Health Tips
Try Gum for Heartburn Relief
By
Apr 30, 2007 - 7:06:29 PM

Try Gum for Heartburn Relief

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - If no antacids or other medications are available for unexpected heartburn,try a stick of gum. Chewing gum stimulates swallowing and the secretion of alkaline, which could provide some temporary relief, says Dr. Stuart Spechler, a gastroenterologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a heartburn expert.

“Swallowing helps to clear acid from the esophagus, and the alkaline in saliva can neutralize acid that remains in the esophagus after swallowing,” Dr. Spechler says.

Heartburn is generally caused by naturally occurring acids splashing back up from the stomach. Nearly 40 percent of Americans experience it at least once a month, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

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