HOW TO GET RID OF HEARTBURN FAST AT NIGHT
How to get rid of heartburn fast at night!
In this post I’m going to share with you the best natural remedies to fight heartburn fast.
We’ll cover the main known triggers and the small changes to your lifestyle that can have a huge impact on the persistence of symptoms.
I’ll also share the best essential oils that can support your overall digestive system.
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IMPORTANT
The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only.
It is not intended by any means to replace your trusted health care provider advice.
I am not a doctor and therefore I can’t provide any health advice. Here I am merely sharing my personal experience.
If you suffer from any condition or experience any symptoms, always consult with your doctor. Do not take any medication without your doctor’s advice!
Do not make changes to your lifestyle or diet without prior medical consultation.
HOW TO GET RID OF HEARTBURN FAST AT NIGHT
Have you ever experienced a burning sensation in your chest after eating?
If so, you have probably suffered from heartburn at some point.
Indeed, heartburn is quite a common condition, and many people suffer from it from time to time.
Thankfully, there are many remedies available to treat it, and heartburn is not considered a serious condition in the vast majority of cases.
WHAT IS HEARTBURN?
According to the Mayo Clinic website: “Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over.”
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid coming up into the oesophagus (or food pipe). As a result, you might experience irritation and/or damage to the lining of the oesophagus, which is what causes the painful sensation.
Anyone can suffer from heartburn, and it is generally worse after consuming certain foods, bending over, or lying down.
what causes heartburn?
Heartburn pain usually comes in waves, and it happens as a result of stomach acid coming up to the oesophagus.
This is due to the ring muscle or valve (called the sphincter muscle) not closing well or relaxing too often.
When you are consuming any food or drink, the esophageal sphincter opens up to allow the contents of your mouth to pass down into your stomach.
This valve is placed at the entrance of your stomach to keep the contents inside of it. When the ring muscle doesn’t close properly, stomach acid (or acid reflux) can travel back up into the oesophagus and cause pain and irritation.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAUSE HEARTBURN?
Although heartburn can affect anyone, there are some conditions that can cause acid reflux.
For example:
- pregnancy;
- a hiatal hernia: this conditions cause the stomach to bulge into your chest;
- the use of some medications, such as aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs;
- GERD.
WHAT IS GERD?
GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition that can cause heartburn.
According to the Mayo Clinic website:” Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. GERD is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.”.
If your heartburn is frequent, severe, and doesn’t respond to over the counter medications, you could suffer from GERD.
You should treat GERD with the help and advice of your doctor, as this condition could cause long term damage to the oesophagus if left untreated.
what foods cause heartburn?
Your eating habits play an important role in the occurrence and management of heartburn symptoms.
Some foods can increase the likelihood of you suffering from heartburn. Things such as fried, greasy and high-fat foods, red meat high in fat, spicy foods, and whole dairy products, are all known triggers. Citrus fruits and tomatoes are also known trigger foods.
Moreover, drinks like coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and caffeinated beverages, are best avoided too.
CAN STRESS CAUSE HEARTBURN?
Unfortunately, stress can play a role in the occurrence of heartburn.
It is known that stress can slow digestion. As a consequence, the food you eat will stay in your stomach for longer. Therefore, you could build up stomach acid in your oesophagus for a longer period.
Lastly, stress might make you more susceptible to pain, and therefore increase your overall sense of uneasiness.
can being overweight cause heartburn?
Being overweight can be a factor contributing to heartburn.
The extra pounds on your body can indeed increase pressure on your stomach and consequently force the stomach valve to open after a meal.
In any case, extra weight is more often than not the cause for various ailments, so it is always preferable to work towards a healthy body weight.
IS HEARTBURN GENETIC?
According to medicinenet.com:
“Yes, some studies have shown an increase in heartburn among parents, brothers, sisters, and children of people who have heartburn. However, the association of heartburn within families could be due to inherited genes or it could be due to their shared environment that contains GERD-promoting factors. ”
The Journal of Gastroenterology published an important study in January of 2022.
This study was trying to assess precisely the links between GERD and genetics.
You can read more about this study in the article from medicinet.com.
What does heartburn feel like? How do I know if I have heartburn?
Naturally, different people might experience different symptoms of heartburn.
Generally speaking, heartburn can cause:
- a burning sensation in your chest or throat after eating;
- being woken up by a cough or gastric discomfort during the night;
- stuffed nose;
- a sore throat;
- coughing;
- an acidic taste at the back of your throat and difficulty swallowing;
- pain and/or pressure at the location of your breastbone;
- a general feeling of bloating and discomfort.
