How To Use Natural Remedies for Heartburn and Cholesterol

Got heartburn or high cholesterol? Maybe even both? Consider natural remedies. They do provide some relief from these conditions and some may even do better than your prescription drugs. Check with your doctor if any of the following is applicable for you:

1. Dietary supplements as remedies. Those containing melatonin, 1-tryptophan, Vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid are comparable to Prilosec and it may do a much better job. As for cholesterol, research indicates that Vitamin B3 supplements may increase good cholesterol and decreases the bad cholesterol.
2. Skim milk or water. These neutralize your stomach contents for a while so that the burning sensation will temporarily go away. Do not overdo, though, especially on the milk because milk has fats that trigger more acid production. The key is moderation: 8 ounces will do.
3. Chew gum. Your drool or your saliva actually neutralizes limited amounts of acids, so chewing on gum after meals may help prevent heartburn from worsening. In addition, to prevent plaques from forming on your teeth, chew on sugarless gum.
4. Select your food. Say goodbye to salsa and juices and other acidic-forming foods. Heartburn also thrives on: caffeine-containing foods (chocolate, tea, soda, soft drinks and coffee), peppermint, tomatoes and fatty and oily food (which also apply to your cholesterol problem). In addition, eat foods high in fiber (most vegetables, wheat, rye, bran & etc). These foods clean up your digestive tract; help avoid heartburn and function as natural and safe laxatives for constipation and detoxification.
5. Eat small; eat frequently; eat slowly. Eat frequently throughout the day, about 6 meals a day in small but adequate amounts to avoid forming too many acids and avoid build-up of fats in your system. The ‘eat slowly’ part may help regulate the amount of acid your stomach produces. Do not skip meals. This may not result in heartburn, but ulcers may form from having too much acid in your stomach and not having enough food to digest.
6. Lose weight, and exercise. Yes, this is another reason to avoid the couch. Too much fat in the abdomen may force the acidic contents of your stomach up. Lose weight, too for your cholesterol. Exercising, on the other hand may also do wonders on your blood cholesterol level as well as your mood.  Exercise releases endorphins, your happy hormones, thus lifting depression.
7. Stop smoking. Aside from being a notorious risk factor for heart diseases, cancer, etc., smoking may damage the lining of your stomach, thus destroying the acid regulation. As for cholesterol, smoking may help clog up blood vessels by making them smaller, providing a perfect environment for stroke and heart attack. If you have not quit or have quit before, it’s always the time to try again.
8. Sit after you eat. Read a book or watch TV. Give time for you food to go down after eating and before lying down. Some also recommend placing blocks of wood under the pillow for the acids to stay down where they belong.
9. Herbs for your health. Many claim herbal remedies are the natural cure for many ailments. It is controversial for most but some herbs do actually work as a natural treatment. Some herbs for natural relief of heartburn are: ginger (when taken warm, one teaspoon), clove and jaggery (to suck). Artichoke leaf is backed up by research to help lower cholesterol as well as soy (which may relieve the hot flashes during menopause).

Prescription drugs are not enough for heartburn and cholesterol. Some may even cause harm. Change your diet, your lifestyle and add natural remedies.  They never become obsolete.