Accessing Health Care

Heartburn is a burning sensation that usually attacks the neck and chest regions. Acid reflux is the main cause of heartburn, and it occurs when stomach acid rises from the stomach to the esophagus, or the muscular tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. At some point in life, every one succumbs to heartburn. Heartburn doesn't last though; it sticks around for two to three hours and disappears thereafter. But for that short time, it can make you question whether it was necessary to eat in the first place. The next time you feel the burning sensation, use one of the following methods to ease the pain:

1. Sip A Concoction of Honey And Apple Cider Vinegar

Doctors believe that a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey helps relieve heartburn because it assists with food breakdown. Heartburn victims tend to believe that heartburn is caused by production of excess acid. The case is quite the opposite. Research has proven that heartburn manifests if the acid generated in the digestive tract is not enough to adequately break down the food consumed. This prompts the stomach to bring the food back up for digestion. By swallowing vinegar, acetic acid is introduced into the digestive system to aid with digestion. To make the concoction, mix two tablespoons of vinegar with two tablespoons of honey. Add hot water and stir. Take the medication when the regurgitated acid starts to burn.

2. Chew Some Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds contain a chemical compound called anethole that is effective in treating stomach and gastrointestinal tract spasms. It is therefore regarded as one of the best remedies when it comes to neutralizing heartburn. When acid reflux attacks, chew half a teaspoon of fennel seeds. Ten minutes later, you should be feeling relief. If you have a long history of heartburn, you can make a practice of chewing fennel seeds after taking your meals.

3. Chew Gum

Chewing gum could be the most enjoyable way of relieving heartburn. You do not have to prepare anything; you just need to find a shop, buy a gum, and start to chew. The aim here is to initiate production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is alkaline, and it can help to neutralize the acidic nature of the regurgitated foods.

If heartburn persists, say it occurs more than twice in a week, you could be suffering from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. At this point, you should seek the services of a gastroenterologist at a medical facility like Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre. Persistent heartburn can result in inflammation of the esophagus and, in some cases, cancer.