Home Remedies for Heartburn

There’s nothing worse than dealing with heartburn without your medication. Whether you reach for an antacid, proton pump inhibitor (PPI), or some other medication, you’re reliant on these treatments to avoid an uncomfortable few minutes or hours. 

So, what can you do? Is there a home cure for heartburn? What’s the best heartburn treatment at home? And can lifestyle changes offer just as much of a remedy for heartburn? Let’s find out. 

Home Remedies for Heartburn 

You’re lying awake at night, struggling with heartburn. You reach for your antacids, but you’ve already taken the last one. Are there any other ways to get rid of heartburn? 

Yes, there is. Heartburn is caused by acid reflux when acid from the stomach enters the food pipe (oesophagus). The pain comes from the acid’s irritation. If you can neutralise or stop the acid, you can relieve your symptoms. 

So, what kitchen cupboard cures for heartburn exist? Here are some effective solutions: 

• Baking soda. The most obvious solution – baking soda or bicarbonate of soda is a natural alkaline. It will rapidly neutralise the acid, reducing heartburn almost immediately. 

• Water. Drinking a big glass of water can help dilute the acid, alleviating symptoms. 

• Apple cider vinegar. Some argue that it can relieve reflux symptoms – however, it’s not had rigorous scientific testing. 

• Honey. Preliminary studies confirm that honey can relieve the physical effects of GERD.  

• Chewing gum. Chewing triggers the release of saliva that can neutralise your stomach acid. Chewing gum for 30 minutes after a meal can lower acid levels.  

• Aloe vera juice. Renowned for its soothing properties, drinking aloe vera is believed to reduce stomach acid and calm irritation.  

• Ginger tea. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the stomach. Drinking ginger tea can help calm the stomach and reduce the acid that causes heartburn. 

• Almonds. Eating a few almonds after meals can help absorb stomach acid and relieve symptoms of heartburn. Almonds are alkaline-forming, which means they could help neutralise stomach acid. 

• Bananas. Bananas have a natural antacid effect. Eating a banana can coat your oesophagus and help counteract the acid causing your heartburn, providing soothing relief. 

There’s one ingredient you want to stay away from: peppermint. Despite the fact that peppermint can relax your intestines, it’s known to increase acid reflux symptoms in some people. The reason? Well, it loosens up the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), allowing your stomach contents to flow backwards more easily.  

Heartburn Treatment at Home 

The simplest cure for heartburn is to avoid your triggers. Several dietary and lifestyle changes can minimise acid production, limit LOS relaxation, and prevent reflux.  

Food and Diet 

Your diet is one of the main reasons for acid reflux. Certain foods can relax your LOS and cause acid production. These include: Tomatoes and tomato-based products (e.g., pasta sauce, ketchup)  

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits)  

• Spicy foods (chilli peppers, hot sauce, curries)  

• Vinegar-based foods (pickles, salad dressings)  

• Deep-fried foods (fries, fried chicken, doughnuts)  

• Fast food (burgers, pizza, tacos)  

• Full-fat dairy (cheese, whole milk, butter, cream)  

• Fatty cuts of meat (pork belly, bacon, sausages)  

• Chocolate and cocoa-based products  

• Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, energy drinks)  

• Carbonated drinks (soda, sparkling water)  

• Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)  

• Peppermint and spearmint  

• Onions and garlic  

Processed snacks (chips, biscuits, pastries)  In addition to these foods, eating large meals just before bed can trigger a severe acidity attack. Be smarter. Rather than reaching for your remedies for heartburn, limit your food intake right before bed. Eat fewer, smaller meals throughout the day to prevent excess pressure in your stomach. 

Lifestyle Changes 

Lifestyle factors can exacerbate your reflux episodes. These include: 

• Stress 

• Smoking 

• Alcohol consumption 

• Tight clothing 

• Lying flat while sleeping 

Addressing these issues won’t provide immediate relief during an acidity attack. However, in the long-term, it will reduce the prevalence of these attacks – more management strategy than a cure for heartburn.  

Getting Tested for Acid Reflux 

Tried any of these remedies for heartburn? If you’re experiencing frequent GERD flare-ups, you might have a bigger issue. Here at The Functional Gut Clinic, we can help diagnose GERD and identify the potential underlying cause behind your reflux.  

We offer both 24-hour reflux testing and oesophageal manometry. Speak to our team for further details. We’ll provide a thorough explanation of our findings, recommending the best course of action. Contact us today to learn more.