At Home Remedies for Heartburn

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. It is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other symptoms of GERD include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sour taste in the mouth. Heartburn is usually not serious and can be relieved with home remedies.

Common Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn can be caused by many different things, including eating too much, eating too quickly, stress, smoking, and certain foods. Common culprits include spicy foods, caffeine, tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, peppermint, and fatty and fried foods. Large meals can also trigger heartburn.

At Home Remedies for Heartburn

1. Chewing Gum

Chewing gum after a meal can help reduce heartburn symptoms. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralize stomach acid. Choose a sugar-free gum and avoid mint flavor, as mint can aggravate heartburn.

2. Avoid Trigger Foods

Avoiding trigger foods can help reduce heartburn symptoms. Common trigger foods include spicy foods, caffeine, tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, peppermint, and fatty and fried foods. Keeping a food diary can help identify trigger foods.

3. Eat Small Meals

Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce heartburn symptoms. Eating several smaller meals throughout the day is better than eating three large meals. Avoid eating late at night, as this can trigger heartburn.

4. Avoid Tight Clothing

Wearing tight clothing can put added pressure on the stomach, which can cause heartburn. Choose loose-fitting clothes and avoid tight-fitting belts or waistbands.

5. Elevate the Head of the Bed

Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce heartburn symptoms. Place blocks or a foam wedge underneath the head of your bed to elevate the head by 6-8 inches. This will help keep stomach acid in the stomach.

6. Stay Upright After Eating

Remaining in an upright position after eating can help reduce heartburn symptoms. Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating. Sitting or standing can help keep stomach acid in the stomach.

7. Drink Aloe Vera Juice

Drinking aloe vera juice can help reduce heartburn symptoms. Aloe vera juice is thought to help balance the stomach’s acidity levels. Drink one to two ounces of aloe vera juice before meals.

8. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Drinking apple cider vinegar can help reduce heartburn symptoms. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance stomach acidity levels. Dilute one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink before meals.

9. Try Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies can help reduce heartburn symptoms. Ginger, chamomile, and licorice are thought to help reduce stomach acidity levels. Steep one teaspoon of dried herbs in one cup of boiling water and drink before meals.