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If you suffer from heartburn, you might describe it as a burning sensation under the breastbone. People with recurrent reflux can usually also talk about the types of foods that trigger their discomfort. They may take one of several kinds of medications to ease heartburn symptoms, but nearly all of them have some disadvantages as well. Some readers may be fond of an old-fashioned remedy, baking soda in water. Others will be interested in learning about recent research on the benefits of an antireflux lifestyle.
Are There Natural Ways to Ease Heartburn Symptoms?
Q. I have been battling chronic heartburn for years. My diet is mostly vegan and I try to rely on natural remedies. My doctor has suggested PPIs like omeprazole, but I refuse to take it. I do rely on famotidine to ease the discomfort. Do you have any other suggestions?
A. If your diet is high in carbohydrates, you might want to consider cutting back. A small case study published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine (Nov-Dec. 2001) suggested that a high-carb diet is more problematic than fats when dealing with reflux. Doctors frequently recommend avoiding fat, however.
Saliva is the body’s natural buffering agent. Research published inThe New England Journal of Medicine (Feb. 2, 1984) reported that stimulating the production of saliva with an oral lozenge might be helpful.
Herbal teas (chamomile, ginger, sage, anise) may also aid in rinsing acid back into the stomach. The traditional Indian herb Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) reduces the frequency and severity of reflux symptoms (Journal of Integrative Medicine, March 2018). Some people report that almonds or mustard can calm symptoms of heartburn. If natural approaches like these fail you, famotidine (Pepcid) is a reasonable option.
Will Yellow Mustard Control Indigestion?
Q. After reading about the various uses for yellow mustard in this column, I tried it for indigestion. I have found that swallowing one tablespoon of yellow mustard eases my heartburn after an occasional small slice of pizza. Others may want to try this.
A. You are not the only one to find that plain yellow mustard can help ease heartburn symptoms.
Another reader noted,
“After years of reliance on omeprazole for serious heartburn, I’ve been able to cut my medication by half with the help of mustard. Amazing.”
There don’t appear to have been studies of this remedy. Readers have used different doses.
In comparison to your tablespoon, someone else lowered the dose to one-third:
“I take 1 teaspoon of prepared mustard for heartburn. It works for me instantly every time. Luckily, I don’t mind the taste of mustard! This remedy is safe and found in most households.”
One other popular use for mustard as a home remedy is to stop nocturnal leg cramps. Hundreds of readers have sent testimonials about their success with this approach.
Marsh Mallow for Heartburn:
Q. My primary care provider had me take marsh mallow root tincture to ease heartburn symptoms. It works well. Do you have any data on this?
A. Scientists do not appear to have conducted much research on Althea officinalis, the botanical name for marsh mallow. One study does show that it can protect rats from ulcers caused by the NSAID indomethacin (Antioxidants, Oct. 25, 2019). Another indicates that the extract can protect rats from chemically-induced liver cancer (Food Science & Nutrition, May 26, 2023). Neither of these studies includes human subjects.
Herbalists, on the other hand, often recommend the root for calming a range of digestive problems. Dr. Tieraona Low Dog has mentioned this plant, and so has Mimi Prunella Hernandez.
All About Aloe:
Q. You recently answered a reader asking about natural remedies for heartburn. You listed apple cider vinegar and ginger as possible candidates.
I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia in my late 20s and took various heartburn medications for many years. About ten years ago I saw a suggestion that aloe could help. I bought a container of aloe juice from my grocery store and drank a small glass every evening before bed.
It tasted like it would cause heartburn but actually did the opposite. It worked so well that I started drinking it less often.
Aloe grows readily here in Florida, so I planted some in my yard. I simply cut off a part of the leaf and eat a small amount of the inner gel. I haven’t needed to take any medication since I started using aloe. While I don’t know if this works for everyone, it definitely worked for me.
A. The clear gel in the center of the aloe vera leaf contains mucopolysaccharides that seem to be calming to the digestive tract. Be careful not to include the outer part of the leaf. It contains compounds that act as strong laxatives.
Two recent studies considered aloe vera in combination with other natural remedies (Internal and Emergency Medicine, Oct. 2020; Nutrition Research, April 2020). Neither was placebo-controlled, but both suggest that aloe vera may be helpful against reflux.
Baking Soda for Indigestion:
Q. Why don’t you recommend baking soda for heartburn? I haven’t seen it in your columns, but it gives me fast relief with no side effects. I don’t have heartburn every day, but when it hits me at night, I don’t want to suffer for any length of time.
A. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an old-fashioned antacid. How old? Some medical historians trace its origins back to 3000 BC and the ancient Sumerians. They used burned seaweed containing sodium carbonate to ease indigestion.
Modern baking soda is not derived from plants, though it is still used to ease heartburn symptoms. The directions on the box recommend ½ teaspoon dissolved in 4 oz. of water. Relief is fast but temporary. People with hypertension should be cautious about the sodium content of this home remedy.
