Characterized by a burning pain in the chest, Heartburn is often worsened by laying down or bending forward.  Heartburn is also a common symptom of Acid Reflux or GERD.  It is a common feeling, which can occur after eating spicy foods, or foods that are highly acidic.  When acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, the person will feel that burning chest pain. Heartburn that is frequent or interferes with your daily routine may be the result of a more serious condition. 

The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest.  This burning can sometimes be accompanied by a sour taste in the back of your throat.  Other symptoms are listed below. 

• Chest Pain (a discomfort, almost burning-like, that moves from the stomach to the abdomen, and even chest)
• Regurgitation (bitter acid that builds up into the throat or mouth)
• Pain that Worsens (when you lay down or bend over)
• Burning Sesnation in the Chest (that occurs after eating)

Since a lot of people experience Heartburn, it is not necessarily a dangerous concern.  If there is a more serious condition like Acid Reflux or GERD at play, then other actions must be taken to help find the cause.  Rapid weight gain, medication, lifestyle, and diet can also cause Heartburn.  The primary reason for the burning sensation is because stomach acid gets backed up into the esophagus.  Other causes include:

• Snacking before bedtime
• Drinking alcohol, soda, coffee, or caffeinated beverages
• Smoking
• Taking muscle relaxers like ibuprofin or aspirin
• Obesity
• Eating meals that are too large
• Eating processed foods and spicy foods high in acidity

• An efficient way to remedy Heartburn is to combine 1 teaspon or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.  Because baking soda is a base, it helps neutralize the acid, which causes the burning sensation. Similarly, you can use the same measurement for adding apple cider vinegar to water to help with Heartburn.  It may seem counterintuitive to ingest apple cider vinegar, which is acidic, but it actually helps alkalize the body.
• Drink aloe vera juice because it has anti-inflammatory properties.  Drink about a half cup of aloe vera juice before eating meals.  Note that most aloe vera juices are laxatives, so look for the bottles that indicate the laxative has been removed.
• If you are overweight or obese, switching to a healthier diet can help reduce frequent Heartburn.  Avoid eating fried foods, citrus fruit, dairy products, processed foods and acidic foods to help your body restore its neutral pH level.
• Make ginger or chamomile tea.  Add a few slices of fresh ginger to two cups of hot water (or make chamomile tea) and drink 20-30 minutes before your meal.  Consuming the tea helps bring relief to the acidic sensation you experience with Heartburn.
• Instead of drinking caffeine during the day, recharge yourself by taking a short nap in a chair.  Sitting, as opposed to lying down, helps keep the acid down in the stomach.

• Raw Almonds
• Bananas
• Ginger Tea
• Aloe Vera Juice
• Dark Leafy Greens like Kale, Spinach, or Swiss Chard
• Fennel
• Melon (although a small percentage of acid refluxers need to avoid this)
• Roots and Greens like Broccoli, Green Beans, Asparagus and Cauliflower