9 Home Remedies To Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy

Being pregnant is an experience full of sensations of all kinds, it brings from emotional changes to an increase in physical feelings. However, it must be recognized: the sweet wait is accompanied by some not-so-sweet, rather sour symptoms. In this article you will learn how to relieve heartburn, which is one of the most common.

Do not despair, in any kitchen you can find the ingredients to prepare very effective home remedies that will help you relieve heartburn and counteract the discomfort at this stage. First, let’s understand how it works: the pregnant woman who has not suffered from heartburn is a rare exception. Hormonal and physical changes are responsible for this discomfort.

The placenta makes progesterone, which relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Therefore, the gastric acids responsible for digestion are returned to the esophagus, and that unpleasant burning sensation occurs in the throat.

As the pregnancy progresses, the baby grows and little by little occupies the entire abdominal cavity, for this reason stomach acids move towards the esophagus; again, the result is more acidity. We insist: do not despair, there are solutions for you.

Home remedies to relieve heartburn

1. Papaya

Papaya is the best ally to improve digestion during pregnancy. It contains the enzyme papain, similar to pepsin, which favors this process and is able to soothe the discomfort caused by heartburn. This is stated in this study carried out by the Research Center of the International Scientific Group of Preventive Medicine (Austria).

What is to be done?

• Consume it whole, the fiber of the fruit will be of great help in solving this condition.

• It can be made into juice as well, do not strain it so that its benefits will be used more.

2. Baking soda

Baking soda is a basic component of most commercial antacids, as it effectively neutralizes acidity. It is an alkaline ingredient, which provides the desired relief.

However, it can be dangerous. Consult your family doctor beforehand.

Preparation

• Dilute a teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda in a glass of warm water (250 ml) and drink it slowly.

3. Oats

It is a cereal that promotes digestion, according to this study by the Banaras Hindu University (India), so it is ideal to include it in the pregnancy diet. The best way to consume oats is raw, but its properties are also enjoyed if it is cooked in a classic atole.

Preparation

• Take a tablespoon (10 g) of rolled oats and mix them in a glass of water (250 ml).
• Let it sit overnight.
• Stir it and eat it the next day.

4. Potato (potatoes)

Raw potato juice relieves acidity thanks to its alkaline and digestive properties. It improves evacuation, which can be very beneficial for pregnant women who often suffer from constipation.

Preparation

• The juice is obtained by grating the potato in the blender or with the processor.
• Dilute a tablespoon (10 ml) of this juice in a glass of water (250 ml) and drink it.

5. Banana (plantain)

According to this study by Karpagam University (India), it is very effective in neutralizing burning. Bananas are one of the super foods that provide many and important nutrients for the development of pregnancy and the growth of the embryo.

Preparation

• Eating a banana or two is a great snack between meals.
• Also, you can make delicious smoothies if you prefer.

6. Apple cider vinegar to relieve heartburn

Rich in trace elements, apple cider vinegar should not be absent from the pregnant woman’s diet. It deflates the colon, which favors the entire digestive process. Although it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach, for a pregnant woman it is surely easier between meals.

Preparation

• Dilute a tablespoon (10 ml) of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water (250 ml) and drink slowly.
• You can also include it in the dressing of your salads.

7. Anise to relieve heartburn

This medicinal plant is widely recognized for its digestive properties, according to the Iran University of Medical Sciences.

However, it is recommended to consult a doctor beforehand, as it can be toxic.

Preparation

• An infusion can be prepared or the seeds can be chewed, which leaves a pleasant breath in the mouth. This has an added bonus: it helps to dispel unpleasant morning sickness.

8. Lettuce

The infusion of lettuce leaves, in addition to relieving heartburn, is rich in lactucarium, a substance that has calming and relaxing properties that help with insomnia that often affects many pregnant women. This is stated in this study carried out by West Virginia University (United States).

Preparation

• Cut 3 lettuce leaves into strips.
• Put them in a bowl and add 2 cups (500 ml) of boiling water.
• Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• You strain it and drink it little by little. It can be sweetened to taste.

9. Fennel

This bulb has been used since ancient times to promote digestion. The pleasant aniseed flavor of fennel calms heartburn.  However, we must be cautious, since according to this study by the TabibDaru Pharmaceutical Company, it can also cause heartburn.

Preparation

• To a cup (250 ml) of boiling water, you add a teaspoon (5 g) of crushed fennel seeds.
• You let it rest and then you strain it.
• Also, you can add the cooked bulb to soups or salads. Guaranteed: It will be a delicious touch!