Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat, often accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth. It's a common symptom of acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.
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Fortunately, there are a number of natural home remedies, as well as over-the-counter medications, that can help relieve the symptoms. Making some lifestyle changes can also reduce the frequency of heartburn, according to Verywell Health.
First: Natural Remedies
You may find some effective home remedies for heartburn in your kitchen, including:
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): This can be used as an antacid one to two hours after a meal. Take it with a full glass of water and follow the package instructions. It's not recommended for long-term use or for children under 12. Consult your doctor if you're on a low-sodium diet.
Chamomile tea: This soothes the digestive system and may reduce inflammation. It's recommended to drink it after meals or before bedtime.
- Ginger tea: Helps improve digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is alkaline, which helps balance acidity.
- Lemon juice with honey: Although lemons are acidic, mixing them with warm water and honey may help neutralize stomach acid.
- Low-fat yogurt: Contains probiotics that help soothe heartburn.
- Skim milk: May help temporarily relieve heartburn by forming a barrier between the stomach lining and the acid. However, whole milk may worsen symptoms.
Second: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
There are three main types of medications for treating heartburn:
- Antacids: Work directly to neutralize stomach acid and last for up to two hours. Examples include Alka-Seltzer, Pepto-Bismal, Tums, and Rolidz.
- H2 receptor antagonists (H2 blockers): These take between one and three hours to start working and reduce acid production for four to twelve hours. Examples include Tagamet, Pepcid, and Oxide.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These work to reduce acid production more deeply and provide longer-lasting relief, but it takes one to four days to see results. They are taken once daily, 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, for 14 days. Examples include Prevacid and Prilosec.
Third: Lifestyle Changes
Research indicates that lifestyle changes play a key role in controlling heartburn. Some of the most important recommendations include:
- Avoiding tight clothing around the waist.
- Choosing meals that are high in protein and low in fat.
- Avoiding overeating.
- Quitting smoking.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Sleeping in a reclined position to reduce heartburn at night.
- Avoid eating two to three hours before bedtime.
- Common foods that trigger heartburn:
- Citrus fruits
- Fatty foods
- Regular and decaffeinated coffee
- Carbonated drinks
- Alcoholic or caffeinated beverages
- Spicy foods
- Tomato products
- Dietary tips to prevent heartburn:
- Focus on water-rich foods: such as cucumbers, celery, lettuce, and watermelon. Soups and herbal teas are also helpful.
- Increase your fiber intake: such as oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
- Choose alkaline (high pH) foods: such as bananas, cantaloupe, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts. These foods help neutralize acidity.
When should you see a doctor?
Occasional heartburn usually doesn't require a doctor's visit, but it's advisable to seek medical advice in the following cases:
- If heartburn occurs more than twice a week.
- If accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss.
- If accompanied by vomiting blood or black stools.
- If it persists despite medication or lifestyle changes.
- It may be a sign of a chronic condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastritis.