Does Water Help Heartburn? Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Does Water Help Heartburn Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Ever felt that burning feeling in your chest area? This phenomenon is called heartburn. It is a common health condition experienced by many men and women. It feels like there is a nagging pain in the chest behind the breastbone. It gets worse during the evening, after eating, or when bending or lying down. Apart from that, it is also denoted by a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth. Now, before you panic, you should know that heartburn is, most often than not, common and not a cause for alarm. In fact, most people alleviate the symptoms and risks of heartburn by simply changing their lifestyle or taking nonprescription medications.

As mentioned above, heartburn is a common medical condition. In fact, this health condition affects 60 million Americans per month and 20 to 30 percent worldwide. Occasional heartburn, that is, is normal. Still, even though heartburn generally does not entail serious health complications, it can sometimes lead to more serious health problems. So, when should you see a doctor? You should be wary of your symptoms and monitor them from time to time. For one, if you are feeling severe chest pain or pressure, experiencing pain the in the arm or jaw, or having difficulty breathing —then it is in your best interest to consult a doctor immediately. Apart from those, you should also take note of the following: its frequency, difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea or vomiting, or weight loss either due to poor appetite or difficulty eating.

In this article, we will discuss deeply what heartburn is. Then, we will talk about its various causes, signs and symptoms, natural treatments and remedies, as well as several lifestyle changes you can make to lessen or alleviate the symptoms of heartburn. Moreover, we will also talk about GERD, acid reflux, and other related health conditions. And then finally, we will tackle if drinking water does help ease the pain of heartburn.

Causes of Heartburn

To expound further, heartburn occurs when the stomach acid gets transported back into the tube called the esophagus. Normally, when you swallow food, a stack of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus, otherwise called the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes wherein food passes through, along with the liquid, and reaches the stomach. Right shortly, the muscle tightens again until another food is transported.

Does Water Help Heartburn Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux

However, in some instances, the lower esophageal sphincter does not execute this mechanism of "tightening" and "relaxing." As such, when the lower muscles of the esophagus weaken or relaxes abnormally, the acid in the stomach acid flow back up into the esophagus, also called acid reflux, and causes heartburn. Basically, it happens whenever the acid backs up in the esophagus. This is the tube that carries the food that we eat up to the stomach.

Some foods and drinks can trigger heartburn. It includes spicy foods, citrus, onions, and tomato products. For some, eating fatty foods, chocolate, and peppermint prompts heartburn. Finally, coffee, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can hinder for some to enjoy holidays.

Meanwhile, being pregnant or overweight increases one's risk of experiencing heartburn.

Signs and Symptoms of Heartburn

There are various signs and symptoms of heartburn. For one, you can feel a nagging and discomforting pain in your chest. This usually happens right after eating. Some can experience this at night time. Moreover, there is an acidic or bitter taste in your mouth. Finally, the pain worsens when you bend or lay down in your bed.

If you are experiencing severe pain in the chest, then it is best to see a doctor immediately. Some people may also feel pain in their jaw and arm. Others can have difficulty breathing. If the issue is neglected, these symptoms can lead to a heart attack.

As previously stated above, take note of the following symptoms so you'll know when exactly to see your doctor:

  • More than twice a week of heartburn

  • Burning pain in the chest despite taking over-the-counter drugs

  • Painful experience when swallowing

  • Vomiting or nausea

  • Difficulty eating

  • Poor appetite or extreme weight loss

If heartburn often occurs and disrupts your daily routine, you might develop Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD). GERD may require treatment and sometimes operation. It can damage the esophagus, and recovery can be challenging. Furthermore, it may become a cause for concern for digestive and kidney diseases.

What is gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)?

Repeated backflow or reflux of acid from the stomach into the food pipe or mouth is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In essence, this is a digestive disorder since it messes up primarily with your digestive tract. Many people experience acid reflux more frequently than what is deemed normal. It happens over and over again that it develops chronic acid reflux condition —which, in return, causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Just like normal heartburn, most people try to alleviate the symptoms by changing their lifestyle or daily routine and taking certain medications. Occasionally, some people experience severe symptoms that they need to undergo surgery, like gastrointestinal endoscopy, to lessen the pain.

Three conditions can cause Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

  • Poor color of the lower part of the esophagus (food pipe)

  • Too much acid in the stomach

  • Delayed stomach emptying

The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that controls the passage of food between the esophagus (food pipe) and stomach. Sometimes, this muscle doesn't close totally, driving the acid production from the stomach to flow again into the esophagus or throat. This abnormal condition is called gastroesophageal reflux or heartburn. 

