Heartburn is a common and bothersome condition that affects many people. It usually arises as a result of stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus or throat, causing a burning sensation and discomfort.
The likelihood of it occurring increases due to several factors, such as eating spicy or fatty foods, smoking, pregnancy, as well as stress and anxiety.
In this regard, an emergency room doctor with over 500,000 followers on TikTok posted a video offering three simple tips believed to help alleviate heartburn symptoms.
In his first piece of advice, which he said was supported by strong to moderate evidence, Dr. Ahmed explained that consuming seaweed-rich foods may help alleviate symptoms. He clarified that seaweed releases natural alginates in the stomach, which form a protective layer that coats the stomach and lower esophagus, thus reducing the impact of acid reflux.
He added that this principle is similar to how some drugs like Gaviscon work, noting that seaweed can be obtained from Asian food stores or in the form of dietary supplements.
The second piece of advice, which he described as having moderate supporting evidence, is to eat oatmeal about an hour before bedtime. He said that oatmeal is rich in fiber and helps absorb some of the stomach acid, reducing the likelihood of it reaching the esophagus and causing heartburn. He advised including it in dinner or eating it separately before bed.
In his third piece of advice, which he said was supported by strong evidence, he recommended chewing sugar-free gum, according to the Express newspaper. He explained that chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which contains bicarbonate, a substance that helps neutralize acidity in the mouth and esophagus.
He added that chewing gum for 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime may help increase saliva production and reduce symptoms, leading to more restful sleep.
For its part, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) offers a range of guidelines to reduce heartburn, including eating smaller, more frequent meals, losing excess weight, and using relaxation techniques.
The agency also recommends avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, eating at least three to four hours before bedtime, avoiding tight clothing around the waist, as well as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.
Additional tips include raising the head of the bed by 10 to 20 centimeters using stable supports such as wood, bricks, or books. This ensures the head and chest remain higher than waist level, helping to prevent acid reflux during sleep. Recommendations indicate that relying solely on pillows may not be effective and can sometimes worsen the problem. Consulting a doctor for appropriate treatment is recommended when necessary.