Elements of an Antireflux Lifestyle:
Researchers who have been analyzing data from the long-running Nurses’ Health Study have found that women who followed an antireflux lifestyle were nearly 40% less likely to have symptoms such as heartburn (JAMA Internal Medicine, Jan. 4, 2021). This approach relies upon five factors. They include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes daily, limiting coffee, tea or soda to no more than two cups a day and eating a prudent diet. Such a dietary pattern has very little processed food and generous amounts of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish and poultry. Even women who were taking acid-suppressing drugs such as famotidine or omeprazole reported fewer symptoms when following this regimen.
Low-Carb Diet to Ease Heartburn Symptoms:
A few readers have discovered that switching to a low-carb diet can ease heartburn symptoms. This isn’t wishful thinking; research has confirmed it. Should this be part of your antireflux lifestyle?
Eliminating Grains:
Q. I was intrigued to read on your website that a low-carb diet can help heartburn. Eliminating grains has reduced my gastritis pain a lot, as I’ve just realized. If I indulge in an occasional piece of cornbread or gluten-free bread, I seem to have more pain the next day. I’ll pay closer attention and maybe cut down on carbs even more. Perhaps others will benefit from this, too.
A. Most people, including physicians, don’t automatically think of carbohydrates as culprits behind heartburn. Yet research 15 years ago demonstrated that a very low-carb diet can help relieve chronic heartburn (Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Aug. 2006). Simple carbs like bread, pasta, rice and cookies may be particularly troublesome. Some people find that their heartburn is much better if they avoid grains (Nutrients, March 28, 2021).
A Simple Change of Diet:
Q. Heartburn has been my constant companion for years. I was always taking antacids or acid suppressing drugs.
My acid reflux disappeared last year when I stopped eating bread. I also cut back on starch, sugar and other carbs. I learned that foods like bagels, crackers or pretzels made me feel tired. When I quit, I discovered to my delight I had no more symptoms.
A. People with heartburn are usually told to avoid fatty or spicy foods. Scientists have found, however, that higher-carb diets can increase heartburn regardless of spice (Journal of Nutrition, Aug. 7, 2021). As a result, you might conclude that an antireflux lifestyle should include a relatively low-carb diet.
Trying Different Drugs to Ease Heartburn Symptoms:
Stopping acid-suppressing drugs can be tricky because of acid rebound. Mayo Clinic experts suggest trying lifestyle approaches such as dietary changes before taking acid-suppressing pills (Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, Jan-Dec. 2021).
Q. I took omeprazole for years, but when I learned it could weaken my bones my doctor switched me to ranitidine (Zantac). I was pleased to be using something safer for my reflux, but then I read that ranitidine may contain a cancer-causing chemical.
What else could I take to ease heartburn symptoms? I do not want to return to a PPI like omeprazole.
Possibly Pepcid:
A. Have you considered famotidine (Pepcid)? As a histamine-2 blocker, it is in the same class as ranitidine. However, its different chemical makeup means it has not been linked to potential carcinogens. You can purchase it without a prescription just like you bought ranitidine. That would definitely be one way to ease heartburn symptoms, but there are others.
Actually Antacids:
Although many people refer to all acid-suppressing drugs (including both PPIs and H2 blockers) as antacids, they aren’t. But you are probably familiar with some antacids that neutralize stomach acid in the short term to ease heartburn symptoms that crop up occasionally. Drugs like Tums (calcium carbonate), Rolaids (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide) and Maalox (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and simethicone) have been mainstays of OTC treatment of indigestion for years. Of course, you will also want to follow the antireflux lifestyle described above as closely as you can.
Learn More:
You can learn much more about preventing and treating acid reflux and other gastrointestinal conditions in our newly revised eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders. Adopting some dietary changes might help ease heartburn symptoms without serious side effects. In this online resource, we also discuss celiac disease, IBS, constipation, diarrhea and flatulence.
You may also want to listen to our interview with Dr. Robynne Chutkan. It is Show 1224: What Is the Best Way to Manage Your Heartburn? We also interviewed Dr. Chutkan for Show 1395: Gut Check–How Digestive Health Influences Everything.
Our most recent interview devoted to finding ways to ease heartburn symptoms is Show 1292: Natural Ways to Treat Heartburn, with Dr. Tieraona Low Dog.
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Jim
I was experiencing acid reflux for years. I recently found out that it was caused by drinking cold water. Now at meal time, and when I take my medications, I heat the water and no longer suffer heartburn.
Lenore
Ditto, Susan.
Best discovery I stumbled across for GERD is seaweed! Seriously. Alginate reflux gourmet is the specific product I use. Even my gerontologist now gives it to her husband. it works for us.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=alginate+reflux+gourmet&t=osx&ia=web
Wanda
I read somewhere in reviews of Pectasol that it cured someone’s indigestion. I ordered the powder, and after 3 weeks taking it twice a day, I no longer have indigestion. Previously used Pepcid and tums which helped but didn’t eliminate my indigestion.
Susan
Try Sodium Alginate. Its seaweed based and has none of the side effects that PPI’s have.
Craig
Citric acid found to be the culprit!
I’m 70 years old, and as I’ve aged, I’ve learned that when something new is bothering me, it’s usually (knock on wood) the result of something new that I’ve been doing. I recently developed a recurring dull ache that my otorhinolaryngologist diagnosed as acid gas reflux — after remarking that I had the most normal throat he’d seen all day. Though pleased to know that I hadn’t yet sustained any damage from the reflux, I resolved to find whether it was I who was somehow causing the problem.
I didn’t have any lifestyle issues, so I hoped that the cause was merely something I’d added to my routine. Eventually I traced the problem to the citric acid in the 16 ounces of half-strength popular sports drink that I’d been using for several years. (My cardiologist had recommended it to improve my hydration, in order to cure a middle-of-the-night high pulse rate — which it did, literally overnight.) Investigation told me that every other hydration aid in the grocery stores, including even the brand for babies and children, also contained citric acid, perhaps to improve palatability. I cut out the sports drink, which immediately stopped my reflux, but I still wanted some help with electrolytes. My cardiologist therefore recommended electrolyte packets purchased online from LMNT, one of which (“Raw Unflavored”) has no flavorings or citric acid. I’ve been on the LMNT for about a year, now, with zero issues! Again, knock on wood…
Linda
I was taking Nexium. The recommendation was taking it for 2 weeks, but the doctor said I could continue to take it anyway. I took it for 5 years! I developed brain fog so badly that I could not even figure how to cook simple recipes –even with the instructions in front of me! To wean myself off the Nexium, I first had to depend on Carafate (Sucralfate) to combat the heartburn; then I began drinking
1 T. ACV in an 8 oz. glass of water before breakfast and before dinner. It has worked perfectly for me for the past 10 years!
Patsy
Eating a raw apple with the peel on helps my (sometimes awful) reflux . Usually clears up heartburn immediately.
Jeanni
I suffer from acid reflux but what is puzzling for me is that I only have it after eight o’clock at night almost every evening. During the daytime no matter what I eat I have no problem. At my evening meal at six o’clock no matter what I eat around eight o’clock or later the acid reflux starts. I don’t eat a large meal at dinner time so I know that is not the problem. I usually have to take a couple Rolaids and sometimes a few more in order to stop the acid reflux. Sometimes instead of Rolaids I do the baking soda routine and that usually stops the acid reflux too.
But why does my acid reflux always occur after eight 0’clock almost every evening that is what puzzles me.
Mary
Never had any luck with teas (as in tea bags), but powdered ginger, eg, made into a hot tea or in warm milk is very effective and takes away heartburn asap.
Chris
My dad took Nexium for years for heartburn. Meanwhile, for a school project my daughter and I were researching acid reflux. Discovered that that can lead to esophageal cancer. I told my mom about this and a week later my dad was Diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I think it’s great that you provide a natural remedies for this. I also think that figuring out what foods trigger it for a person could be helpful. I was starting to drink ginger tea and got heartburn. The only thing I could think of was either a supplement I’d start taking or the Ginger. I stopped the ginger tea and my heartburn went away. I think I was putting way too muchGinger in my tea
Martha
Sucking on a Gin Gins chewy candy like a lozenge greatly helps offset my reflux. If it doesn’t quite do the trick I take a 10mg Pepcid at bedtime.
Sue
My reflux problem shows up as a dry cough, no burning, etc. Has anyone discussed this type of GERD and whether or not any of the alternative remedies work for this particular symptom?
Michelle
When I have occasional heartburn that wakes me up and is painful I get up and eat some apple or applesauce.
It works every time.
Linda
My gastroenterologist recommended an OTC called Reflux Gourmet (available online), which is like a syrup, that I take after meals and in the middle of the night, besides ranitidine (10mg) three times a day. After reading your article. I’m going to cut back on carbohydrates.
Leslie
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar in glass of water every morning, cut back on wheat and fat. I have been doing this for years now, no issues with heartburn anymore.
Cheryel
If i was not in a position to access an antacid, I found a long time ago that producing saliva stopped heartburn. I have always wondered why that was?
Ann H
I have been bothered with acid reflux for several years. Recently I have added chewing gum to my routine when it starts. It increases my saliva which seems to help. I use sugar free gum but regular should do the same.
I often chew a couple of OTC antacid tablets before going to bed (I like the fruit-flavored) as a precaution. I usually have a good night’s sleep with no coughing after.
Marcos
I find that pure natural lemon juice is the best.
Alan
Going vegan solved my acid reflux. I try to stick with lower glycemic index carbs and avoid processed foods. I went from 3-4 episodes a week to none.
Emma
I have suffered from heartburn extensively. It was a puzzle to me, as I did all the right things: eating a healthy diet, not smoking, not being overweight etc.
I finally went to see a naturopathic Dr. who ordered a food elimination diet. I found out that I was allergic to tree nuts. That made sense, as I suffer from pollen allergies. I stopped eating nuts, and the heartburn disappeared completely.
Kathy
I suspect my morning coffee and evening alcohol are causing my reflux problems. Decreasing those and using DGL, L-glutamine, and digestive enzymes is helping.
Patricia
In all the remedies mentioned for heartburn/acid reflux, I have not seen any mention of papaya pills. I have been using them daily for years with great success. I take 3-4 every time I start to feel the beginnings of symptoms and the relief is almost always immediate.
I have recommended this to friends with similar issues. It has worked well for some and not well for others. I am assuming the latter group has a different type of reflux. I only know it’s a very simple and, what seems to be natural (papaya is a digestive enzyme) solution, for a potentially uncomfortable problem.
Naomi
Regarding heartburn: I find immediate, complete relief if I swallow some Pepto-Bismo. Pleasant tasting and easy to use. How come you do not suggest it?
Darla
A few years ago I read that papaya enzymes stopped reflux and or heartburn. I gave it a try, and it worked immediately. I rarely have to use the enzymes anymore. So much better than nasty big pharma meds.
Brian
Bee products like raw honey, my favorite. Make great gift items for your male friends too. BUZZ! DON’T STOP THE BUZZ!
Don
ESOPHAGEAL ULCERS: Apple Cider Vinegar and Licorice were no match for my stomach acid. 5 years ago, I had esophageal ulcers, despite the use of Tums and then switched to a ppi. No pain and no ulcers.
3 years ago, a bone scan showed borderline osteoporosis. People’s pharmacy warned that ppis could cause osteoporosis. So I gave up the PPIs and switched to Vinegar and DSL licorice. 1 year ago, a second bone scan proved my bones were 5% denser, and I no longer needed annual bone scans.
THIS YEAR my esophageal ulcers are back and the Dr. required PPIs to heal them so there was no possibility of cancer. Now I’m counting on Pepsid Complete to reduce my stomach acid. In the meantime, I’m taking Calcium Citrate to keep my bones dense, since my body may be able to use it even though I have pharmaceutically reduced stomach Acid. Hope my next bone scan proves this is the cure.
Jeanni
I have had heartburn for years, and the two main culprits are tomato sauce/spaghetti sauce and cinnamon. I can eat these during the day but if I have them at night then I get heartburn. I never have heartburn during the day it is always in the evening so I take a couple of Rolaids, and that usually does the trick.
Mandi
I get heartburn-like pain when I am cold. I found the connection when a cup of tea brought instant relief, and I realized that every time I had the pain I was wearing the same blouse. I do not feel cold, so it could be worth anyone trying a hot drink and a scarf, before medication.
Pamela
I have tried multiple treatments over the years until I read an article that suggested I didn’t have enough hydrochloric acid in my stomach. Have been taking Betaine hydrochloride ever since. No more heartburn.
JAS
During pregnancy the heartburn I had was unbearable; my mom recommended chewing on celery stalks & extracting the juice & spitting out the fibrous pulp. It actually worked very, very well!
Patty
I have used papaya pills for years to stop heartburn attacks very successfully. It’s not a drug, tastes good (at least the brand I use), inexpensive, and it works like a charm. It’s easy to keep bottles in the bedroom, car, knitting bag, etc—at the ready at all times! I have recommended it to many others. Works for some but not everyone.
Carey
I take Neurontin, and it says not to take antacids. Is baking soda the kind of antacid that would interfere with the Neurontin? I have taken them at the same time and not noticed any difference (not sure what to watch for). Thank you.
Leslie
Drinking diluted vinegar daily will heal your stomach and stop heartburn,in my experience.
Also, ease up on the amount of wheat. In my experience it is the biggest culprit causing heartburn.
Judith
My husband finely chews and then swallows about 6 almonds before bed each night. Before he started this he had terrible heartburn. Since then he hasn’t had any heartburn unless he forgets his almonds.
Ellen
Coffee was a factor in contributing to my reflux. I now put crushed egg shells in my coffee grounds, and that has helped tremendously.
Ilene
I eat a banana when I first experience heartburn. It works for me and my husband.
Linda
I was on omeprazole for decades. A bone density study showed osteopenia. That motivated me to get off the omeprazole with your suggested apple cider vinegar approach. It took 2 weeks. I then realized that it was any gluten containing food that would trigger the reflux! Being gluten free eliminates the reflux. If I make a mistake and eat something with gluten the strong acid burn let’s me know within 15 minutes. I have been medication free and acid burn-free, mostly, now for 5+ years!
Cherry
Taking one or two teaspoons of plain yellow mustard does wonders for heartburn, indigestion, gas, or reflux. Let the mustard slowly slide down your throat. It neutralizes the excessive acid in your stomach and throat.