Does heartburn go away on its own? How long does heartburn last if untreated?
Generally speaking, heartburn can last for a few hours before subsiding on its own.
However, sometimes this painful sensation can last for much longer.
Its duration varies depending on the causes.
For example, heartburn that occurs after eating spicy foods usually will last until the food has been fully digested.
Occasionally, symptoms may return after a few hours.
How do you stop heartburn?
If you experience heartburn on an occasional basis, most likely you have nothing to worry about. In these cases, simple over the counter medicines can help relieve symptoms fast.
However, if you consistently suffer from heartburn several times a week, it would be best to consult with your doctor. In fact, the symptoms you experience might be a sign of an underlying condition. Your trusted doctor will be able to provide the care you need.
In those cases, unless you treat the root causes of your condition, most likely you will not get rid of heartburn.
When Should you See A Doctor?
The occasional bout of heartburn is pretty common. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate care, as they could be signs of a serious condition:
- if you experience heartburn frequently;
- over the counter medications don’t help;
- persistent nausea and/or vomiting;
- severe chest pain;
- sever abdominal pain;
- bloody vomit;
- trouble swallowing;
- change in stool color;
- unexpected and unintentional weight loss.
If you are worried about your health, even if you don’t experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, please seek immediate medical care. Do not wait!
WHY IS HEARTBURN WORSE AT NIGHT?
Heartburn usually occurs after large meals, especially if you eat just before going to bed.
You could experience many sleepless nights as a result.
In fact, heartburn seems to be worse at night because the lying down position can increase the likelihood of the condition, and make the pain worse.
HOW TO RELIEVE HEARTBURN
There are several natural remedies you could try to relieve heartburn fast at home.
However, their effectiveness varies from person to person.
Let’s have a look at some of the most common home remedies to relieve heartburn at home.
apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works for some people only. Sometimes it might make things worse for others.
It is up to you to try and see if it provides any relief.
You need to remember that apple cider vinegar is safe to use only if you purchase organic, unprocessed, and 100% natural.
Most importantly, you should never drink undiluted apple cider vinegar.
The recommended dilution is 1 teaspoon of the vinegar per glass of water.
If you find the taste too difficult to swallow, you could add a little bit of honey to make it more palatable.
BANANAS
Bananas are low-acid fruits that are quite gentle on your digestive system. Most people like the taste of them and they are an ideal snack any time of the day.
Bananas may help relieve heartburn but there’s no definite proof of that.
Once more, it is up to you to try and see if you get relief.
High in potassium, they are an alkaline food. As a result, bananas could help in combatting stomach acid.
Always choose ripe bananas for the purpose of fighting heartburn. Unripe fruits could, on the other hand, trigger it.
GINGER
Ginger is well known for its beneficial properties for the digestive system.
It is calming and could reduce stomach inflammation, thanks to a compound called phenols.
When mixed with water, it is believed to help reducing heartburn by diluting stomach acid.
Pregnant women may find relief for nausea and morning sickness by sucking on ginger sweets or drinking ginger tea.
Ginger essential oil is also a very popular and effective alternative to the fresh root.
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is an ingredient that you most likely have at home already.
Widely used in baking and homemade cleaning products, baking soda could help in relieving heartburn symptoms, acting as over the counter antacids.
In fact, being an alkaline ingredient, baking soda might help to neutralise stomach acid.
You could try to mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with water and swallow it. Be prepared though as unfortunately it doesn’t taste good at all!
Bear in mind that baking soda is high in sodium, so you shouldn’t use it on a regular basis.
It is not safe for pregnant women to ingest baking soda, unless it is used in cooked or baked foods.
Probiotics
The use of probiotics in general has been proved to help with your overall digestive system health.
Kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and yogurts, are all nice additions to your diet and can provide many health benefits.
Some studies suggest that probiotics can help ease GERD symptoms.
I have a few posts on my blog about fermented foods and sourdough bread. Why don’t you check them out now?
Aloe vera juice
Although more studies are needed, Aloe vera juice might be helpful in fighting acid reflux.
You should always drink pure and 100% natural aloe vera juice, bought from a reputable source.
If you are considering trying this drink, start by consuming only a tablespoon to begin with, as your body needs to adjust to it. Too much too soon can cause diarrhoea.
Avoid aloe vera juice if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
FIBROUS FOODS
Consuming fibrous foods on a regular basis can have a positive impact on your overall health.
They provide you with the best nutrients to improve gut health.
Fibrous fruits and vegetables help in facilitating the passage of food from your stomach to your intestine, therefore alleviating the likelihood of acid reflux.
