Natural Ways to Prevent and Relieve Heartburn, Gas and Other Digestive Woes

These simple tummy soothers can outperform prescription and OTC meds (12 Photos)

Brenda Kearns on Apr 23, 2012 at 1:42PM

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Natural Ways to Prevent and Relieve Heartburn, Gas and Other Digestive Woes

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Sip Cider Vinegar



If you struggle with heartburn, you might be hesitant to chug something acidic, like apple cider vinegar. “Yet that’s what many people need to prevent heartburn from ever happening!” says Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, Alabama. The connection? Stalled digestion is what keeps food in the stomach long enough for it to wash up into the esophagus and cause heartburn pain, he says. “And cider vinegar contains malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed up digestion so your stomach can empty quickly.” Dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in an 8- ounce glass of water and drink before each meal -- you’ll see noticeable improvements in as little as 24 hours. For the best results possible, pick up some unpasteurized cider vinegar the next time you’re at a health or whole foods store. Malic and tartaric acids can be damaged by heat, so you’ll get a heftier dose of these tummy-soothers if you opt for cider vinegar that’s never been heated.

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