The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux consist of a sour taste in the mouth, a dry cough, and a burning sensation in the throat. It might sometimes cause acid reflux (pain in the upper abdomen and chest that occasionally feels like an individual has a heart attack). Ultimately, if these symptoms become repetitive and severe, or simply, frequent acid reflux happens, it becomes what is called the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Treatment for Heartburn

Heartburn can be treated easily by changing your lifestyle. Eat certain foods to prevent acid reflux. To make it more heartburn-friendly, pair your food with certain beverages and drinks that help enhance your digestive process. Perform simple steps to avoid it like the tips included below:

Natural Remedies

When the symptoms of heartburn strike, you can find immediate relief with the food and drinks at your home. You don't need to get prescription medications right away or other types of medicine to relieve heartburn. Check out these easy and natural remedies below:

Almonds

Does Water Help Heartburn Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Almonds are not just a good snack, but it also aids in relieving heartburn. Many patients testify that they experience significant changes in their bodies as they eat almonds consistently. Also, eating almonds can prevent you from taking other food, which is bad for the body.  

Aloe Vera

The use of Aloe Vera is common in treating sunburns. But amazingly, this is also an effective remedy to treat heartburn. Just drink a glass of Aloe Vera juice to calm your esophagus. This can limit inflammation and avoid irritation in the long run. Since this is a natural remedy, it does not aggravate acid reflux.

Apple or Banana

Eating a banana or an apple a day will keep the heartburn away. These fruits contain natural antacids that can relieve and prevent the onset of acid reflux. It can also prevent other symptoms of heartburn too.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Does Water Help Heartburn Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux

People may be hesitant to take apple cider vinegar at first. But acid reflux is due to a condition wherein there is not enough acid in your stomach. The best method to introduce acid into your belly once again is by taking apple cider vinegar. You can put it as dressing in the salad, which tastes good. Plus, apple cider is also conducive to losing weight and prevent stomach bulges. All in all, this is a good component to add in your diet.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a high pH level on it. As such, it helps in neutralizing the acid in the stomach. Whenever the acid rises from the stomach and esophagus, the baking soda does its magic by stopping the acid. You can swallow a teaspoon of baking soda. Or you can dilute it in water whenever you are in pain.

Coconut Water

Drinking unsweetened coconut water can help people who experience acid reflux. It contains helpful electrolytes like potassium. This can promote the balance of the pH level in the body. It aids in controlling the symptoms of acid reflux.

Chamomile Tea

To help balance the acid level in your belly, you can try drinking chamomile tea. Take this before going to bed and feel the soothing relief in your body.

Chewing Gum

Does Water Help Heartburn Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Amazingly, chewing gum can help one with their heartburn. As you chew the gum, it aids in the production of saliva. The excess saliva that you swallow can aid in diluting and clearing the acid from your stomach. This can relieve your pain and reduce the symptoms in the long run.

As mentioned, chewing gum is known to accelerate saliva production in our mouth. In line with that, there is a study that states chewing gum helps lessen the risk of heartburn since an "increased" saliva production helps promote swallowing in general. As a result, you are able to keep acid down and neutralize the acid that your stomach makes, preventing it from getting sent back into your esophagus in its most "acidic" form. But of course, eating any other gum won't also do your health good, so make sure it's sugar-free!

Fermented Foods

Take fermented foods that work wonders for your digestive system. An example of this is kimchi. This type of food is alkaline. The process of fermentation allows the breaking down of raw vegetables into peptides and amino acids.
With this, the pH level of the food rises. It can also produce a strong ammoniacal smell. Fermented foods like kimchi can relieve stomach inflammation. It can heal as well as the lining of the stomach.

Ginger Tea

Drinking ginger tea can help in many health issues, including heartburn. For years, it has been used as a remedy to treat motion sickness. It is also used as an alternative medicine to improve blood circulation.
Ginger tea is proven to boost the immune system. It wards off heart disease and helps the body fight bacterial infections. Place a few slices of ginger in a cup for around 10 to 20 minutes. After that, drink it while it’s hot. The ginger tea will help calm your upset tummy. In the long run, it can also stop the condition from occurring once again.

