Spelling Relief: Heartburn Medicine

Sufferers from the condition of heartburn are well aware of the pain that can be experienced when it comes to heartburn. This is because the acid from the stomach flows upward into the esophagus and literally burns the inner lining of the esophagus. This burning generally begins behind the breast bone and spreads upwards towards the mouth. In fact sometimes the sufferer can actually experience the acid reflux in their mouth.

In order to combat this painful condition the sufferer has a number of options available to them to minimize this condition. Two of those specific treatments include the use of heartburn medicine or natural methods.

Using Heartburn Medicine

There are basically two categories of heartburn medicine that are available to the individual who is suffering from heartburn. One type of heartburn medicine can be purchased over the counter and is available without a prescription. The other type of heartburn medicine is for those individuals who have a more serious condition which requires a prescription from a physician.

Examples of heartburn medicine can include products that are manufactured from certain ingredients. Those ingredients can include calcium carbonate, aluminum and magnesium. The action of these over-the-counter heartburn medicines is to simply neutralize the acid which is found in the stomach. Examples of these types of medicine can include Tums, Rolaids, etc.

If an individual requires a doctor’s prescription there are a couple of heartburn medications that the doctor may consider prescribing. Basically one medication works in the stomach to minimize the acid that is being produced in the stomach. These types of medications are called H2 blockers.

Additionally there are heartburn medicines that are called proton pump inhibitors. The action of this medication is to turn off the acid production found within the stomach

Natural Methods

For those individuals who do not wish to use heartburn medicines there is another alternative. That alternative is through the use of a home remedy for heartburn.

One of the examples of this alternative type of medicine can include the use of ginger. Ginger has been shown to be effective in helping to reduce heartburn and upset stomachs. This product can be added to foods or can be taken in capsule form. It is recommended by naturalists to take a minimum of 500 mg of ginger with a full glass of water following each meal.

Another common sense food to eat to help reduce acidity in the stomach are those foods which are rich in fiber. Examples of those foods could include oatmeal, vegetables or other foods high in fiber content.