Get Rid of Heartburn With These Natural Fixes
You feel it coming on, that tell-tale burning sensation in your chest. Sitting, standing, lying down… it’s all uncomfortable, and you need a solution to your indigestion woes.
Heartburn happens when stomach acid creeps up into your esophagus, and it’s a problem many of us have dealt with. You might reach for over-the-counter antacids and medications, but all too often those don’t seem to provide enough relief. Luckily, you probably already have several natural, home remedies for heartburn in your pantry. These can be even more effective than antacids.
If you have frequent heartburn, be aware it could be a sign of something more serious.
1. Water
Sometimes all you need to do to relieve heartburn is drink more water. Drinking a glass of water is a great place to start before moving onto more intense remedies.
2. Stand up straight
This simple solution works because it keeps food and acid down in your stomach, not in your esophagus.
3. Pineapple juice
Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps control the levels of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. When you feel heartburn setting in, try sipping on a small glass of pineapple juice to get some relief.
4. Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera isn’t just great for helping relieve pain from sunburns, drinking the juice is also an effective way to combat heartburn. It’s important to note that you should find a juice that’s intended for drinking. Consuming aloe vera gel out of a plant won’t have quite the effect you’re looking for.
5. Baking soda
For severe heartburn pain, baking soda is a natural antacid that can offer much-needed relief. Mix half to one full teaspoon of baking soda into a small glass of water and drink up, but don’t use this remedy regularly. While the baking soda does neutralize stomach acid, it’s high in salt and could make you feel nauseous if overused.
6. Fresh lemon juice
Lemon juice can help increase stomach acid, which is great news for heartburn sufferers because heartburn is often caused by a lack of stomach acid. Try squeezing a fresh lemon into a glass of water or tea.
7. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works for the same reason lemon juice does — the vinegar increases stomach acid. You can mix approximately two teaspoons into a glass of water and add some honey to make the mixture taste better.
8. Apples, bananas, and grapes
These fruits can provide natural heartburn relief. Even a single apple slice has been known to provide quick relief for some people.
9. Peppermint
If the taste of apple cider vinegar or baking soda makes those remedies sound unappealing, try peppermint instead. Peppermint is an ingredient in many antacids, and you can get the same effects without taking a pill or tablet. Try peppermint tea, add a few drops of peppermint oil to water, or eat a piece of peppermint candy.
10. Buttermilk
Regular whole milk can also help soothe heartburn, but you may have to wait a while to feel relief. Cultured buttermilk, on the other hand, is a fast-acting way to calm acid reflux. In general, fermented milk products are great dietary additions for heartburn sufferers.