What to take for heartburn? 8 tips for heartburn prevention

Heartburn is a burning sensation that feels like it is close to the heart, but is actually in the oesophagus, the swallowing tube that runs next to the heart. It is caused by acid reflux from the stomach.

Do you have bad digestion? What should you take for heartburn? There is a treatment, we tell you about it! In this article we will talk about what to take to relieve the annoying symptoms of heartburn. We also give you 9 simple and effective tips to prevent heartburn.

What is acidity?

Heartburn, also known as sour stomach, is a painful, burning sensation in the middle of the chest. This is caused by a reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus, which passes through the chest.

Heartburn can be an occasional symptom for many people, and a chronic condition for others that occurs frequently. When it is chronic, your doctor may diagnose it as GERD, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Who is affected by heartburn?

Occasional heartburn affects a large number of people and is most commonly caused by heavy or overly acidic food intake, pregnancy or extra abdominal pressure.

When heartburn occurs regularly, it is a symptom of chronic acid reflux, which is also very common nowadays. Risk factors for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are obesity and overweight, as well as smoking and exposure to smoke.

What to take for heartburn?

If you suffer from bloating, heavy digestions or heartburn, you know how annoying that feeling is. That’s why we’re going to talk about the different tools available to get rid of heartburn.

Prescription medicines

• Antacids: These are the fastest-acting heartburn relievers. They quickly neutralise stomach acid. Antacids should not be taken routinely or abused.
• H2 blockers: Block histamine, which causes the stomach to produce acid. They take longer to relieve heartburn than antacids, 30-45 minutes, but the relief will last longer, 4-10 hours. H2 blockers can be used to relieve mild to moderate heartburn, or to prevent heartburn when it is expected to occur (for example, they can be taken 30-60 minutes before a large meal). H2 blockers can also be combined with antacids for faster relief. H2 blockers should not be taken more than twice a day or for more than 2 weeks.
• PPIs or proton pump inhibitors: They reduce stomach acid by preventing certain cells from pumping acid into the stomach. They take 2-3 hours to work, but offer the longest lasting relief (12 and 24 hours). PPIs are the best choice for more frequent heartburn (more than twice a week), or when H2 blockers do not provide enough relief. They are most effective if taken daily for 14 days (no longer), about 30-60 minutes before the first meal of each day.

Supplements of natural origin

• Betaine with pepsin: A viable alternative to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids for treating heartburn and reflux. Betaine helps promote proper stomach acid production and improve nutrient absorption, thereby addressing the underlying causes of heartburn, as well as providing symptom relief.
• B vitamins: Some studies suggest that B vitamins, such as folate, riboflavin and vitamin B6, may help treat reflux and heartburn. One study found that increasing intake of several B vitamins was associated with a reduced risk of acid oesophagitis and reflux, a condition characterised by inflammation of the oesophagus caused by an acidic environment.
• Melatonin: It is effective and safe in people suffering from heartburn. One study showed that treating heartburn with melatonin improved symptoms and health-related quality of life, compared to subjects who took a placebo instead of melatonin. 
• Silica: Did you know that silica is the third most abundant trace element in the human body? It is suitable as an adjuvant to improve gastrointestinal symptoms caused by heartburn. In addition to food, there are supplements such as Original Silicium G7 1L Dynamised, organic silica with rapid and efficient assimilation, which will help you maintain adequate levels of silica.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are “good” bacteria that can be obtained through foods such as kefir, beverages such as kombucha and supplements in pill form. Probiotics can help treat a variety of medical problems, especially those related to the stomach and gut. This includes heartburn. The most recommended strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
• Ginger: Useful for various stomach ailments, including heartburn. It can be consumed as a spice in the preparation of dishes, as a drink by infusing ginger root or as a supplement. In some supplements it works well in combination with peppermint. 

8 tips to prevent heartburn

If you suffer from heartburn more often than you’d like, following these prevention tips will help you a lot.

• Reduce the amount of food.
• Eliminate foods and drinks that can cause heartburn: alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks, chocolate, fatty foods, citrus fruits and juices, garlic, onions, mint and spicy foods.
• Review current medications: Some medications may be aggravating heartburn.
• No smoking.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing around the waist.
• Avoid lying down within 3 hours after meals.
• If heartburn also occurs at night, raise the pillow about 15 cm.

Fighting heartburn is possible

Heartburn can be relieved with medication, natural supplements and lifestyle changes.

To prevent symptoms, it is important to change your daily habits: avoid common triggers such as fatty and spicy foods, eat dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime, don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight and remember to exercise regularly.

Gastrointestinal problems are usually treated through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. If symptoms of heartburn and reflux persist, a thorough evaluation by a medical professional specialised in the digestive system is required to find the underlying cause and choose the optimal treatment option in each case.