Occasional heartburn is a common complaint. Below are 7 tricks for fast relief from heartburn. It’s not unusual for stomach acid to leak up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like:
- A bitter taste in your mouth
- Belching
- Bloating
- Burning feeling in the chest
- Pain made worse by bending over or lying down
Although it’s not typically serious, heartburn is uncomfortable and can disrupt your normal activities. Most people find relief with antacids or by adjusting their diet or other personal health factors.
If you have more than occasional heartburn, your doctor might recommend tests to determine the cause and recommend a long-term treatment. But, if you’re only experiencing heartburn occasionally, one of the following tips and tricks can help you find relief.
7 Tips for Fast Relief from Heartburn
When you start to feel the familiar burning of heartburn, you need fast relief. For occasional symptoms, try one of these heartburn-relieving tricks.
1. Antacids
Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid and relieve the burn in seconds. This relief can last up to three hours. Keep antacids on hand for those occasional attacks of the burn.
2. Chew gum
Gum chewing increases your saliva production, which may help keep acid in your stomach where it belongs.
3. Loosen your belt
Tight-fitting clothing that squeezes your abdomen may push acid up into your esophagus. Loosen your belt or wear loose clothing if you’re prone to heartburn.
4. Check your posture
Slouching or slumping in your seat can put pressure on your abdomen, which may push acid into your esophagus. Changing your posture may help keep your stomach acid down.
5. Save the snack
Going to bed with a full stomach can cause acid to leak up into your esophagus when you lie down. Stop eating three hours before bedtime for an easier night’s sleep.
6. Change sleep positions
Elevating the head of your bed or sleeping on your side may keep acid down and reduce nighttime heartburn.
7. Manage your stress
Chronic stress can slow your digestion, keeping food in your stomach longer. The longer food stays in your stomach, the more likely you are to develop heartburn. Step away from a stressful situation and focus on breathing to minimize your stress response.
When to Call Your Doctor
Everybody has occasional heartburn, but if your symptoms happen more than two times per week, last for more than two weeks, or seem to worsen, call your doctor to schedule an appointment. You should also see your doctor if:
- You have difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Your heartburn comes with nausea or vomiting
- You’ve had unexplained weight loss
- You have a cough or feel a lump in your throat
- You’ve tried antacids for more than two weeks without relief
- You are hoarse or tend to wheeze
- You’re in extreme pain
- You are having diarrhea or black bowel movements.
- You notice blood in your stool
Uncontrolled heartburn not only makes your day-to-day life uncomfortable, but it can also damage your esophagus, leading to higher risk of cancer in the future. Your gastroenterologist can diagnose the underlying cause of your heartburn and work with you to determine a treatment plan.
You don’t have to live with the burn – schedule an appointment today!
Request Appointment
Related:
FAQs
Once acid reflux starts, you can use over-the-counter medications like antacids or H2 blockers to stop the symptoms fast. Home remedies like drinking milk or eating a banana may help relieve heartburn symptoms.
What is the best immediate heartburn relief? ›
Antacids. The oldest and best-known medicines for treating heartburn, they have remained popular because they're fast-acting, inexpensive, available without a prescription, and are safe for most people when used as directed. Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums are examples.
What drink gets rid of heartburn fast? ›
Herbal teas (chamomile, licorice, and ginger), low fat milk, plant-based milk (oat, flax, or almond milk), smoothies, coconut water, and nonacidic juices (cucumber, carrot, and aloe vera) may help you manage acid reflux symptoms. Remember to opt for unsweetened and noncarbonated drinks.
What is the fastest way to neutralize stomach acid? ›
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of baking soda to 4 ounces (oz) of warm water and drink. Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe and nontoxic.
How do you flush acid out of your stomach? ›
How to Treat Acid Reflux Naturally
- Drink diluted baking soda. Also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, baking can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. ...
- Drink diluted lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. ...
- Drink a glass of milk. ...
- Chew some gum. ...
- Enjoy ginger root in soups, smoothies or tea. ...
- Take Iberogast®
Beans, peas, and lentils — Along with being good sources of fiber, beans, peas, and lentils also provide protein, vitamins and minerals. Nuts and seeds — Many nuts and seeds provide fiber and nutrients and may help absorb stomach acid. Almonds, peanuts, chia, pomegranate, and flaxseeds are all healthy choices.
What to drink first thing in the morning for acid reflux? ›
Try drinking herbal teas, coconut water, smoothies, and plant-based milks. Learn… Learn how Carafate might help treat symptoms of GERD and what you should be aware of before starting it.
What liquid stops heartburn? ›
To help soothe acid reflux, a person can try drinking ginger tea, low fat milk, water, or non-acidic fruit or vegetable juices. Non-acidic fruit and vegetable juices include carrot, melon, or aloe vera.
What neutralizes acid immediately? ›
Lemon water. Lemon juice is generally considered very acidic, but a small amount of lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey has an alkalizing effect that neutralizes stomach acid.
How do I get rid of indigestion asap? ›
HOME REMEDIES FOR INDIGESTION
- WATER. Water: nature's best medicine. ...
- LEMON JUICE. Whilst there is still some debate over whether or not lemon can help with digestion, plenty of people swear by its use. ...
- BAKING SODA. Still feeling the effects of indigestion? ...
- GINGER. ...
- APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. ...
- PEPPERMINT. ...
- CHAMOMILE TEA. ...
- CINNAMON.
Finding relief
- Avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
- Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
- Wait 2 to 3 hours after eating before you lie down.
- Sleep with your head raised (so your esophagus is above your stomach).
- Try over-the-counter (OTC) antacids.
First, water can help to dilute stomach acid and make it less irritating to the esophagus. This can reduce the burning sensation in the chest that is characteristic of heartburn. In addition, drinking water can help to flush stomach acid back down into the stomach, where it belongs.
What relieved heartburn? ›
To relieve symptoms of heartburn, your doctor may recommend antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 receptor blockers. If the medication isn't alleviating the heartburn, your doctor may suggest surgery, such as: open repair.
What if my heartburn is not going away? ›
If you're experiencing persistent heartburn, you should see a reflux specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They may perform diagnostic tests to evaluate the condition of your esophagus and identify any potential underlying causes.