In addition to that, fibrous foods help you to feel full faster, so you’ll be less likely to overindulge, and trigger heartburn.
Lastly, watery foods such as fruits, vegetables, and soups, may also help reduce heartburn by diluting stomach acid.
CAN YOU USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEARTBURN?
You certainly can you use essential oils to help relieve heartburn symptoms.
Essential oils provide us with an exceptional natural remedy to support our body and our digestive system.
There are a few oils that you could try at home. Bear in mind that different people react differently to essential oils, so be prepared to give a few a try, till you find what works best for you.
GET THE COMPLETE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO ESSENTIAL OILS!
Are you curious about what Essential Oils are, and what they can do for you and your family?
Did you know that EO have been used for centuries to help support our health and wellbeing?
If you want to learn more, I have created the perfect complete guide to beginners EO users. You can get it on my Etsy shop at a special introductory price.
BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEARTBURN
Here I’m going to list some of the essential oils you could try at home to relieve heartburn symptoms.
Peppermint essential oil
This essential oil is well known for its soothing properties and support to the gastrointestinal system.
Peppermint oil can help fight indigestion, nausea and vomit.
However, this essential oil is not the best choice for everyone, as some people find that it actually worsen their symptoms by way of relaxing the esophageal sphincter.
You could try to sip peppermint tea, or add a drop of peppermint essential oil to a veggie cap and swallow it with the help of some water.
Lemon essential oil
Lemon has multiple benefits and uses. This essential oil is a powerful cleansing agent that purifies the air and surfaces, and can be used as a non-toxic cleaner throughout the home. When added to water, Lemon provides a refreshing and healthy boost throughout the day. When taken internally, it provides cleansing and digestive benefits.
Cardamom essential oil
A close relative to Ginger, Cardamom is known as an expensive cooking spice and for being beneficial to the digestive system in a variety of ways when ingested. Cardamom is commonly used internally to help soothe occasional stomach discomfort. Its distinct scent can promote a positive atmosphere. Ingested Cardamom also has profound effects on the respiratory system due to its high 1,8-cineole content, which promotes clear breathing and respiratory health.
Cardamom oil may help maintain overall gastrointestinal health when taken internally.
Ginger essential oil
When used as a kitchen spice, the hot, earthy nature of Ginger oil adds flavor to a variety of dishes, and can help to support healthy digestion. In fact, internal use of Ginger is best known as a digestive aid and for helping to ease occasional indigestion.
Star Anise essential oil
Star Anise essential oil has many benefits, both topically and internally. Immune system support and healthy cellular function are just a couple of the main benefits it offers. Star Anise is most commonly known for its support of digestive health.
As a main ingredient in dōTERRA DigestZen, Star Anise can be used to calm an occasional upset stomach.
Fennel essential oil
Fennel is best known for its distinct licorice aroma and taste. This essential oil has the ability to promote healthy digestion when used internally.
Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass has a subtle citrus flavor and is used in Asian cuisine in soups, teas, and curries, as well as with fish, poultry, beef, and seafood.
In addition to its unique flavor, Lemongrass essential oil promotes healthy digestion and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems when ingested.
DOTERRA DIGESTIVE BLEND – DIGESTZEN
DigestZen is a wonderful companion to aid in the digestion of food, soothe occasional upset stomachs, and reduce uncomfortable gas when used internally.
Whether it’s a holiday, family event, a new recipe, or you had a bit too much to eat, make sure you have doTERRA DigestZen on hand for all your digestive support needs.
This proprietary blend of CPTG essential oils includes Coriander, Ginger, and Fennel to help ease occasional stomach discomfort and indigestion. Peppermint, Anise, and Caraway are well known for their ability to aid in digestion and to help maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract when consumed.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS TO RELIEVE HEARTBURN
For all the above mentioned essential oils and blends, you could put a few drops in a roller bottle and top with fractionated coconut oil (or any carrier oil of your choice), and apply onto your abdomen as needed for fast relief.
Some of the oils mentioned are safe for internal use, so you can put 1-3 drops in total in a veggie cap, and swallow with the help of fresh water. Do this only once a day.
Always read the essential oil label to make sure an oil is safe for internal use.
ESSENTIAL OILS DILUTION CHART
YOU CAN GET MY FREE PRINTABLE with a safe dilution chart for essential oils here:
FREE DILUTION CHART FOR BEGINNERS ESSENTIAL OILS USERS.
YOU CAN ALSO READ MY POST ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CARRIER OIL HERE:
HOW TO GET RID OF HEARTBURN FAST AT NIGHT? WHAT CAN HELP HEARTBURN AT NIGHT?