Mustard

Another must-take alkaline food is mustard. It contains minerals and acids from vinegar. A spoonful of mustard can aid in mild acid reflux. It can balance the pH level in the body too.

Yogurt

Does Water Help Heartburn Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Dairy products are known to reduce heartburn symptoms. Eat yogurt once a day, and you can put some honey on it.

The Truth about Drinking Water during an Acid Reflux

Heartburn is due to the flow of the acid in the stomach back into the esophagus. Drinking water can provide relief. It can raise the pH level of the stomach. It can dilute the acid. Also, it can clear out the esophagus.

The pH level of water is neutral, which can raise the pH level of acidic food.

Recently, there is a buzz about drinking alkaline water and its promise to help ease heartburn. Alkaline has a higher pH level and lower acidity. According to some people, it can neutralize the acid and relieve the symptoms.

Drinking alkaline water will indeed neutralize the liquid for a few minutes only. However, it will not solve the main reason why there is acid in the stomach. Furthermore, drinking too much water can mess with the balance of the minerals in the body. As such, it can most likely increase the chances of experiencing acid reflux.

If you wish to consider alkaline water to treat heartburn, talk to your doctor first. Make sure to partner it with other remedies to solve the signs and symptoms right away.

Water likewise blends well with fiber in your stomach. This not just aids control of your craving, so you don't consume a lot of food, but on the other hand, it's a decent way of absorbing excess stomach acid. That way, the acid will not spill up to your esophagus, creating that terrible burning sensation and numerous different symptoms.

Subsequently, consuming food sources rich in fiber in blend with some water is an incredible way to fight heartburn symptoms.

Does drinking hot water help heartburn?

Drinking hot water can aid in soothing your stomach, help digestion, and lessen the symptoms of GERD and acid reflux. As mentioned, water dilutes acids in the stomach, keeping the acid from rising to your esophagus, which is the leading cause of acid reflux. Also, drinking water before and after waking guarantees proper hydrating, which is vital for wellbeing.

How does hot water help with heartburn?

Restarts metabolism and speeds up digestion

This implies that the food sources making your stomach indigestion will be eliminated from your body quicker, preventing additional severe and uneasy symptoms from forming. Continuously ensure that the water isn't hot, however, as it can worsen your acid reflux symptoms.
Helps flush out toxins
A cup of warm water helps flush out toxins that store in your body throughout the day. These toxins can harm your esophagus, even more, worsening your acid reflux in the long run. Thus, ending your day with a glass of warm water may be advantageous in more than one manner.
Protection from free radicals
Adding honey to warm water is a popular mixture to drink every night. Honey is a well-known antioxidant and helps protect cells from free radicals. These free radicals may cause acid reflux because they can harm the lining in your esophagus, resulting in inflammation. Thus, adding some honey to warm water may reduce inflammation and soothe the burning sensation. 

Can lemon water help with heartburn?

Lemon is an acidic substance. However, many individuals trust it can help with diminishing acid reflux or heartburn. Does it work, and is it safe?

As per a 2012 survey, lemon juice has a report used in Eastern and Western practices to help digestion and gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux. 

Nonetheless, there is no research to propose that it works. Indeed, due to its acidity, lemon juice could worsen acid reflux. 

A few sources say that lemon water has an alkalizing impact, implying that it can neutralize stomach acid, diminishing indigestion. In any case, this isn't backed by research. 

Lemon juice is acidic, with a pH of 3, while water has a pH of around 7, neutral. This implies it is neither acidic nor alkaline. 

Specific individuals might find that drinking a glass of lemon water can work on their reflux. An acidic fluid, such as lemon water, could even worsen their symptoms for other people.

How do you use lemon water for acid reflux?

Again, there is no research to back up that lemon water will diminish the side effects of acid reflux. If an individual still prefers to try this home remedy, they can think about the option below: 

  • Mix 1 tablespoon (tbsp) of fresh lemon juice with 8 ounces (oz) of water. If it tastes too strong, add less lemon juice at first. Always dilute lemon juice with water to lessen its acidity.

  • Some people drink lemon water 20–30 minutes before each meal to prevent acid reflux from happening.

  • Drink a small amount at first and observe how the body reacts. Slowly graduate up to a full glass if fitting.

  • Drink lemon water with a straw since the acid in the juice can damage teeth and enamel.

