«Trivial» heartburn can cause a lot of unpleasant moments and reduce the quality of life. Let's figure out what to grab onto when, after a heavy dinner, the sternum “burns” again — potato broth, soda or viburnum jam.
Do home remedies help with heartburn?
There are a lot of home and alternative methods for treating heartburn; it is simply impossible to consider each of them in detail. What they have in common is that neither Russian nor international recommendations for the treatment of GERD recommend their use. Even though some of themare found to relieve burning sensations in the personal experience of many people, they are not recommended either due to possible side effects or weak evidence of their benefits. Let's look at a few typical examples.
What is heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Its usual cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With it, the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus and irritate its mucous membrane. This occurs if the lower esophageal sphincter (the circular muscle that separates it from the stomach) is too relaxed.
More about this condition can be found on our website.
Soda
Undoubtedly, soda helps with heartburn: it neutralizes stomach acid. Typically, a solution of half a teaspoon of the substance in a glass of water is used. This remedy provides only short-term relief. Doctors warn that heartburn may worsen after it.
Soda can have dangerous side effects. For example, scientists described a case in which, as a result of many years of excessive soda consumption, a patient ended up in the hospital with increasing vomiting and diarrhea, as well as an acid-base imbalance.
Milk
In addition to popular experience, some studies only indirectly speak about the possible effectiveness of milk. One study showed that high dietary calcium intake (milk is an important source) was associated with a reduced risk of GERD in men. There is also an assumption that the proteins in milk may also be responsible for relieving heartburn. However, this folk method does not have a solid evidence base.
On the other hand, other studies, again indirectly, indicate that milk may worsen heartburn. This may be due to the presence of fats in the drink, which contribute to reflux.
Is ordinary heartburn so harmless
When everyday life is full of speed races , in the morning there is not enough time for breakfast, a full lunch is replaced by pastries and coffee, and during a late dinner two days worth of calories are eaten — it is not surprising that heartburn appears.
Read the article
Herbal remedies
Among herbal medicine for the treatment of GERD, chamomile, licorice, and ginger are most often mentioned. Small studies have shown that preparations of myrtle, carob, and quince help relieve symptoms. However, scientists point out that the effects of medicinal plants require better study. Currently, the number of high-quality works on this topic is small.
It is assumed that the effect of herbal remedies is associated with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as with a positive effect on the protective mucous barrier of the stomach and increased tone of the esophageal sphincter.
What really helps with heartburn?
Perhaps drinking a soda solution once a week will not ruin your health and will provide some relief. However, this is probably not a method that will help get rid of heartburn for a long time. To solve the problem as effectively as possible, it is necessary to approach the problem comprehensively and use methods approved by doctors.
These methods are relatively simple. First of all, patients are recommended to make lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes that help get rid of heartburn
- If you have You are overweight, you need to fight it.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Avoid situations that increase intra-abdominal pressure. These include lifting weights, wearing tight clothing, belts, corsets and bandages.
- In the diet, you need to limit the intake of fatty foods, acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus fruits, sour juices), carbonated drinks, chocolate and coffee. Food should not be very cold or very hot.
- It is advisable to eat in small portions and a little more often than usual. However, Russian recommendations indicate that this recommendation is outdated.
- Avoid overeating.
- Stop eating two hours before meals.
- It is better to sleep on a pillow with your head elevated by 10 -20 centimeters.
For rare heartburn – about twice a week – these measures may be sufficient treatment in combination with taking antacid medications.< /p>
Drug therapy
In the initial stages of GERD, patients are prescribed antacids (aluminum magnesium phosphate hydroxide) and alginates (sodium alginate). Drugs of the first group neutralize gastric acid, while the second group creates a protective barrier on the surface of the stomach. They are taken as needed — during an attack of heartburn, after meals or at night.
If you have frequent heartburn, your doctor may suggest a course of treatment with drugs that reduce acid production in the stomach — proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole) or, less commonly, H2 receptor blockers (cimetidine). In certain cases, their long-term use is required.