Home Remedies For Heartburn
Do you suffer from the burning sensation of heartburn? If so, you are not alone. Heartburn affects millions of people around the world and can be a nuisance to deal with. While there are many medications available over-the-counter or by prescription, there may also be natural remedies that could provide relief. So which home remedies help with heartburn? In this article, I’ll explore some of these home remedies for heartburn and discuss how they might help ease your discomfort. So if you’re looking for an alternative treatment option for your heartburn symptoms, read on!
Home Remedies For Heartburn
1. Eat smaller meals
First of all, eat smaller meals. Eating large meals can cause pressure on your stomach and lead to heartburn. To reduce this risk, try eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones. This will help ensure your stomach isn’t overburdened and will lower your chances of getting heartburn.
2. You should not lie down immediately after eating
Usually, it is advised that you don’t lie down immediately after eating, as this can lead to heartburn. The reason for this is that when you lie down, your stomach acid is more likely to move up into the esophagus and cause discomfort. So it’s best to stay upright for a few hours after eating.
3. Avoid late-night eating
When you think of home remedies for heartburn, avoiding late-night eating may not immediately come to mind, but it’s an important one. Eating late at night can put extra pressure on your stomach and make it harder for your body to digest food. This can lead to heartburn problems, so it’s best to try avoiding eating after a certain hour.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most effective home remedies for relieving heartburn fast. Mix ½ tsp of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it to neutralize stomach acids and relieve the burning sensation in your chest. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctor before taking baking soda.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long been known as a folk remedy for heartburn relief. Stir 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. Drink it before meals to stop heartburn from happening or after meals to make your digestive system feel better and reduce acid reflux symptoms.
6. Herbal teas
A simple but effective natural remedy for heartburn is to sip on herbal teas. According to herbalists, chamomile, anise, ginger, fennel, and peppermint tea may help to heal heartburn and reduce its symptoms. That’s because these herbal teas contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and digestive healing properties. It is best to drink 1 to 3 cups of herbal tea per day.
7. Chew gum after meals
Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can help stimulate saliva production, which helps to neutralize stomach acid and prevent heartburn. In one study, chewing sugar-free gum 30 minutes after a meal significantly reduced reflux symptoms.
8. Drink more water
Sometimes, sipping water can help ease heartburn. Some evidence suggests that sipping a glass of water can help relieve heartburn, as it dilutes the stomach acids and helps wash them away from the esophagus.
9. Eat foods that reduce acid
Certain foods are known to reduce the production of stomach acid, which can help with heartburn symptoms. Examples include oatmeal, bananas, almonds, avocados, apples, yogurt, fennel seeds, and green veggies like broccoli and spinach. Adding these types of food to your diet can help reduce your heartburn symptoms.
10. Cut back on spicy foods
Experts say that spicy foods are notorious for triggering heartburn in some individuals. If you suffer from frequent bouts of heartburn, consider reducing or eliminating spicy foods from your diet to see if that helps ease the discomfort.
11. Avoid certain beverages
Certain beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol can start heartburn in some people, so it might be worth avoiding these drinks if they seem to make your symptoms worse.
12. Keep a diary
Keeping a food diary can be an effective way to identify foods or drinks that may trigger your heartburn. Once you know what’s causing your heartburn, you can make simple lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate them.
13. Drink aloe vera juice
According to scientific opinion, aloe vera juice can help soothe heartburn and reduce inflammation. It is recommended to drink 1-2 ounces of juice daily for maximum effect.
14. Elevate your head while sleeping
Elevating your head while sleeping (at least 6 inches) has been found to reduce nighttime symptoms associated with GERD. This is because Elevating your head prevents food/acid from coming back up into the throat during sleep cycles!
15. Sleep on your left side
Studies have found that sleeping on your left side is the best position for reducing heartburn symptoms. That’s because when you sleep on your left side, the stomach is positioned in a way that allows for better digestion, which can help to reduce heartburn.
16. Do not wear tight clothing
This puts pressure on the stomach and increases the risk of heartburn. Instead, opt for loose-fitting clothing to keep your stomach area comfortable.
17. Quit smoking
Smoking is known to worsen heartburn symptoms, so it’s best to quit if you suffer from heartburn often. Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which can lead to increased acid reflux.
Article Sources
- Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux: Does It Work? – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/apple-cider-vinegar-for-acid-reflux
- Alecci, U., Bonina, F., Bonina, A., Rizza, L., Inferrera, S., Mannucci, C., & Calapai, G. (2016). Efficacy and Safety of a Natural Remedy for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Double-Blinded Randomized-Controlled Study. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2581461
- Moazzez, R., Bartlett, D., & Anggiansah, A. (2005). The effect of chewing sugar-free gum on gastro-esophageal reflux. Journal of dental research, 84(11), 1062–1065. https://doi.org/10.1177/154405910508401118
- Panahi, Y., Khedmat, H., Valizadegan, G., Mohtashami, R., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial. Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan, 35(6), 632–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5