Edith
I take a full tablespoon of plain fat free Greek yogurt. Instant relief.
Kathy
I occasionally get reflux, more often lately, probably due to drinking red wine on an empty stomach in the late afternoon. It hits at the first bite of food after the wine. I take a digestive enzyme immediately (supposed to take before meals I know) and DGL if the reflux does not subside. That combo does it for me. Of course, cutting back on the wine would prevent it as well.
Tim
I too have a hiatal hernia and used to wake up at night thinking I was having a heart attack; but I was fine once I drank some water. Since that time I have lost 20 pounds which stopped this problem. However, ever since I was a kid I have had minor issues, and to this day I take a fork-load or two of sauerkraut before bed if my stomach is feeling acidic. It has never failed to provide relief.
Duane
I have used papaya enzymes for years.
Maria
Hasn’t Maalox been discontinued? It was referenced in the article.
Julia
I have a hiatal hernia, diagnosed about 35 years ago. I have used Gaviscon for much of that time with great results. It is OTC, a chewable tablet, followed by a glass of water. It always provides instant results, without having to take something on a daily basis. Early on, I figured out what my triggers are and try to avoid them. My biggest issue now is bending over the wrong way…to tie a shoe or pick up something from the floor.
Jonathan
Get off the dangerous (side effects!)of prescription meds! The apple cider vinegar remedy works. My wife is now 2 years+ reflux-free.
Come on Joe and Terry! More and more you seem to be in this for the $$$$. Disappointed.
Lisa
Apple cider vinegar. Though I personally don’t have an issue with heartburn, a friend of mine (her husband) did for many years. He kept Tums in every conceivable place in his house and car. When she introduced him to apple cider vinegar, he decided to try it. It is all he uses now, and has for over 30 years. *Just remember every pill has an ill.*
Pam
Giving up simple carbs like crackers, white bread, chips made a big difference for me. Even the whole grain crackers caused problems. Made a big difference!!
Tyler
I’ve been drinking ginger tea made fresh from the root for many years. I have not experienced heartburn for a very long time. It has many other health benefits as well.
Patricia
After many years of every kind of prescription and non-prescription attempts at relieving heartburn I found the perfect solution. I take 1 apple cider vinegar tablet a day. I rarely have heartburn any more. And if I do eat more than I should of any trigger 1 Tums resolves it.
Clare
With Alginate — Canadian or U.K. Gaviscon contains alginate,
American Gaviscon does not contain enough alginate to be effective. Alginate is seaweed.
Ruth
I had a bit of trouble with heartburn last summer and on and off for a while. But since I started taking Psyllium husk (pure organic not pharmaceutical) for constipation I have no more problems with heartburn and no more constipation either. It helps the gut to function better.
Kristi
My husband had terrible problems with indigestion. Then, because of an error in his medical chart (that said he had Alpha Galactosidase Enzyme deficiency) I ordered an enzyme replacement supplement for him. There are several available. He was later re-tested and found not to have the deficiency, but one tablet before each meal has taken care of his issues.
Kat
I had undiagnosed silent reflux for years (i.e., experienced none of the regular reflux symptoms), but started taking famotidine 20 mg. twice a day, and what a difference. No more cough and congestion from the reflux (still have allergies), but feel so much better, I’m very careful about taking antacids, as I’m also on thyroid meds, so this regimen works well for me.
Suzanne
I have had severe heartburn and have found that if I eat 3 smaller meals a day and nothing in between (no snacking) I do not have any heartburn at all. I think being sure my stomach is empty before my next meal (4-6 hours apart) is the key!
Joyce
I eat a few almonds or nibble about half a calcium carbonate tab (TUMS).
Theresa
I take two licorice pills at night and suck on a sugar-free menthol cough drop. Really does the trick (unless I eat a lot of spaghettii sauce at bedtime).
Al
I have hiatal hernia. I used to have heartburn everyday until a doctor prescribed Prilosec over thirty years ago. I take it every day, and it’s been a blessing. I know about the risks of the PPIs but I don’t have a choice. What do you propose I do?
Tracy
The instant oatmeal works as well as the regular. When I get an acid reflex attack in the middle of night, I make a small bowl, and within minutes the acid reflex is gone.
Patricia
Papaya pills work like a charm! I chew 3-4 every time my heartburn appears, and it’s almost always gone in seconds.
Dee
I take a spoonful of organic apple cider vinegar and stops the pain in moments.
Joann
I use slightly dilute Apple Cider vinegar to ease heartburn. It sounds counterintuitive, but it knocks it out instantly. If I use it straight, I rinse my mouth afterward to protect my teeth.
Alice
Have recently started d-limonene capsules after reading your experience, once in morning and once in the evening. Seems to be getting better.
