Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDiet and LifestyleNatural AntacidsOTC MedicationsPrescriptionsNext in Heartburn GuideEverything You Need to Know About Heartburn
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Diet and Lifestyle
Natural Antacids
OTC Medications
Prescriptions
Next in Heartburn Guide
Natural antacids, over-the-counter (OTC) antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs, and lifestyle changes can help relieve heartburn symptoms. Usually, successful treatment involves a mix of prevention strategies and medications.
A few ways to treatheartburninclude:
Is Heartburn the Same as GERD?Though heartburn is related togastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the terms are not interchangeable. GERD is a more severe, chronic form of acid reflux, while heartburn is essentially a symptom of acid reflux and GERD.
Is Heartburn the Same as GERD?
Though heartburn is related togastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the terms are not interchangeable. GERD is a more severe, chronic form of acid reflux, while heartburn is essentially a symptom of acid reflux and GERD.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
The following tips can help relieve occasional heartburn and may prevent it in the future.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Don’t Smoke
Nicotine in cigarette smoke relaxes the loweresophageal sphincter. Smoking also allows stomach acid to flow backward into the esophagus.If you get heartburn, stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke as well.
What Is the LES?The lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, is a band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. It normally acts like a trap door that lets food and drink in but keeps stomach acid from bubbling out. Heartburn occurs when the LES is not functioning properly.
What Is the LES?
The lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, is a band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. It normally acts like a trap door that lets food and drink in but keeps stomach acid from bubbling out. Heartburn occurs when the LES is not functioning properly.
Lose Weight if Overweight
Being overweight or obese places pressure on the abdomen. This can lead to stomach acid traveling up into your esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Heartburn is one of many reasons to aim for a healthybody mass index(BMI) of 25 or lower.
It also helps to loosen the waistband on clothes if you have regular heartburn. Anything that compresses the abdomen can directly affect the function of the esophagus. Opt instead for loose-fitting clothes when occasional heartburn strikes.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure. It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age. Even though it is abiased measure, BMI is still widely used in the medical community because it’s an inexpensive and quick way to analyze a person’s potential health status and outcomes.
Avoid Food Triggers
Some common heartburn triggers can be avoided in the following ways:
Adjust Your Eating Habits
Beyond what you eat and drink,how and whenyou eat can also trigger heartburn symptoms. To help prevent symptoms:
Adjust Your Sleep Habits
Around half of those with GERD experience sleep disturbances related to their symptoms.Besides avoiding food before bedtime, there are ways to avoidnocturnal acid reflux:
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Heartburn may last anywhere from just a few minutes to several hours. While some foods can spur acid, others can tamp it down. Some foods that can act as natural antacids include:
Bananas, Melons, and Cauliflower
These foods arealkaline foods, which have a higher pH and can help offset strong stomach acid.By reducing stomach acid, heartburn may improve.
In addition, bananas contain fiber which helps keep food moving through the digestive tract, preventing food from sitting in the stomach too long, which in turn helps limit acid production and reduces the likelihood of acid reflux.
Milk and Yogurt
Note that whole and 2% milk contain fat that can lead toacid refluxand heartburn. Skim milk, on the other hand, is fat-free and may help to relieve heartburn.
Yogurt may be beneficial for acid reflux due to its naturally occurring probiotics, which aid in overall digestion. Yogurt can also help soothe stomach discomfort and provide a cooling sensation.
Some antacids are not recommended during pregnancy, so eating low-fat yogurt ordrinking nonfat milkmay be a helpful natural remedy for pregnant people.
Ginger
A review of two studies found that participants taking ginger-containing supplements experienced fewer acid reflux symptoms, which should reduce heartburn.Ginger root is a well-known herbal digestive aid that has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for heartburn, but studies have not evaluated fresh ginger root or ginger tea to be certain of the effects.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is thought to have a soothing effect on the stomach and may help reduce inflammation. There is some evidence that drinking chamomile tea after meals or right before bed may reduce GERD symptoms.
However, more research is needed to evaluate the effect of chamomile specifically on stomach acid or heartburn.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.In theory, reducing inflammation may help reduce heartburn, but no studies have been conducted to evaluate turmeric and its effects on acid reflux or heartburn.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural antacid. Dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda into 8 ounces of water and drinking it one to two hours after a meal may help neutralize stomach acid and temporarily ease heartburn. Side effects include burping and bloating.
Sodium bicarbonate may decrease the effectiveness of aspirin. It should not be used in pregnant people due to the risk of abnormal fluid build-up.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice has been used in traditional medicine to treat esophageal irritation. While it is unwise to use unprocessed aloe vera (as it has potent laxative effects), some products are specially formulated for internal use.
