What is heartburn?
Heartburn refers to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Typical symptoms include a burning sensation behind the breastbone, acid reflux, or pressure in the upper abdomen.
Occasional heartburn is usually harmless. However, if the symptoms occur regularly, they can significantly interfere with daily life and well-being.
Common Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn can be caused by various factors. Common triggers include, for example:
- fatty or large meals
- Alcohol or coffee
- stress
- eating late at night
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Sitting or lying down for long periods after eating
Slowed digestion or increased stomach acid production can also contribute to these symptoms.
Common triggers of heartburn include fatty meals, stress, alcohol, eating late at night, or smoking. Lifestyle and digestion can also influence these symptoms.
5 Tips for Relieving
Heartburn Heartburn can noticeably disrupt daily life and, above all, interfere with rest in the evening. Often, even small changes in diet, habits, or sleeping position can help relieve pressure on the stomach and more effectively prevent symptoms.
1. Cut Back on Alcohol, Coffee, and Nicotine
Alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes can irritate the mucous membranes and stimulate the production of stomach acid. Many people who suffer from heartburn therefore find it helpful to consume these substances more mindfully or to cut back on them.
2. Make Conscious Use of Bitter Substances
Bitter substances are traditionally used to support digestion and stimulate stomach function.
Foods particularly rich in bitter substances include:
- Chicory
- Arugula
- Dandelion
- Wormwood
- Cabbage family vegetables
3. Elevate Your Upper Body
Stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus more easily, especially at night. Keeping your upper body slightly elevated can help reduce this reflux.
4. Drink stomach-friendly teas
Fennel or chamomile tea are traditionally used to soothe the stomach and support irritated mucous membranes. In contrast, very acidic or highly irritating beverages are often perceived as unpleasant.
5. Opt for starchy foods
Foods such as:
- potatoes
- White bread
- Oatmeal
can help absorb excess stomach acid and provide short-term relief for the stomach.
Five simple everyday tips that can help prevent heartburn and provide more conscious relief for your stomach.
Quick Tips for Heartburn
When heartburn strikes suddenly, small changes in your daily routine can often help:
- Drink still water
- Chew gum
- Eat almonds
- Sit up straight
- Loosen tight clothing
- Eat small portions
These medicinal plants can help with heartburn
Although symptoms related to
heartburn
and digestive problems cannot always be completely avoided, naturopathy has long relied on selected medicinal plants to gently support the stomach and digestion. Many of these plants are traditionally used to treat bloating, acid reflux, or a sensitive stomach. We’ve summarized here which medicinal plants are particularly valued for these purposes and how they’re traditionally used:
Selected medicinal plants are traditionally used in naturopathy to gently support the stomach, digestion, and overall well-being in cases of heartburn.
- Wormwood has traditionally been used to aid digestion and is often used to relieve bloating.
- Angelica is considered a tonic and is traditionally used to support the stomach and promote well-being.
- Bolus alba is traditionally used to bind excess acids and support the gastrointestinal tract.
- True chamomile has a calming effect and is often used for stomach discomfort and inner restlessness.
- Black walnut is traditionally used to support digestion and metabolism.
- Kava-kava is considered to have a balancing effect and is often used to relieve stress and inner tension.
