Results: Home Remedies for Heartburn
Heartburn can feel like a small fire in your chest, but you can often put it out using items already in your pantry. The goal is either to neutralize the acid or to use gravity to keep it where it belongs.
1.
1.
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): This is a natural antacid. How to: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into a 4-ounce glass of water. It neutralizes stomach acid almost instantly. Note: Don't use this too often, as it is very high in salt. Have you used this home remedy before? Yes
22%
•
224 votes
No
52%
•
536 votes
I've never had heartburn
10%
•
105 votes
Not Applicable
16%
•
159 votes
2.
2.
Chewing Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal stimulates saliva production. Saliva is alkaline, which helps neutralize acid and washes it back down into the stomach. Have you tried chewing gum for heartburn relief? Yes
15%
•
154 votes
No
59%
•
602 votes
I've never had heartburn
10%
•
103 votes
Not Applicable
16%
•
165 votes
3.
3.
Ripe Bananas: Bananas are low-acid and can help coat an irritated esophageal lining. They act as a natural buffer against stomach acid. Have you eaten a ripe banana to get rid of heartburn? Yes
10%
•
106 votes
No
62%
•
635 votes
I've never had heartburn
11%
•
117 votes
Not Applicable
16%
•
166 votes
4.
4.
Soothing Teas & Liquids Ginger: Ginger is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. You can chew on a small piece of fresh ginger or steep it in hot water for a calming tea. Chamomile Tea: A cup of chamomile can have a soothing effect on the digestive tract and may help reduce stress, which is a common heartburn trigger. Aloe Vera Juice: Much like it soothes a sunburn on your skin, aloe vera juice can soothe the internal "burn." Try drinking 1/4 cup before a meal. Have you ever used any of these for relieving your heartburn? Yes
19%
•
193 votes
No
53%
•
546 votes
I've never had heartburn
12%
•
118 votes
Not Applicable
16%
•
167 votes
5.
5.
Posture & Gravity Loosen Your Clothing: If your jeans are tight, they may be putting pressure on your stomach, forcing acid upward. Unbuttoning or wearing loose clothes can provide instant relief. Elevate Your Upper Body: If you get heartburn at night, use a wedge pillow or prop up the head of your bed by 6–8 inches. Stacking regular pillows usually doesn't work because it only bends your neck; you need your entire torso on an incline. Sleep on Your Left Side: This position makes it physically harder for acid to escape the stomach and enter the esophagus due to the shape of the organ. Have you ever tried any of these physical remedies? Yes
25%
•
253 votes
No
47%
•
479 votes
I've never had heartburn
12%
•
119 votes
Not Applicable
17%
•
173 votes
6.
6.
A Note on "The Milk Myth" While a cold glass of milk feels good going down, it can actually be a "double-edged sword." The fat and protein in milk can sometimes trigger the stomach to produce more acid a short while later. If you use milk, stick to low-fat or skim. Red Flags: Seek medical attention if you have difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or if your heartburn occurs more than twice a week (which could indicate GERD). Have you ever believed the "milk myth" and tried it for your heartburn? Yes
16%
•
161 votes
No
53%
•
544 votes
I've never had heartburn
12%
•
120 votes
Not Applicable
19%
•
199 votes
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