Mark
Started with acephex, worked well but changed to omeprazole because other not available. Taken off omeprazole because drug is not safe for long use. Switched to ranitidine but stopped due to carcinogen. Now trying famotidine 20mg once daily. Started taking evenings. Started ok but after a week had bad indigestion. Read to take 15 to 60 min before eat/drink and now for 5 nights working very good. Here’s hoping!!!
Kathy
Betaine, aloe Vera liquid, HGL, raising the headboard of the bed 6 inches, avoiding coffee, tomatoes, and chocolate helped me. Stress relief with massage therapy as well.
Elizabeth
Eating salad for dinner instead of something meat-based and cutting back on carbs has helped me. I also use baking soda for occasional sour stomach, which gives me an incredibly satisfying burp or two.
Marilynn
I use plain “ole” yellow mustard, and it works every time. I even keep small restaurant pkgs. in my handbag for when I’m out & about or just chew on a piece of ginger candy. That works for me also.
Laurie
Gaia Herbs makes a product called Reflux Relief that works wonders, and the effect is almost immediate. I’m surprised that it isn’t better known.
Neil
I usually drink some ginger tea in the morning, and that usually keeps heartburn away. If I do get it I drink fennel tea. It tastes like drinking Italian sausage (which I like), and the heartburn goes away. I started doing this about 10 years ago when I weaned myself off of omeprazole after learning of the problems it could cause.
Clay
We learned in pharmacy school (in the 60’s) that sodium bicarb was a no-no because of systemic alkalosis. That caution seems to have vanished. Is it still a valid concern or has something changed, dose related, etc.?
Judy
I’ve gotten heartburn only in the last six months. For longer than that I’ve been drinking a teaspoon or two of cider vinegar and a little honey in warm water with breakfast. I noticed that I never got heartburn after breakfast, but often after dinner or later in the evening. So I started to drink the miracle drink at the first sign of heartburn, and it works every time! It seems crazy to drink an acid to cure an acid problem, but it works every time.
Gina
I use slippery elm when I have heartburn. Works like a charm!
Janice
Mine isn’t too bad but not brought on by any particular food. I just stir one tsp baking soda into 6 oz of tepid water and drink it down. I don’t measure exactly. I burp like crazy, and my stomach is settled and heartburn stops. Never had heartburn in my life till the last year or so. Maybe old age?? Or stress??
BJ
Liquid Aloe Vera juice cured my severe heartburn….immediately. Typically, I take 2 ounces after dinner/before bed. It’s distilled liquid from leaves, is tasteless, no refrigeration needed. But I like it cold.
Annie
I cut dairy for cold-like symptoms, and cut way back on bread. Take Force with coconut charcoal and feel much better after this cleansing. Now I have muscle cramp problems so am taking raisins soaked in gin for a few weeks… have a second bottle ready.
Last night I had heart burn for the first time in a while but ate out at a BBQ beforehand. So I took 6 or so raisins soaked in gin, and presto, it was gone. I eat a few raisins in the morning and in the evening and take the gin soaked each day about 6 or 8 of them. Drinking more water. I find the cut in dairy cleared up my cold-like symptoms. I can now smell and breath better. Eating the raisins took away my sweet tooth. I drink water each time I use the washroom because it’s healthy for my kidneys, and seems all this is helping me lose weight. No more cravings; I eat less; and heart burn is under control… if I get it at all I will just take my gin-soaked raisins (golden raisins, by the way).
I am 80 years old… my stomach was so bad I got sick in the night from reflux, and heart burn was horrible… but I have not for ages had this problem. But when it was serious I used to take baking soda and water in the night… the Activated Force with Coconut Charcoal really helped… I take it twice a day am and pm…. definitely cut back eating and drink lots of water.
Don
I drink a glass ( about 6 oz) of aloe vera juice every day. My heart burn is all but gone. It costs around $6.50 per gallon. If I miss two or three days the heartburn returns.
Dan
I took pepcid for years, until trying the low-carb diet.
I threw away half of a large bottle of pepcid.
Cut back on carbs and quit force-feeding myself sugar.
Worked like magic!
Worked for my brother, too.
Jan
I used digestive enzymes and DGL. That helped a great deal.
Pam
As you can see from the comments here, one can experiment with various foods to see what is causing it, instead of taking a drug to alleviate the problem. I found that leaving off grains helped me.
Grace
For several years I have taken Ginger caps for acid reflux. It works wonders for me. But if you do take ginger caps please remember to take it with food.
Tom
Chewing gum! There are some all-natural products available that I will not name here. Saliva is a wonderful antacid.
Mike
Eat a few marshmellows and rice crispy treats for quick relief, and prop up your head on a wedge.
Linda
I have GERD w/hiatial hernia and used to get pretty good relief from drinking a couple alka-seltzer dissolved in a glass of water. However, when I was in hospital recently w/ kidney failure the doc told me never to use alka-seltzer because it can damage kidneys — so now I’m using pepcid and kaopectate, as necessary. (I was also told to switch one of my bp meds — linosopril — as it is also damaging to kidneys.) I also routinely use ginger (dried powder in caps and in tea) and peppermint (enteric coated pills and tea) to assist w/ these ongoing and fairly constant issues.
