[[File:Heartburn.JPG|thumb|Alt=|400px|left]]
== Causes and Symptoms ==
See also [[Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)]]<br>
* avoid large meals and eating too fast.
* Eat your last meal at least two to three hours before lying down.
* [[Chamomile ]] can ease digestive inflammation, spasms, and [[gas]].* glass of water Water : Instead of reaching for common ulcer medications, patients in a recent Greek study who drank a glass of water when experiencing heartburn found themselves experiencing relief much more quickly. Drinking water helps increase the level of pH in the body, reducing heartburn symptoms.
*Certain drinks can stimulate the release of more acids in the stomach. Beverages like tea, soda and coffee and other caffeinated beverages can increase your likelihood of getting heart burn and acid reflux that may result to indigestion. Drinking coffee and tea can be healthy, but try to keep it moderated and limit your intake to one to two servings in a day. But if you’re very prone to getting heartburn and GERD, it may be advisable to totally avoid these drinks.
* Meadowsweet seems to be an effective stomachic, which is used in the treatment of [[gastritis]], heartburn, hyperacidity, and [[Peptic Ulcers]].
* [[Slippery Elm]] was once a popular drugstore remedy for sore throats in North America. The herb was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia, a compendium of drug standards, until 1960.A member of the elm family, the slippery elm tree (Ulmus rubra muhl) grows primarily in the eastern region of North America.Slippery elm is a folk remedy that hasn’t yet been studied for heartburn. The inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that swells when it is mixed with water. The mucilage is thought to coat the esophagus and reduce irritation.
*[[Marshmallow]] : Like slippery elm, the herb marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) contains mucilage, which is thought to coat and soothe the lining of the esophagus. It is another folk remedy that is used for heartburn.
* [[Acupuncture]] is more effective than proton pump inhibitors
* Breath deeply and often : Deep breathing has been touted as a way to calm the nerves. However, it is also effective at reducing the amount of air that is swallowed. In addition, deep breathing can help strengthen the muscles that surround the sphincter that is located in the lower esophagus. This can be instrumental in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. This technique is quick and easy to do, and it can be completed in any place, at any time.
* Practice good posture : Slouching while standing can compact the stomach, reducing the amount of space for its contents and putting pressure on it. Other ways to help give the stomach unfettered room to digest its food include sleeping on either the right or left side, but not the stomach. Elevating the head and shoulders also seems to help people reduce the effects of heartburn.