    Change Lifestyle

    Apart from eating the recommended food and drinks above-mentioned, there are also a few lifestyle changes that you should try. It includes avoiding a few treats, wearing the right clothes, and listening to your body. Check out the tips below:

    Does Water Help Heartburn Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux

    Avoid Alcohol and Nicotine

    One step to start your journey toward lifestyle changes is by limiting, or if possible, stopping your vices.When one smokes or drinks alcoholic beverages, the body relaxes. With this, it makes the valve that separates the esophagus and the stomach relax. Now, the acid can escape the stomach and trigger reflux. You can experience vomiting and stomach pain as you smoke and binge drink.

    Avoid Eating Spicy Foods

    When you eat a hot pepper, you can experience that your tongue burns. The same is true with your stomach. The burning sensation can trigger the symptoms of acid reflux in your belly. This can cause discomfort and pain.
    Avoid eating hot peppers, wasabi paste, cayenne, red chili pepper flakes, and chili powder altogether.

    Change your Eating Habits

    Apart from being conscious of what you eat, it is also advisable to be aware of when and how you eat it. Eat smaller meals and do it frequently. As you eat larger meals, it will only put pressure on your stomach. Eat five to six meals a day instead of eating three large meals.
    Do not eat quickly. Put your fork or spoon down every after a bite to help you eat slowly.
    Make sure not to skip breakfast or lunch. This can cause overeating throughout the day. Do not eat midnight snacks because this can cause heartburn. Eating snacks before bedtime can be tempting, but you must avoid them to stop experiencing stomach pains in the middle of the night.
    When eating, make sure to maintain an upright position. Do not lie down two to three hours after eating. If you like relaxing on your couch and watch the TV after dinner, do so by sitting with your head elevated. You can also watch your favorite program standing for a few minutes until the food is digested by the body.

    Do Not Eat Chocolate or Drink Citrus Juices

    Make sure not to eat chocolate whenever you have an upset stomach. Chocolates contain cocoa and caffeine, which can increase the symptoms of acid reflux.
    The same is true with drinking citrus juices. Grapefruits and oranges are highly acidic and can trigger acid reflux.

    Lose Weight

    The more weight you have, there is more pressure on your internal organs. This is true for your stomach. In the long run, your weight can loosen the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. As such, the acid can escape, which prompts heartburn.  

    Pay Attention to Your Body

    We all have unique bodies. Not all food will be a trigger of heartburn. One of the effective ways to avoid acid reflux is to listen to your body. Identify your triggers and stay away from them.

    Sleep with your Body Elevated or an Incline  

    When you stand, the acid remains at the bottom of your belly. But when you lay down at night, the acid will slosh around. It will extend from one part of your stomach to the other. As such, there is an increased chance of acid escaping.
    But when you sleep on an incline, acid reflux will be prevented.
    You can do this by elevating the head of your bed frame. If it’s not possible, put a sleeping wedge between the mattress and the box spring. Use a back wedge to elevate your legs while you sleep.

    Take Licorice Supplements

    One of the many folk remedies that you can try is the licorice root. It helps to increase the mucous coating of the lining of the esophagus. As such, it protects it from damage caused by the acid.
    One licorice supplement that you can try is the Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). But be sure to consult your doctor first before taking this supplement. This is because it can interfere with medication, raise blood pressure, and lower potassium levels.

    Take Over-the-Counter Medications

    Today, various over-the-counter drugs can help you manage the symptoms of heartburn. It is divided into three categories: the H2 blockers, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
    The H2 blockers plus the PPIs can reduce the secretion of the acid in the stomach. It can aid in preventing and reducing the symptoms of heartburn. Meanwhile, antacids can help neutralize stomach acid.

    Wear Loose Clothes

    Wearing tight clothes as you sleep will press your stomach and make the acid rise. This is true for those people who love wearing belts, tight jeans, and corsets at the bed. As such, try wearing loose clothes that will not compress your belly.

    Conclusion

    Does Water Help Heartburn Best Natural Remedy For Heartburn and Acid Reflux

    In sum, when heartburn hits, there are many natural and over-the-counter remedies that you can try to ease the pain. Drinking water can help with the immediate relief of the symptoms. However, this might not be an effective remedy to solve the issue in the long run.

    Adjust your lifestyle to feel long-term relief from your health condition. Watch your diet, change your lifestyle, and talk to your doctor.

    If you are experiencing heartburn more than two times a week, it is best to seek professional help immediately. It might be a symptom of a bigger health problem. Go to a doctor so the issue can be solved right away.



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