For many, heartburn is an annoying yet familiar condition from which they suffer occasionally. Heartburn, or gastric reflux, gets its name from the burning sensation that occurs when acid from the stomach flows back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Many people turn to medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs—think Prilosec, Nexium, or Prevacid), to help manage this condition. These drugs work to decrease the amount of acid your stomach produces and, as a result, alleviate your heartburn symptoms. However, turning to a PPI may raise your risk of experiencing a heart attack.
The hidden danger of PPIs
Each year, Americans spend a whopping $14 billion on PPIs. Given the prevalence of advertisements and the likelihood of a doctor prescribing them, it’s not hard to understand why. Just about anyone with gastrointestinal issues can find themselves using PPIs.
However, there are risks to be aware of when it comes to utilizing these drugs. By reducing stomach acid, your digestive tract has a harder time absorbing vital nutrients. Furthermore, harmful pathogens that enter your stomach are more likely to survive—meaning these drugs could be causing more harm than good.
And perhaps most concerning? A study conducted by Houston Methodist University and Stanford has found that taking PPIs can increase your risk of a heart attack by up to 21 percent. The researchers believe this occurs due to the negative effects of these drugs on your blood vessels.
Blood vessels are lined with a specialized tissue called endothelium, which allows blood cells to flow freely throughout your body without sticking to the walls of the vessels. However, PPIs have been shown to make the lining of blood vessels “stickier,” leading to blood cells clumping together and forming dangerous clots that can cause a heart attack.
Natural alternatives for managing heartburn
If you are struggling with heartburn, there are several straightforward, natural remedies to consider that you can try instead of taking PPIs.
- Apple cider vinegar: Consuming a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can help to alleviate heartburn symptoms.
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Warm water and sea salt: Mix a teaspoon of sea salt into a glass of warm water and drink it.
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Lemon juice: Adding lemon juice to your meals can improve digestion and lessen heartburn symptoms.
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Smaller meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can ease pressure on the esophageal sphincter and prevent stomach acid from seeping back into the esophagus.
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Adjust your eating position: Sit or stand up straight when eating, and avoid lying down or going to bed too soon after eating.
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Eliminate trigger foods: Certain foods, such as spicy or high-fat options, can exacerbate heartburn. Identifying these trigger foods and removing them from your diet can help prevent heartburn from occurring in the first place.
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Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts additional pressure on the esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to move upward.
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Control your stress: Stress can have an impact on your digestive system. Try incorporating stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to improve your mental wellbeing and decrease your likelihood of experiencing heartburn.
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Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to escape. Quitting smoking can not only improve your overall health but also decrease your susceptibility to heartburn.
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Eat slowly: Slowing down your meals and thoroughly chewing your food ensures your stomach has enough time to digest properly while preventing additional acid from entering the esophagus.
Before you turn to potentially risky drugs like PPIs to manage your heartburn symptoms, consider giving these natural alternatives a go instead. By doing so, you can alleviate your symptoms while simultaneously keeping your heart healthier and safer.
