Skip to content

Ready to experience better health and well-being?

Subscribe
FacebookTwitterGoogle+Dribbble
Livewire Health and Nutrition
Nutrionist, Health and Well-being Sunshine Coast, Brisbane
Livewire Health and NutritionLivewire Health and Nutrition
  • Home
  • About
    • About Kylie
    • What is Nutrition all about?
    • How can we help you and your family?
  • My Programs
    • 28 Day Whole Food Cleanse
  • News
  • Resources
    • Schedule Appointment
    • Food Sensitivity Hair Testing
    • Easy School Lunches Plan, Healthy Lunchbox Guide
    • Start Your FREE 30-Second Healthy Eating Quiz
    • FREE Healthy Eating 7 Day Meal Plan
  • Contact
    • Book Appointment
Member Login
  • Home
  • About
    • About Kylie
    • What is Nutrition all about?
    • How can we help you and your family?
  • My Programs
    • 28 Day Whole Food Cleanse
  • News
  • Resources
    • Schedule Appointment
    • Food Sensitivity Hair Testing
    • Easy School Lunches Plan, Healthy Lunchbox Guide
    • Start Your FREE 30-Second Healthy Eating Quiz
    • FREE Healthy Eating 7 Day Meal Plan
  • Contact
    • Book Appointment

Three Easy Ways to Beat Heartburn

You are here:
  1. Home
  2. News Blog
  3. Three Easy Ways to Beat…
News BlogWomen's Healthman with heartburn holding chest

Can you help heartburn with food and lifestyle? 

 

The odds are that you or someone you know experiences heartburn. Today I’ll share three easy ways to beat heartburn naturally, but first let’s cover the facts. 

 

Around half of Australian and New Zealand adults experience it at least once per month. 

Somewhere between 10-20% have it at least once per week! 

Heartburn, also known as reflux, occurs when the strong acid in your stomach creeps up into your oesophagus. 

It can feel like a burning sensation; hence the name “heartburn.” 

Other common symptoms include bloating, burping, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat. 

Often there is a bitter or sour taste as well.

 

Now here’s something you may not know… stomach acid is actually a good thing!  

Stomach acid is essential for good health and optimal digestion. 

 

We need the acid in our stomach to protect us against harmful microbes (i.e. bacteria) that lurk in our food and drinks. Stomach acid also helps us break down our food, and digest nutrients. But we need that acid to stay in the stomach, and not get up to our oesophagus!

 

Stomach acid doesn’t usually burn the stomach itself; this is because the stomach is protected by a layer of mucus.

 

But your oesophagus doesn’t have that same protection. It has a valve that is supposed to prevent things from going the wrong way (i.e. keep food, drink, and acid down; not allow it back up). And when your oesophagus is exposed to stomach acid too often, it can cause the infamous burning, inflammation, and other potential issues.

 

I’m going to share a my top tips that may help you overcome your heartburn symptoms naturally. 

 

Of course, if symptoms last for a long time, or get worse, it’s probably a good idea to see your doctor.

 

Also FYI…

 

PPI’s or Proton Pump Inhibitors such as Nexium are one of the most over prescribed drugs in Australia.

 

They are designed to be used only in the short term for 2-8 weeks but it’s not uncommon for people to be on them for months and even YEARS!

 

Long term use can put you at increased risk of serious kidney disease, bone fractures, nutrient deficiencies (namely B12, iron and magnesium) and dementia, so please talk to your doctor about whether this is still an appropriate medication for you. 

Anyway…back on track!

 

Three Easy Ways To Beat Heartburn

Tip #1 – Foods to eat (and avoid)

 

You may notice that when you eat or drink certain things, you get heartburn soon afterward. These triggers may be different for everyone; but often include onions, garlic, chocolate, citrus, tomato, mint, spicy foods, greasy foods, coffee, carbonated drinks, or alcohol.

If any of these affect you, reduce them or even try cutting them out to see if it makes a difference.

 

Heartburn might also result from a sneaky food intolerance.

Using a Food Sensitivity Test can be a game changer in identifying exactly what you’re reacting to. 

 

Now, you may be wondering: “If I eliminate these foods/drinks, then what can I put in their place?”

Try increasing fibre intake.

Yes, this means more whole, unprocessed foods, especially veggies! 

