Rusk | Heartburn home remedy

Rusk

Rusk is recommended for many gastrointestinal tract complaints. It improves the symptoms of heartburn, as the dry rusk absorbs and binds excess stomach acid. The starchy flour contained in the rusk is supposed to ensure this.

In addition, the rusk is easily digestible and the stomach, which may be affected by heartburn, is not further burdened. How much rusk should be eaten in order to achieve an improvement must be tested individually. How exactly the rusk works has also not been scientifically proven. It should also be remembered that rusks contain ingredients such as sugar and milk, which in turn could cause heartburn or other digestive problems.

Mustard

Heartburn is caused by too much acid in the stomach. To counteract heartburn, the consumption of alkaline foods can be helpful. The exact effect of mustard has not yet been clarified, but mustard belongs to the alkaline foods and can help neutralize the excess acids and increase the pH in the stomach.

It is also believed that the vinegar contained in mustard, in small amounts, helps to reduce the production of acids in the stomach. It is recommended to take about one teaspoon of mild or medium hot mustard after a meal, or up to two teaspoons if necessary. Within a few minutes it can eliminate heartburn.

However, you should try out beforehand whether mustard actually helps and whether you tolerate it well. Some people cannot take mustard in this way and in some cases mustard can even increase the discomfort. Pregnant women can also try taking a teaspoon of mustard after a meal to treat heartburn. As a natural household remedy, it has no side effects for the baby or the mother.

Sodium baking powder

A well-known household remedy for heartburn is baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate of soda is available as a baking ingredient in the supermarket or over the counter in pharmacies. Sodium bicarbonate, also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, is a strong alkaline and has a good ability to neutralize the excess acid in the stomach.

However, sodium bicarbonate has the unpleasant side effect of being a driving force and can cause flatulence in the stomach, which in turn can increase heartburn. In addition, sodium bicarbonate can neutralize the stomach acid too quickly, so that the stomach produces even more stomach acid as a reaction, which can intensify the discomfort. Taking too much sodium bicarbonate can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and in severe cases even burns in the gastrointestinal tract.

In the long term, regular intake of sodium bicarbonate can lead to calcium deficiency, with bone damage as a result, but it can also change the pH value of the urine and cause kidney stones. Sodium bicarbonate should therefore only be taken with caution and in acute cases, not for long-term treatment of heartburn. Baking powder itself should rather not be used. Although baking powder also contains sodium bicarbonate, it often contains other additives, such as acids, which can additionally increase heartburn.