Nitesh Ratnakar Shares Natural Remedies for Heartburn Relief

The burning sensation you feel in your chest is called heartburn, but the cause of it has nothing to do with your heart. Additionally, according to Nitesh Ratnakar, you might taste something unpleasant, like bitter or acidic. You feel discomfort when stomach acid flows back up into your throat. There is a possibility that you will feel it in your chest or right under your breastbone. It can even make your jaw hurt sometimes. Especially when you bend over or lie down, it usually gets worse in the evenings. 

Apple cider vinegar: 

According to Nitesh Ratnakar, some believe that heartburn can be relieved by using apple cider vinegar. But it’s different for everyone. It makes things worse for some people, but it helps for others. Reduce stomach acid by combining one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. However, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence. However, it is usually safe to try in small amounts. Just use caution and do not apply excessively. If you want to control your acid reflux, it is worth a try, but consult a physician first.

Chewing gum

Chewing sugar-free gum for about 30 minutes after meals may help reduce the amount of acid in the esophagus and alleviate symptoms of acid reflux, according to recent small-scale research. Chewing gum after meals is a simple habit that has shown promise in easing heartburn discomfort. 

But, it is vital to exercise caution because some gum varieties, especially those flavored with peppermint, may make symptoms worse for some people. Even so, using sugar-free gum after eating is still a valuable and low-risk way to treat heartburn. If you find mint flavors to be disagreeable or irritating, you might want to try other flavors or go for non-mint varieties.

Aloe vera juice

Aloe vera gel is well-known for soothing sunburn, but it’s not clear if it really helps with heartburn. Some people drink aloe vera juice to calm their stomach and ease irritation, but there isn’t strong proof that it works. If you want to try it, make sure to buy it from a good brand to make sure it’s safe. Even though we’re not sure if aloe vera helps with heartburn, some folks might find it helpful.

Peppermint

Peppermint is known for its ability to relax the stomach muscles, which can provide relief for some people. However, for others, it may actually worsen symptoms of acid reflux by loosening the muscle that prevents stomach contents from flowing back up into the esophagus.

Whether peppermint helps or hurts depends on the individual. If you find that peppermint exacerbates your acid reflux, consider trying ginger instead. Ginger is well-known for its calming properties and its ability to reduce inflammation in the stomach. Both peppermint and ginger can also be beneficial for other digestive issues like diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

As essential oils gain popularity, some individuals are exploring the use of peppermint or ginger essential oils to aid digestion. Still, Nitesh Ratnakar  asserts that it is imperative to speak with a physician prior to applying or ingesting essential oils. Responses to essential oils can vary among individuals, and because these products are not regulated, there may be inconsistencies in quality and composition. Additionally, essential oils have the potential to interact with certain medications, so it’s essential to proceed with caution and seek professional guidance.

Baking Soda:

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can help calm heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid temporarily. But using too much can cause problems like gas and messed-up electrolytes. Just mix half a teaspoon in a glass of water and drink it slowly. Don’t go overboard, and if your symptoms stick around, talk to a doctor. While baking soda can give you quick relief, don’t rely on it all the time for fixing heartburn.

Lifestyle Changes To Managing Heartburn  

For those grappling with heartburn without severe complications, tweaking daily habits can offer relief:

1. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can significantly alleviate heartburn symptoms by aiding digestion and reducing stomach acid buildup.

2. Watch fat intake: Foods high in fat and fried options are notorious triggers for heartburn. Cutting back on these items can help improve symptoms.

3. Mind meal timing: Avoid eating right before bedtime or lounging in a slouched position while eating to prevent acid reflux.

4. Identify trigger foods: Steer clear of caffeine, sugary treats, chocolates, fizzy drinks, tomatoes, and citrus fruits, as they can exacerbate heartburn symptoms.

5. Kick bad habits: Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce the likelihood of heartburn episodes.

6. Medication review: Consult your doctor if you suspect your current medications may be contributing to heartburn, as adjustments or alternatives may be necessary.

7. Pregnancy adjustments: Expectant mothers can manage heartburn by opting for smaller, more frequent meals, staying upright after eating, and avoiding fatty and spicy foods.

8. Use antacids cautiously: While antacids provide temporary relief, overuse can lead to side effects. Keep them on hand but avoid dependency.

Closing Remark:

Nitesh Ratnakar concluded that, although heartburn is unrelated to the heart, it can feel uncomfortable and mimic a heart attack. Some natural remedies, like peppermint, apple cider vinegar, chewing gum, and aloe vera juice, might help some people, but they don’t work for everyone. The best way to deal with heartburn is by changing your lifestyle, like eating healthier, exercising regularly, and avoiding foods that trigger it. But before you try anything new or make big changes, make sure to talk to a doctor. By being careful and paying attention to what sets it off, you can feel better and enjoy life more.