Lifestyle Changes are Key in Natural Heartburn Relief
Heartburn affects nearly all of us at one time or another, but for most, the episodes are too few and far between to worry about. For others, however, heartburn becomes a frequent problem that gets in the way of daily activities and may result in damage to the lining of the esophagus if it is left unchecked. Those who suffer from heartburn multiple times a week may benefit from natural heartburn relief in the form of lifestyle changes that can reduce the frequency and severity of the episodes. There are many lifestyle alterations that can be quite effective without causing inconvenience or costing a dime. Read on for some of the best methods of natural heartburn relief.
A Healthy Body = Less Heartburn
Many of the habits that will reduce the incidence of heartburn will be healthy for you in other ways as well. For example, quitting smoking is a healthy choice that may also act as natural heartburn relief. Exercise is another good habit to develop because it will benefit your body in many ways besides just cutting down on your heartburn frequency. People who are overweight tend to have a higher incidence of heartburn, so losing the extra pounds is also a positive step. However, when it comes to diet, natural heartburn relief does not always come simply by choosing a healthier fare. Some nutritious foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes can actually contribute to heartburn. Your best bet is to incorporate as much fresh produce and whole grains into your diet as you can, while avoiding your known heartburn triggers.
Other Lifestyle Changes
Since heartburn can be exacerbated when you lie down, avoid eating meals too close to bedtime or taking a quick nap right after lunch. If you find that heartburn is keeping you up at night, raising the head of your bed by a few inches can also be an effective natural heartburn remedy. In addition to lying down, stooping or bending over has also been found to contribute to heartburn symptoms. Avoid activities that require bending over, like weeding the garden or scrubbing the tub right after mealtime. Large meals can also contribute to heartburn by adding to much pressure to the stomach. Reduce your portion size at each meal, and add an extra small meal or two throughout the day to make up the difference. This natural heartburn remedy can be healthy for you in many other ways as well, since smaller meals can be better for your metabolism and your weight maintenance.
Heartburn is a painful condition, but the good news is that there are many methods of natural heartburn relief that you can try. Many heartburn sufferers find that by simply altering certain lifestyle habits they can effectively keep painful heartburn symptoms at bay.
