Quick Remedies for Heartburn
Quick heartburn remedies are ideal for people who are accustomed to dealing with the burning sensation of stomach acids. It is best to act quickly and attack the problem before heartburn symptoms have time to get any worse.
Before trying a quick remedy, be sure that you are doing the best thing for your own acid reflux. Some remedies only work for some people, but if you keep trying you will find the right treatment. Some people find that no home remedy will work and need to seek medical attention while other people have great success with homeopathic options.
If you find that nothing works fast enough to help you avoid the pain of heartburn, ask a doctor about medications that are specifically designed to block acid production that is responsible for your heartburn. A local pharmacist can also help you located an over0the-counter acid reducer that may help you prevent heartburn altogether.
Quick Home Remedies for Heartburn
Chewing Gum – Chewing gum for about 30 minutes can help stimulate the production of saliva and promoted swallowing. Both of these activities can help keep acids in the stomach and out of the esophagus where the acids cause heartburn. The same effect can be obtained by sucking on a lozenge or sugar free hard candy for 30 minutes after a meal. Just be sure to avoid peppermint flavors if peppermint is one of your trigger foods. This method was proven by studies in London in 2005 when a group of researches tests the levels of acid in the esophagus of volunteers who participated in the studies.
Baking Soda – Baking soda is a natural antacid and a teaspoon of the power dissolved in about 8 ounces of water can help neutralize the acids in the stomach. Just be aware that this can also cause gas in the stomach. Belching can release some pressure and ease discomfort, but it can also allow acid into the esophagus. It may not be the best home remedy for heartburn if you’ve had too much food for this reason. However, if you are experiencing heartburn with bloating, you may be having heartburn because of too much pressure. If this is the case, carbonated beverages might help. Just remember that carbonation can contribute to gastric pressure if you do not easily release the gas.
Apple Cider Vinegar vs. Apples – ACV as it’s known in the homeopathic medical communities many people claim they’ve had great luck with it as a successful remedy for heartburn. However, ACV is very acidic and logic tells us that can add to the heartburn problem. Apples on the other hand may be very beneficial in combating your heartburn.
Dilute with Water – Water is one of the best things for what ails you, regardless of what ails you. When stomach acid is a problem, water can help dilute the acids so the heartburn isn’t as painful. However, it doesn’t really remedy the problem.
Ginger or Herbal Teas – Tea that does not contain caffeine can help soothe stomach acids.
Almonds – Chewing almonds after a meal is known to have soothing effects on stomach acids.
Quick Over-the-Counter Remedies for Heartburn
Over-the counter remedies can include antacids and medications that were formerly available by prescriptions only.
Rolaids, Maalox, and other forms of antacids can provide immediate relief of heartburn in most people. Here are a few of the over-the-counter remedies that can help:
* Alka-Seltzer
* Tums
* Milk of Magnesia
* Alternagel
* Amphojel
* Gaviscon
* Pepto-Bismol
* Gelusil
* Mylanta
* Gaviscon
There are some proton pump inhibitors available over-the counter as well. Many if these were formerly available by prescription only and help to prevent acid from being pumped into the stomach.
* Axid AR
* Pepcid AC
* Tagamet HB
* Zantac 75
Do not use any of these over the counter prescriptions for more than the recommended 7-14 days before consulting with a doctor. These are not necessarily meant for long-term use.