Natural ways to relieve heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upwards and irritate the food pipe. It may occur after a large meal, when bending or lying down, or with foods and drinks that trigger symptoms for you. Repeated heartburn can be associated with acid reflux; gastritis, a hiatus hernia and peptic ulcer disease can cause similar upper abdominal or chest discomfort.

Try smaller meals and eat slowly. Notice whether fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, or acidic drinks bring symptoms on, then reduce only the triggers that affect you. Remain upright after meals and avoid eating close to bedtime. If symptoms occur at night, raising the head end of the bed can help more than adding extra pillows. Avoid tight clothing around the abdomen and seek advice before stopping prescribed medicines. Acid Reflux Medication may be appropriate when lifestyle measures are not enough.

Book an assessment if heartburn is frequent, worsening, disturbs sleep, or needs repeated over-the-counter treatment. Seek urgent help for chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss. Chest burning should not automatically be assumed to come from reflux.

Could my symptoms be reflux or another condition? Which triggers should I test first? Is a medicine suitable, and how long should I use it? Do my swallowing symptoms, medicines or other health conditions change the plan?