Heartburn during pregnancy is a common complaint. My experience with heartburn is that it can come and go, most likely related to hormone surges in pregnancy that relax muscle and connective tissue. It can also be caused by the growing baby compressing the stomach. Fortunately, there are natural ways to minimize and ease the burn.
Be sure to avoid over-the-counter antacids, as many of them contain aluminum, a toxic metal that has been linked to numerous health problems from headaches to Alzheimer's Disease.
Natural Remedies for Heartburn
Papaya enzyme tablets: These are a safe and effective natural alternative to antacids.
Avoid or limit portions of food triggers: According to an article on WebMD, the top ten heartburn-triggering foods are citrus, tomatoes, garlic and onion, spicy foods, peppermint, fatty foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine and carbonated beverages. Remember, you may or may not find these foods to be triggers, or they may only trigger you sporadically. Listen to your body and become aware of possible triggers.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals and snacks: This accommodates your smaller stomach capacity and allows it to empty more quickly and efficiently.
Avoid cold liquids and only drink a small amount with meals: Too much liquid during a meal is said to dilute the stomach acid and inhibit digestion. Cold liquid also disrupts digestion by "putting out the digestive fire" according to Ayurvedic medicine. Drink most of your fluids between meals.
Incorporate natural digestive aids into your meals: These include soups and broths, raw and/or naturally fermented foods and tropical fruits.
Eat slowly: Most people don't chew their food fully and leave their stomachs with a lot of extra work to do. Practice chewing each bite 32 times, more or less depending on the food. With more mindful eating, you will also experience the texture and flavor of foods more fully, have improved digestion and more overall enjoyment of meals.
Take a walk after meals: Walking stimulates digestion and the upright position discourages reflux of stomach acid.
Sleep with your head and chest slightly elevated with pillows: Once again, this allows gravity to discourage the upward flow of acid.
Even doing all of the above, you may still from time to time experience heartburn during pregnancy. Remember the discomfort is temporary and will go away immediately after you give birth.
: These are a safe and effective natural alternative to antacids.
