I would venture to say that there isn’t a single person reading this that hasn’t at one time or another experienced the pain of heartburn. I used to get it really bad when I was pregnant. But the WORST culprit for me is eating SPICY foods. Eating a spicy dish is almost guaranteed to cause me major discomfort.
Other foods that can lead to heartburn are tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and caffeine. Also, dishes high in fats and oils and certain medications will do the same.
So what’s a girl (or guy) to do?? Suffer in silence. Of course not. Why would you when there are some very simple things you can do at home to relieve the discomfort of heartburn?!
Hopefully you will find one that works for you.
Almonds
Almonds are especially good for digestion because their high oil content neutralizes stomach acid. Take a handful (about 15-20) and 1/2 hour later your heartburn should be gone.
Aloe Vera Juice
Just as Aloe Vera acts as a coolant and reduces the inflammation on the skin, it also cools down the stomach and provides heartburn relief. Aloe vera juice has a long history of use in Europe as a natural home remedy to relieve heartburn. You should only use aloe vera juice that has been specifically prepared for internal use.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Stir 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 1/2 cup of water or apple juice & drink immediately after each meal. It will calm stomach troubles and brings about digestive relief. Apple cider vinegar can also be taken in tablet or capsule form.
Apples
Even a slice of apple can calm down acid production and reduce the burning sensation. Apples neutralize the acid in your stomach in about 5 minutes. Braeburn or Gala apples work best. Celery sticks and cabbage will also minimize stomach acid.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural antacid. Mix between 1/2 and 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water to neutralize acid and temporarily alleviate heartburn caused by acid reflux. If you have heartburn regularly, avoid using this remedy. It is high in salt and could cause side effects like swelling and nausea.
Bananas
Bananas act as a natural antacid in the body. You can eat either fresh or dried bananas.
Basil
Basil leaves also help in relieving heartburn, as well as combating nausea and gas. Chewing 2 to 3 basil leaves minimizes stomach acid.
Buttermilk
To help relieve heartburn, try drinking a half cup of ice cold buttermilk. You can use regular whole milk, but the effects of heartburn relief are not as quick. It is highly recommended you include fermented milk and soy products regularly in your diet, because they can help correct acid reflux problems.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has been used to help neutralize stomach acid. It is also used by people as a stress reliever.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum stimulates the salivary flow rate, and any acid that accumulates in your stomach is washed away and cleared more quickly. Choose a sugar-free, fruit-flavored gum. Mint gums can be irritating to some people.
Cinnamon
You can also make teas made of crushed cinnamon or cardamom to cool the heat of heartburn. Add 1 teaspoon of either crushed or powdered herb to 1 cup boiling water, steep, strain and drink.
Fennel tea
According to herbalists, tea made from anise, caraway, or fennel seed can ease the burn of heartburn. Add 2 teaspoons of any of them to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink.
Garlic
Even though many people BLAME garlic for their heartburn, a clove or two can erase the burn as quickly as it came. Chew a clove of garlic when heartburn occurs, or store a few cloves of garlic in apple cider vinegar, and drink a sip of the liquid when heartburn occurs.
Raw garlic is a power-packed antibiotic, and is known to kill the pathogenic microorganism that is most often found in those suffering from gastritis.
Ginger
Fresh ginger is one of the oldest remedies for heartburn. It is also used to help treat nausea. Ginger can be added to food when it’s cooked, eaten raw, or consumed as ginger tea.
Combine 1 tbsp. of ginger and lemon juice with 2 tbsp. of honey in 8 oz. of warm water. Drink when you begin to feel the effects of indigestion.
Grapes
Eat 10 to 20 grapes whenever you experience any type of digestion issue. Grapes are very good at relieving indigestion, as well as an upset stomach.
Licorice
A form of licorice called DGL also provides heartburn-soothing effects. It provides protection from acids by promoting mucus release in the stomach.
DGL comes in large tablets that you place in your mouth and allow to melt. You can chew them slightly but don’t swallow them since it is your saliva that helps activate the DGL.
Mustard
Mustard is a little known and surprising remedy for heartburn. The next time you have an attack of acid reflux, try 1 tsp of yellow mustard with about ½ glass of water. Apparently the yellow coloring, turmeric, has long been used for digestive disorders.
Potato
Potato juice not only neutralizes the acid in your stomach, but it also heals the lining of your esophagus. It is simple, safe and effective.
Juice one raw potato and add an equal amount of cold water. Make sure to stir the mixture well until it is cloudy from the starch. Drink it right away for the best result.
Peppermint Oil
Add two drops of peppermint oil to 8 oz. of cold water and drink whenever you have indigestion. If you are unable to drink this mixture, suck on one piece of peppermint candy to relieve indigestion and stomach irritation. Peppermint oil is a regular ingredient in over-the-counter heartburn medicines and a great cure for heartburn.
Pineapple Juice
Drinking 4 oz. of pineapple juice after meals highly effective in reducing hyperacidity and heartburn. Pineapple contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that helps control levels of hydrochloric acid in your stomach.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm has been used in herbal remedies for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses. This tree extract thickens the layer of mucous lining the stomach creating a stronger barrier against acid.
Add one teaspoon of the powder to a cup of hot water, and drink a few cups throughout the day.
Turmeric
Turmeric helps stimulate digestion and prevent acid build-up. Turmeric is used in curried foods. If you don’t want to use turmeric in your cooking, it is available in capsule form and can be taken before meals.
Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juices, like raw potato, celery and cabbage are very alkaline in nature and are helpful in correcting an acidic stomach. Papaya juice contains the digestive enzyme papain, which has a soothing effect on the stomach and aids in the breaking down of protein.
Water
With some people, all they have to do is drink water. It can help to wash excess acid that splashes into the esophagus. Make sure that you do not drink too much water, as it may actually make the problem worse.
There are some other things you should keep in mind if you suffer from heartburn:
- Avoid specific foods that trigger your heartburn. Eat more fiber to keep your digestive tract moving and healthy. Also reduce portion sizes.
- Push away the plate at least two or three hours before bedtime so your stomach has a chance to empty before you lie down.
- Eat slowly, taking smaller bites.
- Excess abdominal fat can press against the stomach, forcing acids up into the esophagus. Follow a diet and exercise program to shed extra pounds.
- Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of the muscle that keeps acids in the stomach. For this, and so many other health reasons, it’s always the perfect time to quit.
- Ditch the skin-tight jeans. Tight clothes put added pressure on the abdomen.
- Put wood blocks under your bed to raise the head about 6 inches. Don’t bother raising your pillows, though — it’s not effective for heartburn.
- Exercise may protect against the acid reflux that leads to heartburn.
(If you have frequent problems with heartburn, see a doctor, as it may be a more serious condition.)
Even though heartburn is always an unpleasant experience, an effective home remedy doesn’t have to be!
If you have experience with any of the remedies listed above….or you can add some of your own…please share!
