Learn about causes, home remedies and treatment of that burning sensation in your throat (Close to your heart) called heartburn.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning sensation around the back of the breastbone and towards the throat.
Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn is caused by the irregular opening of the lower esophageal sphincter (a muscle that is just below the oesophagus). The muscle opens to allow food to get into the stomach from the oesophagus and closes once it gets in.
When lower esophageal sphincter opens irregularly, then acid can rise up to the esophagus causing heartburn.
Triggers of Heartburn
You are likely to get heartburn if:
- You smoke
- You are pregnant
- You are overweight
- You have hiatal hernia.
Foods that trigger heartburn
Some of the foods that are known to trigger heartburn include:
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Citrus Fruits
- Fried foods
- Onions
Home remedy for heartburn in Kenya
Some of the home remedies of heartburn include:
- Baking soda
Ideally, baking soda has a high pH level hence can act as a perfect acidity neutralizer. For its use in solving heartburn problems, take a teaspoon of the ingredient and mix it with water. Stir up the mixture and drink it immediately. Although you can use it as many times as you want, you should not exceed three intakes on the mixture.
- Aloe Vera juice
Aloe Vera juice is a perfect remedy for inflammation reduction. Therefore, it is an effective home remedy method for treating heartburn. The procedure for its use includes taking half a cup of its drink at room temperature before meals.
- Ginger root tea
Cut your ginger into small pieces then place them into one cup of water and simmer. Cover it for an hour then take the drink. The drink can become taken with or without the ginger pieces.
Other simple home remedies include:
- High mustard intake
- High apple and banana intake
- Routine drinks of chamomile tea
Medical treatment for heart burn in Kenya
- Antacids
Antacid tablets are one of the medical treatment options for heartburn. The victim needs to take them, after meals, during bedtime, or upon need.
- Histamine H2 Antagonists
These are other medications effective for the treatment of the heartburn condition. They work through blocking the histamine, thus reducing the heartburn. Histamine H2 antagonists comprise ranitidine, cimetidine, and famotidine.
- Surgery
For those who experience persistent heartburn even after application of the above options, surgery is the appropriate medical treatment.
Important! While you can use the above options for treatment, the first home remedy should be avoiding meals that are highly acidic, remove any tight cloth that might be pressing the stomach, stand up straight and exercise regularly.
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