Why does lemon juice help heartburn?

Heartburn is a common problem that many people experience after eating. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the center of the chest, which sometimes spreads to the throat. While heartburn is not usually a cause for concern, it can be quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can provide relief, with lemon juice being one of the most popular and effective options.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This is often caused by a relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the circular band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that normally stays tightly closed to prevent food and stomach acid from flowing backwards.

Some common causes and risk factors for heartburn include:

• Eating large, fatty, or spicy meals
• Drinking alcohol, coffee, carbonated beverages
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Hiatal hernia
• Stomach abnormality
• Certain medications

When the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up and irritate the esophageal lining, causing the burning sensation. While occasional heartburn is normal, experiencing heartburn more than twice a week may indicate a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

How does lemon juice help with heartburn?

Lemon juice is often recommended as a natural way to help alleviate heartburn and reflux symptoms. There are a few key ways that lemon juice is thought to help:

• Neutralizing stomach acid – Lemons are alkaline-forming, even though they taste sour. When lemon juice mixes with stomach acid, it helps neutralize some of the acidity, reducing irritation to the esophagus.
• Supporting digestion – Lemon juice contains minerals like magnesium and calcium that help balance stomach acidity and support healthy digestion.
• Aiding weight loss – Being overweight is a risk factor for heartburn. The pectin fiber in lemon juice can help promote feelings of fullness and temporarily reduce hunger to support weight management.
• Relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter – Compounds in lemon juice may help relax the lower esophageal sphincter to allow stomach acid to flow down and reduce backflow.

Additionally, some research suggests that the vitamin C and antioxidants in lemon juice may help protect and heal the esophageal lining from damage caused by excess acid exposure.

How to use lemon juice for heartburn relief

Here are some simple ways to use lemon juice to help get rid of heartburn:

• Drink a glass of warm water mixed with the juice from 1/2 fresh lemon. Drink first thing in the morning or after a meal.
• Mix lemon juice with honey or ginger. This can help enhance the benefits and reduce the sour taste.
• Use lemon slices or lemon essential oil to make lemon water. Sip this slowly to help relieve symptoms.
• Add fresh lemon juice to herbal or green teas.
• Use lemon juice in salad dressings or marinades. The small amounts throughout the day can aid digestion.

For best results, always use fresh squeezed lemon juice rather than commercial bottled juice, which has often lost much of its beneficial properties through processing.

How much lemon juice should you drink for heartburn?

There is no standardized dosage for using lemon juice for heartburn relief. However, moderation is key.

Most health experts recommend limiting lemon juice to no more than 5 tablespoons (75ml) per day. Excessive amounts can cause new problems like:

• Tooth erosion: Lemon juice’s acidity can wear down tooth enamel over time.
• Heartburn: Surprisingly, too much lemon juice may aggravate heartburn in some cases.
• Kidney problems: Large amounts may increase the risk of kidney stones in those predisposed.

It’s best to start with small amounts like 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice diluted in water and increase slowly as needed to help relieve your heartburn symptoms.

Other tips for preventing heartburn

While lemon juice can provide quick relief when heartburn flares up, making certain lifestyle changes can help prevent heartburn from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Avoid large meals and allow 2-3 hours for food to digest before lying down.
• Limit triggers like spicy foods, chocolate, citrus, alcohol, and caffeine.
• Stop smoking and lose weight if overweight.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches to prevent backflow of acid while sleeping.
• Manage stress and anxiety.

Additionally, over-the-counter antacids or medications that reduce stomach acid production may be helpful for chronic heartburn. See your doctor if lifestyle changes and natural remedies don’t provide adequate relief.

The bottom line

Lemon juice is a simple, easy-to-use home remedy that can provide quick relief from occasional heartburn. Its alkaline nature helps neutralize stomach acid while supporting healthy digestion. For best results, drink a glass of warm water mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice as symptoms occur or right after a meal. However, lemon juice should not replace prescribed treatment plans for chronic heartburn or GERD.

Making dietary and lifestyle changes can also go a long way towards preventing heartburn flare-ups in the first place. But when episodes do strike, keep some fresh lemons handy to help soothe the burn and get back to enjoying your day.