Heartburn: Chewing gum and sauerkraut help with suffering
Created: 08/31/2022, 08:00
By: Laura Knops
Heartburn and an irritated esophagus can have various causes.
Home remedies such as chewing gum and sauerkraut are said to help against the symptoms.
If the stomach acid rises up the esophagus, it can cause an extremely uncomfortable feeling in the throat and pharynx.
Heartburn permanently irritates the mucous membranes.
The result is frequent belching, pain with every sip and nausea.
Home remedies are often recommended as an antidote.
But what really helps with heartburn?
Heartburn: Chewing gum and sauerkraut help with suffering
Heartburn permanently irritates the mucous membranes.
Home remedies are often recommended as an antidote.
(Iconic image) © AndreyPopov/Imago
Heartburn can have many different causes.
Greasy food, nicotine, coffee, chocolate and alcohol, but also stress and worry can irritate the stomach and lead to increased production of gastric acid.
If this rises from the upper abdomen to the neck and pharynx, it is usually quite uncomfortable.
The stomach acid attacks the sensitive mucous membranes and causes pain.
Heartburn is therefore often associated with a burning sensation in this area and acid and bitter regurgitation.
If the symptoms occur regularly or last a few weeks, it is worth going to the doctor.
In this case, a gastroscopy can provide information about the extent and causes.
Various medications offer quick help.
Gastric acid blockers are often prescribed for heartburn.
Although these are very effective, they also harbor risks.
Anyone who only occasionally suffers from the symptoms should therefore first take a look at the medicine cabinet.
There are also some home remedies that can help with heartburn.
Heartburn: These home remedies help with pain and nausea
Anyone who suffers from heartburn from time to time can stimulate salivation by chewing gum intensively.
The liquid released in the throat and pharynx frees the esophagus from aggressive acid.
The flow of saliva dilutes the acid in the esophagus and transports it down to the stomach with every gulp.
The saliva is also slightly alkaline, which means that small amounts of stomach acid can be neutralized.
However, those affected should be careful when choosing chewing gum, because not every type is tolerated equally.
Chewing gum with peppermint and menthol should be avoided.
One of the more unusual home remedies is sauerkraut.
Just a few bites of raw cabbage can relieve the painful burning sensation.
The only side effect: there is a risk of a bloated stomach and flatulence.
Heartburn: first aid from the medicine chest
If you want to relieve your symptoms without any medication, you can draw from the large repertoire of the home remedy pharmacy.
The following tips can help to neutralize the rising stomach acid:
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Potatoes: The starch contained in potatoes binds excess stomach acid.
But other starchy foods, such as dry white bread, rusks, bananas, and rice cakes, can also relieve symptoms.
Alginate: The active ingredient from blue-green algae inhibits the gastric juice from rising up into the esophagus
Sleeping position: When sleeping, try to position your upper body so that it is higher.
This prevents stomach acid from rising.
Number of meals: Several small meals throughout the day are better for heartburn than two or three large ones.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.