acidity (or heartburn) is a problem that you will surely know about. It manifests itself with a burning sensation that occurs in the chest, under the sternum, and goes up to the throat. It occurs when stomach acids come into contact with the lining of the esophagus and irritate it.. It causes a lot of discomfort and, if it occurs frequently, it alters the quality of life of the individuals who suffer from it. There are different types of heartburn: episodic (occurs from time to time), frequent and persistent. The cause of the latter two is usually gastroesophageal reflux.
40% of the population will suffer from an episode of gastroesophageal reflux in their lifetime
“Reflux is a normal thing that happens several times a day in healthy people. When it causes symptoms such as heartburn or heartburn, regurgitation of stomach contents, hoarseness, or other complications, it is classified as gastroesophageal reflux disease.”, said Dr. Manuel Rodríguez-Téllez, a specialist in the digestive system and an expert from the Spanish Society of Digestive Pathology (SEPD). Reflux disease affects about 16% of the population.
habit changes
This disease can be treated with proton pump inhibitor drugs that suppress gastric secretion (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole). In addition to appropriate drug treatment under medical supervision, some changes in habits are also recommended, such as weight loss, since obesity produces more pressure on the abdomen; not being satiated at meals; maintain a diet without excess fat, chocolate, coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco and soft drinks; raise the head of the bed, since the secretion of saliva facilitates the washing of the acid in the esophagus.
If you suspect that you may have reflux disease, go to the doctor to prescribe the most appropriate treatment.. If what happens to you is that, only from time to time, you suffer from episodic heartburn, you can resort to a plant infusion to relieve it.
In this sense, we must not forget that natural does not mean that it is innocuous, so if you are pregnant, lactating or taking any medication, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any infusion or supplement against heartburn.
The most used plants
–Basil: Improves digestion because it stimulates the production of saliva. It also helps to inhibit substances that can cause inflammation in the digestive system and increase burning.
–Cinnamon: Although it is not frequently used, it is considered a natural antacid, since its composition increases saliva production and the secretion of gastric juices.
–Chamomile: It is the most common plant that we usually turn to when we have digestive problems. Protects the gastric mucosa, is antispasmodic and relaxing.
–Mint: It produces a refreshing sensation in the throat and, in addition, thanks to its calming and relaxing properties, it helps to alleviate heartburn symptoms when they appear.
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