5 home remedies for heartburn

With the arrival of the holiday season, it's normal to eat everything during the Guadalupe-Reyes marathon. Tamales and punch at the posada, romeritos and bacalao at Christmas, and pork or turkey on New Year's Day. However, Mexicans cook with a lot of chiles and spices, so it's no surprise that we fall victim to the dreaded heartburn during the holidays. The good news is that you can apply some of these home remedies to soothe heartburn and continue enjoying your Christmas and New Year's dinner and leftovers without worries. Moreover, this is just the beginning, as Mexicans are still waiting for the delicious rosca de reyes with hot chocolate on January 6 and tamales and atole for Candlemas, so take note. You can also read: 5 home remedies for empacho What is heartburn? Before moving on to home remedies to ease heartburn, let's start by understanding what this condition is, why it occurs, and how we can remedy it. Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is characterized by causing an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest or throat. According to the National Library of Medicine, this condition occurs when “stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.”Some possible causes of heartburn may include:Spicy foodsFatty foodsVery acidic dishesLying down immediately after eatingAlcoholic beveragesEating too quicklyPregnancySome medicationsSmokingAnxietyStressRemember that it is very important to treat acid reflux in a timely manner, as if it persists, it could damage the esophagus. However, if home remedies do not work, it is best to consult a specialist. It is worth noting that health experts indicate that if a person experiences heartburn more than twice a week, they should see a doctor, as they may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You can also read: What foods are included in a bland diet? Home remedies for heartburn Now that you know some of the possible causes behind your heartburn, it’s time to combat them in a simple and practical way, so pay close attention! 1. Baking soda This remedy is one of the most well-known, as it tends to be quite quick and effective. All you have to do is dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly; this will neutralize stomach acid in no time! 2. Apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar is not only used for making dressings and cleaning, but it is also an excellent home remedy for fighting heartburn, as it may help improve digestion. The Healthline website indicates that drinking a little vinegar dissolved in water could be effective for acid reflux. Dissolve a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and drink it after meals. 3. Ginger is a great allyGinger is a good option for combating indigestion, nausea, and other ailments, including heartburn, as long as it is used in small portions. So don't hesitate to add a small amount of fresh ginger to your soups and dishes or prepare yourself a tea:Boil a cup of waterPeel the ginger and grate it finely.Add a bit of ginger to the hot water and let it steep for a couple of minutes.4. Chew gum! Although it may sound a bit odd, chewing gum can help soothe heartburn, according to Healthline, as scientific studies have noted that chewing sugar-free gum for half an hour after eating could reduce stomach acidity. 5. Banana for heartburn Besides being a very delicious and nutritious fruit, bananas may also be effective in combating heartburn, as according to specialized sources, the potassium in bananas would help counteract stomach acidity. You can also read: Home remedies for diarrheaHow to prevent heartburn The experts from the National Health Service of England share a series of very practical and easy-to-follow recommendations to prevent and improve the symptoms of heartburn, so take note! To avoid heartburn: Eat smaller portions.Relax, as it can be caused by stress and anxiety.Prop your pillow up a bit.Avoid: Eating very spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.Drinking alcoholic and carbonated beverages.Lying down immediately after eating.Wearing overly tight clothing.Smoking.Now that you know these 5 home remedies for heartburn, enjoy the holidays without any fears. However, remember that it is best to see a doctor if discomfort persists or worsens.