Lynn
A tablespoon or 2 of Dill pickle juice works for quick relief .
Sherry
I started getting heartburn when I reached my early 70s. Acupuncture worked for several months. For low cost options, research “community acupuncture” where several people are treated at once while reclining in easy-chairs. Not available everywhere.
Since COVID-19, I have suspended using clinics until the vaccine is ready; so a half hour prior to a tomato- based dinner, I take a half-teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar mixed in apple juice and water (experiment with mixing w/honey or teas).
Njb6ster
Water is a great neutralizer. I just drink up to half a glass of WATER.
Ken
Apples! For me it’s Fuji, but I’ve heard you need to try them all and find out which variety works for you.
Betsy
Occasionally I get heartburn if I have dinner too late. I feel it in bed. I prefer not taking meds, even OTC, but your information about the less harmful ones is helpful. What works every time for me is about a teaspoon of cider vinegar–either straight or in a small glass of water.
Bruce
I was having a problem with phlegm and heartburn and did a search on the terms and found an Andrew Weil page saying DGL might help. Thanks for the article since it reminded me it has been several months since I have noticed any heartburn.
Art I
I’ve suggested this before.
ACV completely cured my so called,”acid reflux” (aka “indigestion”) at night.
Age,an inguinal hernia plus diet and stress were likely contributing to my ongoing problem with “heartburn”. I tried all the ususal otc heartburn products with no luck.
I finally read in a naturopathic newsletter that ACV (in particular “Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar”) could alleviate my problem.
It worked and i’ve been symptom free for at least five years now.
On occasion at night i just take some chewable (tasty) ACV tablets which i keep on my nightstand for any reoccurrences which are rare!
Of course,if you have some sort of medical condition that is contributing to your problem,your Doctor or Medical Professional should be your first resource.
Vive
I am completely off any acid-reducers, going from a PPI to Rolaids instead until my body adjusted to different eating. (During the worst of my reflux, I went without coffee for 15 months…..that was awful). Fruits alone with no other food groups and only in the morning, for a couple months, at first no citrus. Largest meal between noon and 1 pm with a very light evening meal and no food or snacks after 6:00 pm, so leaving many hours for my food to digest naturally before bedtime. I can eat anything now without any heartburn and even coffee early morning on an empty stomach!
Stephanie
My occasional reflux went through the roof in April. Have tried 3 different PPIs since. Can only take for 2 weeks before side effects are as bad as symptoms. Raised bed 4 inches. Avoiding trigger food. Had pretty good luck with Pepcid and began taking only at bedtime as first thing in a.m. was worst. Have increased deep breathing and some meditation and added back yogurt.
SJ
In my experience, try to avoid getting too hungry and then eating too much. Some snacks and small meals help a lot, as does eating fruits, veggies and salad. If you have belly fat, try to reduce it, since it tends to push the stomach out of its normal position in the body, thus forcing acid where it doesn’t belong.
Racquel
½ teaspoon of Bi carbonate of soda, with a bit of water, mixed with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. Drink while it fizzes. Works everytime on everyone who has tried it.
James
I take over-the-counter Ginger and Turmeric capsules (one per day) for great results. Mail order is less costly.
Pat
I took omeprazole for over 2 years and started researching then problems it could cause me. Knew I had to find something rather than make the mistake of just refilling an Rx. Organic coconut water did it. At first I drank about 4oz. after each meal I had GERD so it was painful and ongoing. After a few weeks it was barely there, then gone. I went almost 3 years before it returned. I picked up a 12 pack and before I finished it, it is again gone.
I tried a few other things first, and this is what helped me. People need to realize we keep ‘big pharma’ cranking out a new Rx constantly because we expect a Dr. to write out a quick cure. We must be pro-active for ourselves as much as possible.
Diane
Every suggestion here is very good. I had not heard about almonds before. A couple of months ago, a friend sent me a series of videos called “The Gut Solution.” You can google it and watch it for free online. The videos describe the relationship between what you eat and not only the state of your stomach and intestines, but your brain and mental health as well. It tells you how even autism, anxiety, depression, and auto-immune diseases are linked directly to your gut health. I am not associated with the Gut Solution program. But, I did benefit from watching these videos. By changing the way I eat, I cured myself. So, I wanted to use this opportunity to recommend it to other people.
Dianne
Eat less. Eat earlier. Don’t wear anything tight around your chest or waist.
Robert
I take pepcid for the most part. Certain generics for this are better than others. But when I get bad heartburn, I do tend to go for a form of Pepto Bismol, there is something about that pink minty stuff, I usually go for the new chews. I think the dose for heartburn is 2 chews instead of the 4 for diarrhea.
