Heartburn, despite its name, has nothing to do with your heart. It’s that uncomfortable burning sensation in your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. When heartburn strikes, it can last from a few minutes to several hours, causing significant discomfort. If you’re seeking rapid relief, you’re not alone. Many people search for How To Get Rid Of Heartburn Fast.
Understanding Heartburn: Causes and Symptoms
“Heartburn occurs when gastric secretions reflux from the stomach into the esophagus,” explains Dr. Kerri Glassner, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist. The stomach’s acidic contents are essential for digestion, but they can irritate and even damage the esophagus, which lacks the same protective lining.
A muscular ring at the base of the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), acts as a valve to prevent stomach acid from backing up. Normally, the LES relaxes to allow food into the stomach and contracts to keep stomach contents in. However, if the LES relaxes abnormally, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux and the hallmark symptom of heartburn.
Heartburn symptoms can vary in intensity but commonly include:
- A burning sensation in your chest, often behind the breastbone
- Burning pain that moves up towards your throat
- A bitter or sour taste in your mouth
While underlying medical conditions or medications can sometimes cause acid reflux and heartburn, dietary and lifestyle factors are more frequent triggers for occasional heartburn.
According to Dr. Glassner, common heartburn triggers include:
- Certain foods and drinks such as spicy and acidic foods, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol
- Smoking
- Being overweight
8 Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Heartburn Fast
If you’re looking for how to get rid of heartburn fast or prevent acid reflux, here are eight home remedies that can provide relief and help manage your symptoms:
1. Keep a Food Journal and Identify Trigger Foods
Certain foods and beverages can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to reflux and cause heartburn.
“These foods trigger heartburn by reducing lower esophageal sphincter pressure, making it easier for acidic contents to reflux into the esophagus,” Dr. Glassner clarifies.
To pinpoint your specific heartburn triggers, consider keeping a detailed food and symptom diary. Once you identify these culprits, try to avoid them as much as possible to prevent future heartburn episodes.
2. Avoid Lying Down Immediately After Eating
Lying down shortly after a meal can worsen acid reflux and heartburn symptoms. Allow your stomach ample time to empty before reclining. Aim to avoid eating for at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to minimize nighttime heartburn.
3. Practice Portion Control and Eat Slowly
Overeating, especially close to bedtime, can increase pressure on the LES, making acid reflux and heartburn more likely. Eating slowly and mindfully can also aid digestion and reduce the likelihood of heartburn.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight puts additional pressure on your stomach, increasing the risk of acid reflux and heartburn. Adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity, such as aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, are crucial steps towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and reducing heartburn symptoms.
5. Elevate the Head of Your Bed
Sleeping with your head and chest elevated above your feet can help prevent acid reflux and heartburn by using gravity to keep stomach acid down. You can achieve this by using blocks to raise the head of your bed or placing a foam wedge under your mattress. Avoid simply piling pillows, as this can be ineffective and might even worsen symptoms by bending your body in an uncomfortable way.
6. Consider Sleeping on Your Left Side
Some believe that sleeping on your left side can aid digestion and potentially reduce stomach acid reflux. While Dr. Glassner notes that this might be challenging depending on your bed setup, it’s a position worth trying to see if it alleviates your heartburn.
7. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Tight clothing, especially belts and garments that constrict your stomach, can contribute to heartburn symptoms. Opt for looser clothing to reduce pressure on your abdomen and potentially lessen heartburn occurrences.
8. Quit Smoking
Smoking weakens the LES and increases stomach acid production, both of which contribute to acid reflux and heartburn. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn and may even eliminate it completely in some cases.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Heartburn
For occasional, mild heartburn, over-the-counter antacids can provide quick relief. Always follow the product label instructions and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage.
However, if you experience severe or frequent heartburn, or if your symptoms persist or worsen despite home remedies, it’s crucial to consult your doctor.
“If you are having daily symptoms requiring antacids, it’s time to be evaluated by a gastroenterologist,” advises Dr. Glassner. “Additionally, if heartburn symptoms are uncontrolled despite a trial of a daily proton pump inhibitor, it’s important to consult your doctor.”
Persistent heartburn can sometimes indicate more serious issues, such as Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition, or even esophageal cancer.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these warning signs along with heartburn:
- New onset of heartburn in individuals over 60 years old
- Vomiting blood
- Black or bloody stools
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
If you are concerned about your heartburn symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage your condition effectively and prevent potential complications.
