gum! Chewing stimulates saliva production. And the large amount of saliva neutralizes the acid.
• The juice of raw potatoes also binds the stomach acid - but it is certainly not for everyone.
• Of course, the medicine chest also offers remedies for heartburn. There are over-the-counter acid blockers that help with acute heartburn.

Prevention is better than suffering

If you are prone to heartburn, there are several things you can do to prevent reflux from the outset.

• Eat more consciously. This means, for example, several smaller meals than three large ones. Avoid hot spices and acidic beverages such as lemon juice. You should also switch from carbonated mineral water to still water.
• Do not lie down after eating. Movement is the order of the day. Physically active people have gastric acid problems much less often.
• Wear loose fitting clothing. This is not only more convenient, it is also healthier. Too tight a waistband or belt can make heartburn worse.
• If you have problems with gastric acid reflux more often, sleep with your torso slightly elevated. Like all fluids, stomach acid struggles to flow uphill.

It doesn't hurt like heartburn, but it's also uncomfortable: bad breath. In the next home article, read what you can do about it.