Although in the majority of cases heartburn is not a cause for concern, it is indeed a very unpleasant condition, and the cause of unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Nighttime heartburn is a common occurrence among people that suffer from acid reflux.
There is nothing worse that having sleepless nights as a result of heartburn. As if the burning sensation in your chest was not enough already, imagine having to properly function in the morning after an unrestful night!
Thankfully there are a few changes that you can make to your lifestyle in order to help preventing and alleviating heartburn symptoms.
Let’s have a look at them.
What lifestyle changes help manage heartburn?
The best way to avoid heartburn symptoms is to prevent common heartburn triggers.
Some lifestyle changes can make a big difference, and help you manage your symptoms efficiently.
For example you could:
- Avoid consuming foods that are known triggers for you.
- Do not eat too fast. Eating in a rush can indeed cause the stomach to produce more gastric acid.
- Try not to eat late in the evening. It is best to eat your last meal of the day at least a couple of hours before bedtime. Moreover, make sure to eat a light one. Reserve heavier foods as a lunch option instead.
- Eat smaller meals throughout the day, instead of big meals in the evening;
- Work towards maintaining a healthy weight, as being overweight is a risk factor in increasing the likelihood of heartburn.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine if at all possible.
- Sleep with your upper body elevated, by using an extra pillow (or a wedge pillow if you have one) or re-positioning the head of your bed (if possible): sleeping with your head elevated compared to the rest of your body may help in preventing heartburn.
- Wear loose clothing. Tight clothes can put unnecessary pressure on your stomach, so its best avoided.
- Reduce stress.
- Make changes to your posture. Lying or bending down after eating can increase the chance of stomach acid travelling up to your oesophagus. Try to always sit up when you are eating, and avoid activities that would cause you to lie down or bend for at least a couple of hours. Going for a walk after a meal can potentially help in moving foods and drinks down the digestive tract, instead of upwards.
- Stop smoking. Not only smoking is extremely detrimental for your overall health, but it can also affect and worsen heartburn symptoms. Nicotine relaxes muscles in your body, therefore it can also affect your esophageal sphincter. Furthermore, smoking can also cause your stomach to produce more acid, which can increase the likelihood of experiencing pain and discomfort from acid reflux.
- Talk to your doctor about possible links to the medications you take for other conditions. Some prescription drugs can indeed worsen your symptoms, so it’s always best to discuss possible changes with your trusted healthcare provider. For example, prescription medications for heart and blood pressure, osteoporosis, hormone imbalance, asthma and depression can impact you negatively.
- Avoid exercising for at least two hours after eating, to ensure your stomach is empty.
- Sleep on your left side. According to webmd.com, “This position seems to help reduce nighttime heartburn symptoms, says David A. Johnson, MD, internal medicine division chief at Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, Va.”
- Consume chewing gum. Small studies found that chewing on sugar-free gum for about 30 minutes after a meal could potentially reduce acid levels in the oesophagus. Chewing gum also increases the production of saliva in your mouth, which can help dilute the acid in your stomach.
What can I take for fast relief of heartburn?
Sometimes heartburn symptoms can become a burden, and negatively impact your every day life.
On the occasion that natural remedies and lifestyle changes don’t work for you, there are several over the counter medications for heartburn relief.
Always talk to your pharmacist before purchasing any of the following drugs.
- Antacids. They provide relief by neutralising stomach acid.
- H-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). These help reducing the amount of gastric acid your body produces. Although they might provide long term relief, they don’t work as fast as antacids.
- Proton-pump inhibitors. They can help in reducing stomach acid.
If your symptoms persist after using those medications, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor, as further investigation into the cause of your problems might be needed.
HOW TO GET RID OF HEARTBURN FAST AT NIGHT
I’m quite lucky as I’ve never really suffered from heartburn more than a couple of times in my life. However, I truly understand how painful it can become, and what negative effect it can have on your life.
I do hope you will find some of the info shared in this post useful.
Please do leave a comment below if you have any other home remedy that can help another reader.
Till next time, Dee.
IMPORTANT: when using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones, like Doterra Essential Oils. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.
Hi, I’m Dee!
Mom of three; printables creator, natural solutions, simple living and homemade food enthusiast; “Outlander” fanatic.
When I’m not busy writing and designing, you can always find me covered in a cloud of flour in the kitchen, playing and crafting with my children, or making up some blends with my Essential Oils. Also I’m practically obsessed with Crystals and reading during my spare time.
Come along on our crazy journey as a family living in the countryside of Ireland!
