Are you looking for some effective home remedies to treat heartburn? Read on to know the advantages of baking soda, for heartburn cure and relief.
Heartburn, contrary to what the name suggests, is not a condition related to our heart. In fact, it is a disorder of the digestive system in our body. There are a number of reasons why a person experiences this, such as eating the wrong kind of foods, overeating, stress, hormonal fluctuations, dysfunctional digestive system and even side effects caused by some medicine. Usually, heartburn is experienced when the stomach acids leak back into the esophagus, producing symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest, pain while swallowing, bitter taste in the mouth and sometimes even fever and shortness of breath.
Heartburn treatment entails, making a few lifestyle and dietary changes, along with medicines such as antacids, alginates and antagonists. Certain natural remedies, such as baking soda, are quite effective too. Let us understand how it helps in providing relief from heartburn.
Uses
When a person who is experiencing heartburn consumes baking soda, it helps in neutralizing the stomach acids which help in the digestion of the foods, by acting as an antacid. However, care should be taken that it is consumed only in recommended quantities, cause if its taken in excess, the acids in the stomach get neutralized more than they should be, resulting in great discomfort and pain for the person.
Baking soda is a very effective home remedy, although it is not something that can permanently make a person get rid of the condition. It can provide only temporary relief from heartburn and that too in mild cases. However, if the condition of the person is chronic, then without fail, a doctor should be contacted.
Dosage
Mix about half teaspoon baking soda, in half a glass of water. It should be completely dissolved in water before consumption. Ideally, this dosage should not be taken more than seven times during a single day. If the person still feels that he is experiencing heartburn, even after taking baking soda, then he should contact a doctor without fail.
Disadvantages
Baking soda is rich in sodium, so its excess intake can create risks and complications in people who have high blood pressure. Being high in sodium, it is not recommended for pregnant women at all, as high sodium content in the body of the woman can cause water retention. If a person is already taking some sort of prescription medication, then consulting a doctor before actually using it for treating heartburn is a good idea.
Besides this, there are a number of other things that a person can do to prevent this condition. Avoiding foods that trigger heartburn such as oily foods, fatty foods, chocolates, foods with vinegar, foods with strong flavors, will help a great deal. Eating small portions of food at a time and not resorting to overeating, helps in avoiding this condition. Exercising regularly as well as doing yoga and meditation, can help reduce stress and improve the body posture, thereby preventing heartburn in the process.
