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Heartburn Remedies

If everyone was aware of how effective these heartburn remedies were the antacid industry would be out of business. Before we get into our list of heartburn remedies a few survival tips:

  • Allow several hours for food to digest before you go to bed. No eating for 3 hours before bedtime.
  • Put a hot water bottle over your liver (upper right abdomen). This helps to digest what you have eaten.
  • Don't lie down if you have heartburn, as stomach acids will back up into the esophagus; stand or sit up instead. 
  • Raise the head of your bed.

Some of these tips won't be effective on their own, but when combined with our other heartburn remedies you should be able to manage the problem and hopefully eliminate the pain.

Top 20 Heartburn Remedies

Lose Weight. No one wants to hear it but if you are overweight dropping a few pounds can make a real difference.

Eat slowly and chew well. The enzymes in your mouth will begin the digestive process. This will reduce the amount of undigested food you have in your stomach.

Apples. Eating an apple after a meal helps alleviate acid reflux.

Apple cider vinegar.  Swallow two to three tablespoons undiluted for an acute attack, or dissolve the same amount in warm water to drink to prevent heartburn from recurring.

Cabbage Juice. Like apples, this is a natural fire extinguisher - put the cabbage through a juicer, then drink it.

Almonds. A few almonds taken after meals, have been hailed as the new miracle cure for acid reflux by many people.

Soda crackers. Soda crackers (preferably unsalted) digest easily and absorb stomach acids. They also contain bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar, which neutralize the acid.

Figs, Pineapple, Papaya. Fresh or dried, these foods are loaded with digestive enzymes. Papaya is known for the indigestion-fighting enzyme papain. You can drink 1 cup papaya juice combined with 1 teaspoon sugar and 2 pinches cardamom to relieve acid. Or take in the form of papaya enzyme pills.

Yogurt. The digestion-friendly microorganisms in yogurt help to sooth the acid-forming imbalances that can lead to heartburn.

Aloe. Though its consistency may take getting used to, aloe juice also is known as an effective acid reflux remedy.

Chew gum. This stimulates saliva production which helps with digestion. Sucking on hard candy or other means of producing more saliva will also be helpful

Ironically we head to the spice rack for these heartburn remedies:

Fennel or chamomile tea. The soothing effects of fennel or chamomile tea are known to provide heartburn relief.

Ginger. Ginger is helpful for indigestion, especially if it is due to eating spicy foods. A tea made with ginger is one of our favorite heartburn remedies - often more effective than any over-the-counter or prescription medication. Add 1-1/2 teaspoonsof fresh ginger root to 1 cup water; simmer for ten minutes. Drink as needed. OR Take a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root OR 1,000 mg of the powder daily. Candied ginger is another great source - add it to tea or eat it as is.

Turmeric. Turmeric stimulates digestion and prevents acid build-up. Curried foods contain turmeric. If you don't use turmeric in your cooking, take 2-3 1/2-1 gr capsules before meals.

Cloves. Suck on a whole clove or add a few drops of clove oil to a glass of water and sip slowly.

Licorice. Buy DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), take two 250 mg chewable tablets, or break open a 250 mg capsule and dissolve in 2 ounces of water.

Sage. A sage tea helps relieve stomach troubles and is reputed to cool the burn.

Cardamom. This old-time digestive aid may help relieve heartburn. Add it to baked goodies or sprinkle some with a pinch of cinnamon on toast. Whole green cardamom can be chewed on after a meal.

Cinnamon. Brew a cup of cinnamon tea from a cinnamon stick. Cinnamon toast is another acid-busting treat that's quite tasty.

Cream of tartar. For an acid neutralizer, mix 1/2 teaspoon with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a glass of water. Take 1 teaspoon of the solution as needed.

We've heard of many other heartburn remedies but these are tried and true. If these aren't working for you or your bouts of heartburn are frequent we urge you to get medical attention.

Heartburn Remedies: References

By Mortin - Copyright 2010
Last modification 10/02/2010