Most moms-to-be suffer from heart burn plague at some point of time in pregnancy. With all the difficulties and challenging times in pregnancy, having an additional problem of heart burn can be awful. The constant burping, nasty foul smelling taste in the mouth, and the feeling of hot acid rising up the chest can make pregnancy a dreadful phase.

Home Remedies to Treat Heart Burn During Early Pregnancy

Most women suffer from heart burn during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Sadly, many do not do anything about it and suffer this devil. Many fear taking medicines for heart burn as it is not safe for the fetus. However, you may be surprised to know that there are several quick home remedies to treat heart burn. Listed below are some you can try during early pregnancy.

1} Coconut Water

Coconut water is not just a cooling drink but also a natural acid neutralizer. Drinking coconut water is known to provide immediate relief for heart burn. Additionally, coconut water has all the essential nutrients to support the development of the growing fetus inside the womb.

2} Sauerkraut

You may be surprised to hear this, but sauerkraut and all other fermented products like kefir and pickles are known to be an effective remedy against heart burn. Once consumed they reduce acidity in no time. They also improve the health of your gut and stomach by providing beneficial bacteria to your digestive system.

3} Milk and Honey

Milk and honey is known to be an excellent remedy to treat heart burn immediately. Although rich in sugar, it neutralizes the stomach acid and return back the stomach pH levels to a normalized state.

4} Apple cider vinegar

Although an acid by itself, the acid content in apple cider vinegar signals the stomach to reduce the production of acid in the stomach. This stop the worsening of heart burn. It also neutralizes the existing acid in the stomach and chest.

5} Papaya

This delicious fruit is also a savior for heart burn. It contains the enzyme papain that neutralizes the acid content in the stomach and provides relief from heart burn. You can either eat the fruit papaya or purchase the chewable papaya enzyme readily available in the store.

6} Raw Almonds

These wonder nuts are an excellent remedy to treat heart burn. Almonds are rich in oil that reduces stomach acids and relieves you from heart burn symptoms.

7} Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that reduces acid and soothes the digestive tract. Both fennel seeds tea and fennel seed oil can be used as a treatment for heart burn. All you need to do is boil fennel seeds in water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. The water can then be sweetened and consumed early morning.

8} Fresh Lemon Water

Lemon is a miracle with it comes to acidity. Lemon juice increases the production of bile and digestive juices that aids digestion and balances stomach acids. Drinking fresh lemon water with honey can majorly relieve you from heart burn symptoms.

9} Peppermint

This is one remedy no one generally thinks of. But seriously, peppermint is a great remedy to treat heart burn in pregnancy. Peppermint tea or peppermint lozenges that don’t have sugar are considered the best during pregnancy.

10} Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a miracle plant that possesses numerous health benefits. Aloe Vera contains anti-inflammatory properties which reduces inflammation in the stomach, reduces acid reflex and heart burn. It can be consumed in the form of a gel or juice.

11} Plain water

There is no better remedy than plain water. Consistent intake of water flushes out toxins, reduces acid levels in the body and keep its hydrated. Drink plenty of water but do not gulp too much at once as due to the baby pushing your stomach upwards, there is chance of increased acid reflux.

Additional Tips to Reduce Heart Burn

Apart from these simple remedies, listed below are some simple tips to reduce and prevent heart burn in pregnancy.

1} Eat small meals

It is a misconception that you need to eat stomach full for yourself and the baby. But it is just the opposite. An over-full stomach can increase heart burn. Break your large meals into smaller meals. Make them more frequent than eating all at once.

2} Physical activity after meals

After every meal, ensure that you do a little physical activity to aid digestion quicker. Lying down or sitting for too long after a meal can push back the digestive acids upwards towards the esophagus.

3} Avoid eating right before bed time

Having a full meal and heading to bed directly soon after that is a major cause for heart burn. It is recommended not to eat at least 3 to 4 hours before going to bed.

4} Keep head and chest elevated while sleeping

Sleeping straight can cause an upward movement of stomach acid to the chest, esophagus, and throat. Pop up pillows and keep your chest and head elevated so that the stomach acid remains in the digestive system.

By making some simple lifestyle changes and adding more alkalizing diets to your daily routine helps balance hormonal changes and keeps heart burn under control. Avoid eating aggravating foods and bad lifestyle habits that can further worsen heart burn. By exercising caution and following a few simple home remedies, you can say goodbye to heart burn and enjoy your pregnancy.

References

http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/heartburn-during-pregnancy

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/basics/symptoms/con-20019545