If you’ve ever felt the sensation of acidic burning in the throat or chest after you’ve eaten, especially when you bend over or lie down, you know the annoyance and discomfort it can bring to your life. Trouble swallowing, the feeling of food “sticking” in the middle of your chest, or a sour-tasting fluid at the back of your throat are also common experiences. If you’ve been suffering from acidic sensations in your chest or throat, I might have three effective solutions that you can’t find at the drugstore.
I would like to share some valuable information about three at-home tips that could fight off the sensation of burning in the throat. This symptom is common, especially in adults, but it should not be ignored. Prolonged burning in the throat or chest could cause additional problems if it isn’t treated immediately, but before we get into the natural remedies, here’s what the burning sensation could mean.
What Is That Burning in the Throat?
Heartburn is one of the most common issues within the upper digestive system. It is primarily caused by acid reflux, a condition that occurs when some of the stomach’s contents, including acid, are forced back up into the esophagus, which is not designed for such acidity. The result of this is a burning pain in the throat and/or lower or middle chest.
It is more likely to occur if you eat large meals, or foods with onions, chocolate, peppermint, spices, citrus, or tomatoes. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can also increase your risk of heartburn. If you have a habit of eating before bed, are overweight, smoke, are pregnant, or are very stressed out, you are a likely candidate for heartburn.
Now that we know what the problem is, what can be done about it? Of course, there are over-the-counter medications you can take such as antacids like “Tums” or “Alka-Seltzer,” or stronger medications as prescribed by your doctor, but here are three drug-free tips you can practice at home to help relieve and lessen the symptoms of heartburn and prevent it from occurring.
Three Tips for Reducing Heartburn
1. Stay Elevated
In the event of heartburn, the first tip is to raise the head of your bed by six inches to help keep your stomach contents in your stomach. Sleeping on piles of pillows won’t help as it bends your spine, making the condition worse. Try putting blocks under the legs of the bed where your head lies to raise it on a slight angle.
2. Change Your Eating Patterns
The next tip is to consider changing the way you eat. Eating smaller meals, chewing your food properly, and maintaining or achieving a healthy weight are helpful ways to prevent heartburn. Limiting fatty foods and foods that cause heartburn and drinking more water can also help keep your stomach’s acidity level from getting too high and prevent constipation.
3. Quit Smoking
The third tip, quitting smoking, is not only beneficial for preventing heartburn, but it’s also essential to living a healthy life. Changing your diet and sleeping position will help, but smoking relaxes the valve that keeps your stomach’s contents out of your esophagus, which allows acid reflux to occur and only prolongs the discomfort.
If you still feel strong discomfort after trying these home remedies, or if the problem worsens, visit your family doctor for a proper diagnosis and other forms of treatment.
Related Article: The Best Heartburn Remedies: How to Get Rid of It Naturally
Sources
“The Basics of Heartburn and GERD,” WebMD; http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/heartburn-and-gerd#2-4, last accessed May 18, 2017.
Kim, S., “Sore Throat and Acid Reflux,” Healthline, November 18, 2015; http://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/sore-throat#overview1, last accessed May 18, 2017.