Home Remedies for Heartburn and Gastritis

Fourteen to 20 percent of American adults have at least occasional heartburn. The medical name, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), describes the basic problem—a backwash of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. Normally, a band of muscle at the end of the esophagus (the lower esophageal sphincter) prevents this reverse movement. Thanks to that sphincter, most people can eat and stand on their head without heartburn.

The causes of GERD include laxity of the lower esophageal sphincter, slow emptying of the stomach, obesity, and hiatal hernia (a condition whereby the upper stomach slides above the diaphragm, a dome of muscle that normally separates the lungs from the stomach and intestines). Pregnant women may develop heartburn due to the pressure exerted by the developing fetus.

The typical symptoms of GERD, usually worse after meals, are burning pain behind the breastbone and occasional nausea. Reflux that occurs during the night can fracture sleep (even when people aren’t aware of the burning). If acidic material ascends high enough, it can cause coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, dental erosion, and worsened asthma.

After a doctor diagnoses GERD, he or she will usually recommend lifestyle modifications. Two important strategies are eating smaller meals and staying upright for a few hours after eating. People can also elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) by slipping blocks or large books under the mattress. Although sleeping on a second pillow keeps the head elevated, in back sleepers, that position can compress the abdomen, causing reflux.

Because excess abdominal fat creates pressure against the stomach, causing reflux, doctors recommend their overweight patients slim down. Studies show that weight loss can resolve GERD. In addition, stay away from tobacco smoke, which worsens GERD.

Recipes To Prevent And Treat Heartburn

Lemon Zesty Squash
Zesting requires care: This part of the lemon—the outermost skin—has a zingy citrus flavor without being bitter. Breaking into the white pith just below will bring out the bitterness. 2 large organic lemons, washed and dried 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil 1½ teaspoons (8 ml) fresh lemon juice ¹∕8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups (240 g) chopped zucchini ¼ cup (10 g) chopped fresh basil 1½ tablespoons (6 g) crushed fresh oregano
Preparation and use:
With a lemon grater or zester, zest (remove the outermost skin) the lemons; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper. Set aside. Steam the zucchini for about 10 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl while still warm. Drizzle the oil mixture over it. Add lemon zest, basil, and oregano and toss. Serve warm.
Yield: 4 servings
How it works: 
Citrus peels contain D-limonene, a naturally occurring chemical that provides the characteristic flavor and fragrance. Taking limonene as a supplement has been shown to reduce heartburn. Exactly how it works isn’t known. Limonene may protect the esophagus from stomach acids and increase normal motility of the esophagus.

E-ssential Breakfast 
This delicious mix contains vitamin E and plant chemicals to stave off stomach acid. 1 tablespoon (15 ml) canola oil 1 medium-size sweet onion, diced 1 block (14 ounces, or 390 g) firm tofu, cut into small cubes 1 cup (100 g) pitted and sliced black olives ¹∕8 teaspoon turmeric ¹∕8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon (3 g) chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons (18 g) sunflower seeds
Preparation and use:
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Braise the onion until tender and translucent. Stir in the tofu and olives and continue to cook, stirring and sprinkling with the turmeric and pepper, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss in the basil and sunflower seeds. Serve.
Yield: 4 servings
How it works:
Turmeric contains the antiinflammatory and antioxidant compound curcumin. In lab experiments, curcumin reduces esophageal inflammation. The outer rings and peel of onion contain the flavonoid quercetin. Quercetin combined with the vitamin E—found in canola oil, sunflower seeds, and olives—has been shown in experiments to reduce stomach acid and esophageal inflammation.

Oatmeal and Slippery Elm Porridge 
The inner bark of the slippery elm has been used as a traditional treatment for gastrointestinal flare-ups. 1 cup (235 ml) water ½ cup (40 g) rolled oats ¼ cup (about 13 g) slippery elm bark powder ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Honey, stevia, or agave nectar
Preparation and use:
Boil the water in a saucepan. Add the oats, slippery elm bark powder, and cinnamon. Stir until the oatmeal is cooked, adding more water as needed. Sweeten to taste.
Yield: 1 to 2 servings
How it works: 
Slippery elm and oatmeal are anti-inflammatory and soothing to irritated mucous membranes—in this case, those lining the lower esophagus. In addition to containing mucilaginous substances, slippery elm can stimulate gastrointestinal mucus secretion. (Mucus coats and protects all mucous membranes.) You can find powdered slippery elm in natural food stores.

Chamomile, Peppermint, and Licorice Tea 
1½ cups (355 ml) water 1 teaspoon (1 g) dried chamomile flowers or the contents of a chamomile tea bag 1 teaspoon (1 g) dried peppermint leaves ¼ teaspoon licorice root, or ¼ teaspoon aniseeds or fennel seeds  
Preparation and use:
Boil the water in a saucepan. Turn off the heat. Add the herbs. Cover and steep 20 minutes. Strain and sip.  
Yield: 1 to 2 servings
How it works:
Chamomile, peppermint, and licorice relieve symptoms of indigestion. Chamomile and licorice are anti-inflammatory. Peppermint speeds emptying of the stomach and reduces pain. Do not use licorice daily for more than two weeks. Long-term use can cause water retention, lower potassium, and elevate blood pressure. Occasional use is fine. If you have high blood pressure or take a diuretic, use anise or fennel instead.

When Simple Doesn’t Work 
Melatonin, better known as a hormone that regulates sleep, also affects the gut. Some of the effects protect the esophagus, stimulate the lower esophageal sphincter to contract, and diminish stomach acidity. Animal studies show melatonin protects the esophagus from the harmful effects of stomach acid. However, human studies of using melatonin for this purpose are preliminary. As mentioned earlier, one study found that a product containing melatonin and other natural supplements more effectively relieved GERD symptoms than did the drug omeprazole (Prilosec). Discuss melatonin supplementation with your doctor first, especially if you’re taking medications. Mild symptoms of GERD may be relieved by over-the-counter antacids. The Food and Drug Administration has approved some H2 blockers (a type of acid-decreasing medication) for over-the-counter use for up to two weeks. For more severe conditions, doctors typically prescribe a different type of acidblocking medication called proton pump inhibitors. In addition to relieving symptoms, the goal is to prevent the damaging effects of re- fluxed stomach acids, such as sore throat, damage to tooth enamel, and esophageal inflammation (which, over the long term, can scar and even cause cancer in the esophagus).

When to Call the Doctor 
• You have yet to be evaluated for hear tburn and have symptoms more than twice a week.
• You develop signs of extension of r eflux to your throat and mouth (sore throat, sinusitis, or loss of tooth enamel).
• Acid reflux causes you to awaken repeatedly during the night.
• You develop severe pain in your upper abdomen.
• You vomit blood or material that r esembles coffee grounds.
• You aren’t sure whether your chest pain is from heartburn or a heart attack. The pain of heartburn tends to be sharp and burning; heart attack more often causes a feeling of chest tightness and pressure, as well as dizziness, sweating, and shortness of breath. However, the two can be difficult to distinguish. If you suspect a heart attack, dial 911.