Jeanni
I used to get heartburn every day and found that cutting out soft drinks made a big difference. I still get heartburn but not like I did where once I was chewing up six Rolaids every day, now I only need one or two and not on a daily basis. One of the triggers for me is cinnamon and flavored bottled water, any drink that bubbles when you pour it into a glass. Also acidic foods bother me.
Beth
Ginger tea helps me tremendously.
Patti
My husband and I have found activated charcoal, Charco Caps, to be effective in relieving occasional heartburn or upset stomach.
Richard
I take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sugar for nearly INSTANT relief!!
Laurel
My husband has had occasional problems with reflux for years. When it flares up he gets almost instant relief with an all-natural herbal product called Reflux Relief, made by Gaia Herbs.
Julia
At the first sign of heartburn, I chew 2 or 3 Gaviscon tablets and follow with a glass of water. It works instantly and is an OTC product that is inexpensive.
Steve
Wife and I had occasional bouts of acid reflux. ENT doctor put me on a PPI because my throat was red. We started taking a small glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Added honey for taste. Once a night after dinner. After 30 days the reflux was gone, has not returned, and we are not on any PPI or other supplement.
Julane
There is always a bottle of red wine open at our house. Even though I am the red wine drinker, my husband found that if he takes a sip when heartburn starts it fixes it in minutes and he can go to sleep. Not a glass or even a gulp – just a swallow. Works every time.
Anna
Sleeping on a wedge and not eating for a couple of hours before bedtime have helped my “silent reflux”.
Sue
I’ve suffered from reflux since childhood and have tried many approaches, including a tilted bed, PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids, and the FODMAP diet. Sometimes symptoms would improve for a while, but they always came back. Two years ago, as a last resort, my gastroenterologist sent me to an allergist. He suggested Xyxol, one tablet before bed each night. I still take a PPI as well (Rabeprazole). The improvement has been miraculous!
Hugh
I usually get heartburns almost daily around 4PM. If I am at home I just take a few ounces of milk, and it puts out the fire. If it happens at night when I am in bed then I take Pepcid, and the problem is gone.
Joe
After I discovered the PPI I had been prescribed was killing me, I very slowly got off it, and for many years tried ways not to have heartburn. Food testing and different aids that were supposed to help. Finally I have found that removing lectins from my diet helps but that meant I was not getting the nourishment I should. So now I do remove the seeds from my pickle quarter spear to keep away leg cramps at night and seeds from my green banana to get some potassium each day. But I have found that taking 3 supplements allows me to get the nourishment from eating more foods.
Bio Complete 3 (two twice daily about 30 minutes before my meals), Lectin Shield (two twice daily with my meals), and Total Restore (three once daily with my breakfast). I am so happy not to have that heartburn most of the day and at night. It has been almost since I was first prescribed the PPI and I feel so much better now.
Regina
I recently started taking one magnesium gummy in the evening for the purpose of getting more daily magnesium into my diet. A pleasant and unexpected side benefit is that I almost never get reflux during the night anymore.
Mary
I have found taking an OTC remedy called Maty’s is very good. It’s all natural.
James
What about”silent reflux” disease?? What if anything is new for that?
Linda
Took omeprozol for decades. I was found to have osteopenia and became concerned about long term use of this drug. After hearing a People’s Pharmacy program many years ago, I got off the PPI using apple cider vinegar. I then noticed that it was gluten that triggered the reflux symptoms. I avoided gluten and have been free of heartburn ever since without the medication. Thank, thank you, Peoples Pharmacy!
Judith
My husband has controlled his heartburn symptoms for years by chewing up 6-10 almonds up very finely before bedtime. Recently he has switched to a goodly amount of almond butter on two or three crackers with excellent results. If chewing the almonds, you do need to chew them up to a very fine consistency before swallowing.
Judy
I get heartburn only occasionally. The first thing I do is drink a lot of water. That usually works. If not, eating a few almonds usually stops the symptoms.
Jim
To control my reflux, I have raised the head of my bed by 4″ (some recommend 6″). I avoid sodas since they are some of the most acidic foods. I read the ingredient list on any beverage and avoid it if it contains some kind of acid, and most do. (Drop a dull penny into your favorite soda and watch how quickly it turns shinny!)
Trish
I have been eating the big meal of the day at noon, and then having minimal food after that. The afternoon food is all non-triggering stuff. Popcorn, for example works well. Also, at the beginning of the meal, I drink a big glass of homemade kefir, which seems to coat my stomach and ease the pain.
Susan
I take 1/2 teaspoon of organic baking powder in warm water every night before I go to sleep and I have not had acid reflux in years!
Mari
I think Susan meant baking soda–Bob’s Red Mill has very fine baking soda. My husband and I do the same thing–except we also add a little apple cider vinegar and sometimes a pinch of stevia.
Ralph
Ginger is magical for instantly relieving heartburn! This totally natural food can be grated or sliced thinly and added to cool or warm filtered water. For on-the-go, I keep packets of 100% Gingen tea in the car (not the sugared choice) and in my backpack.