While there are many herbs for heartburn relief, taking herbs for frequent heartburn symptoms that have not been evaluated by your doctor may not be the best treatment plan. If you suffer from heartburn occasionally, then you are not alone. According to a recent survey, 25% of people living in the United States suffer from heartburn every month and about 12% have symptoms every week. Frequent heartburn is defined by most practitioners as heartburn that is experienced three or more times per week. But, because symptoms are so bothersome, individuals that experience heartburn only several times more month may feel that there symptoms are frequent.
Using herbs for frequent heartburn may not be enough. Changes in lifestyle and dietary habits are usually necessary, even among people who are taking prescription medications that are designed to prevent heartburn symptoms. It can be very helpful to keep a food or heartburn diary for a month or two. This can help you determine many things. First, you will be able to see how many times per week you have heartburn symptoms. You may not realize how often you actually have heartburn.
Second, it may help you see what foods are heartburn triggers in your case and you may be able to avoid those foods. Eating foods that are highly acidic often leads to symptoms of heartburn. Herbs for heartburn relief, as well as over the counter medications attempt to neutralize or reduce the amount of stomach acid. If you begin taking over the counter products or herbs for frequent heartburn relief, your heartburn diary will help you determine what products work best for you. If you find it necessary to consult your physician, he or she will want to know what herbs for heartburn or other over the counter products you have tried. If nothing works, you will definitely want to consult your physician.
Your heartburn diary may also help you determine what other factors lead to heartburn in your case. Overeating, for instance, commonly leads to heartburn. Fennel tea or other herbs for heartburn relief may help after overeating. Taking a leisurely stroll is a better idea than lying down after a large meal. Other forms of exercise may bring on or worsen symptoms.
Some companies that sell herbs and other natural products have concoctions that include a combination of herbs for frequent heartburn prevention as well as heartburn relief. A combination of herbs for heartburn relief may be more effective than just one type of herb. Fennel and mint oils are commonly recommended, but some doctors advise that mint of any kind can bring on heartburn. Whenever you are buying herbs and other natural products, you should choose an established company that sells a number of different products, not just herbs for heartburn relief.
For more information about heartburn and other common digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.