 

In fact, the humble potato may be a great addition to meals if you suffer from heartburn.

Try getting at least five servings of veggies every day.

 

Tip #2 – How and when to eat

 

Eat slowly. Use meal times to release stress. Chew your food very well.

Don’t eat meals and portions that are too big.

Don’t eat too close to bedtime. You want to avoid lying down with a full stomach.

We’re talking finishing eating 2-3 hours before lying down, so schedule your dinner or snack with this in mind.

 

Tip #3 – Lifestyle techniques

 

Sometimes strenuous exercise can make heartburn symptoms worse. If this happens to you, then focus on low-intensity exercises like walking and cycling.

 

If symptoms come on as you’re lying down to sleep, try adding a pillow or two so your head is a bit higher than your stomach.

 

Another interesting tip is to try sleeping on your left side. Lying on your left side works because the valve that prevents the acid from “leaking” into your oesophagus is located on the right side of the stomach. So, when you’re lying on your left, the acid is away from that valve.

Conclusion

 

Heartburn is a very common condition where stomach acid creeps up into the oesophagus (where it’s not supposed to be).

If you suffer from symptoms of heartburn, there are many things you can do.

There are foods and drinks to avoid and veggies to increase.

You can eat slower, chew more thoroughly, and don’t lie down within 2-3 hours of eating.

Also, try low-intensity exercise and sleeping on your left side. 

 

Try these simple, natural strategies. They can help prevent or relieve heartburn symptoms for you.

Twice Cooked Heartburn Friendly Baked Potato

 

Serves 4

1 small bag of new or baby potatoes

4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Scrub potatoes and boil them until they’re soft. How long will depend on their size, so check them by feeling how easily they’re penetrated with a fork or knife.

Drain the water and toss the potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.

Place in a roasting dish at 200C for about 15 minutes.

Serve & enjoy!

Tip: Don’t have baby potatoes? Use large potatoes or sweet potatoes and chop them to the size of baby potatoes.

Categories: News Blog, Women's HealthBy Kylie Pinwill

Author: Kylie Pinwill

https://livewirenutrition.com.au

Nutritionist

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:5 Natural Ways to Deal with BloatingNextNext post:Mindfulness and Meditation…Do They Really Work?

Related Posts

woman working on laptop at home
Survival Guide for Working From Home
March 25, 2020
balancing pebbles
Mindfulness and Meditation…Do They Really Work?
December 13, 2019
man with heartburn holding chest
Three Easy Ways to Beat Heartburn
December 13, 2019
naturally bloated stomach
5 Natural Ways to Deal with Bloating
November 15, 2019
stressed out woman
How Stress Can Mess With Your Health
November 15, 2019
10 Simple Steps to Healthy Eating
November 7, 2019
  • Quick and Easy Egg Muffins recipe
    Quick and easy egg muffins
    June 20, 2018
  • A glass of banana berry smoothie next to a bowl of berries
    Coconut Banana Berry Smoothie
    June 20, 2018
  • Healthy burgers
    June 20, 2018
  • Chicken Nuggets – gluten free and dairy free
    June 20, 2018
  • Chicken and Vegetable Patties
    Salmon Patties
    June 20, 2018
  • Homemade Blueberry Muffins
    Homemade Blueberry Muffins – Quick and Easy Recipe
    July 31, 2017
  • school lunchboxes nuts
    Trail Mix – with a nut free option
    June 20, 2018
  • Rice Paper Rolls
    Nori Rolls or Rice Paper Rolls
    June 20, 2018
  • Choc Chip Oat Cookies
    Choc Chip Oat Cookies Recipe
    October 9, 2017
Are you ready to take control of your health?

JOIN NOW
Healthy Families Program Eating Healthy Online Program for your Family
START TODAY
28 Day Reset Weight Loss Program for Mums
JOIN WAITLIST
Healthy Natural Kids Program, Supporting the well-being of our children

Recipes
  • Chicken Nuggets – gluten free and dairy free
    June 20, 2018
  • Rice Paper Rolls
    Nori Rolls or Rice Paper Rolls
    June 20, 2018
  • Quick and Easy Egg Muffins recipe
    Quick and easy egg muffins
    June 20, 2018
  • Choc Chip Oat Cookies
    Choc Chip Oat Cookies Recipe
    October 9, 2017