This includes AloeCure, a formulated remedy containing organic processed aloe juice. Marketed as an all-natural remedy for digestive disorders, AloeCure was found to relieve heartburn in several small studies.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using aloe vera. Aloe vera should be avoided in people taking diabetes medications as it can lower blood sugar and causehypoglycemia. Aloe vera can also interact with blood thinners like warfarin and Plavix (clopidogrel), increasing the risk of easy bruising and bleeding.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
Deglycyrrhizinated licoriceis a natural remedy sometimes used to soothe heartburn and other digestive ailments.
On its own,licoricecan raiseblood pressure, decrease potassium levels, and cause undesirable side effects. By contrast, deglycyrrhizinated licorice has removed the ingredient responsible for this effect (called glycyrrhizic acid).
Some studies suggest that deglycyrrhizinated licorice may be useful in relieving occasional heartburn and indigestion.
Despite having few side effects, deglycyrrhizinated licorice can interact with diuretics, corticosteroids, or other medications that lower the body’s potassium level.Taking them together can cause a potentially severe drop in blood potassium known ashypokalemia.
Be sure to discuss the potential side effects of deglycyrrhizinated licorice with your healthcare provider.
Over-the-Counter Heartburn Treatments
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for heartburn. These include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
Antacid Medications
Antacidsare commonly used to treat heartburn and work the fastest to neutralize stomach acids.
Antacids are sold under the following brand names, each of which has slightly different formulations and/or ingredients:
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of certain drugs, including HIV medications. Speak with a healthcare provider before using antacids to ensure they do not interact with your other medications.
Pregnant people should not use antacids containing sodium bicarbonate or magnesium trisilicate as they can cause excessive fluid buildup and affect the development of the fetus.However,antacids containing calcium carbonatemay be safe.
H2 Blockers
H2 blockers, also known asH2-receptor antagonists, are medicines that reduce stomach acid. They block a chemical called histamine-2 (H2) that stimulates acid-producing cells in the stomach.
H2 blockers are sold under the following brand names:
Side effects of this heartburn treatment are uncommon but may include headache, diarrhea, fatigue, and dizziness.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)
Over-the-counter PPIs include:
PPIs are generally taken for two weeks and should not be used for an extended time.
Side effectsinclude headache, diarrhea,constipation, stomach upset, cough, hoarseness, nausea, and vomiting.
Prescription Heartburn Treatments
Most people experience heartburn occasionally, but some have more frequent or serious heartburn symptoms. If OTC medications and lifestyle changes fail to control heartburn, you may need a combination of approaches and your healthcare provider may recommend prescription versions of H2 blockers and PPIs.
Prescription H2 Blockers
Prescription H2 blockers are higher in dosage than their OTC version. These are intended for the short-term relief ofsevere heartburnonly.
Prescription Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Prescription PPIs are available under the following brand names:
Prescription PPIs are meant to be taken under a healthcare provider’s supervision and only for a limited time. Some studies have shown that chronic use of these heartburn treatments is associated with an increased risk of bone fractures, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, and heart attacks.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you experience heartburn regularly (e.g. more than twice weekly), you should see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Also, speak to your healthcare provider before taking natural remedies or OTC treatments for heartburn.
Summary
Occasional heartburn (acid reflux) can often be treated or prevented with lifestyle changes. Natural remedies like baking soda, aloe vera, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice have been used to treat occasional heartburn, but the evidence supporting their use is limited.
Over-the-counter antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) also relieve occasional heartburn. People with severe heartburn may require prescription H2 blockers or PPIs to control their symptoms. Medications like these are intended for short-term use only.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Heartburn and GERD: Treatment options for GERD. [Updated 2021 Dec 27]Johns Hopkins Medicine.Smoking and the digestive system.Harvard Medical School.What to eat when you have chronic heartburn.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for GER & GERD.Kurin M, Shibli F, Kitayama Y, Kim Y, Fass R.Sorting out the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep.Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2021;23(9):15. doi:10.1007/s11894-021-00815-4Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Herdiana Y.Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Nutrients. 2023 Aug 15;15(16):3583. doi: 10.3390/nu15163583Martin Z, Spry G, Hoult J, et al.What is the efficacy of dietary, nutraceutical, and probiotic interventions for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2022;52:340-352. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.09.015Harvard Medical School.Herbal remedies for heartburn.Soleimani V, Sahebkar A, Hosseinzadeh H.Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review.Phytother Res. 2018;32(6):985-995. doi:10.1002/ptr.6054Medline Plus.Sodium bicarbonate.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.J Tradit Chin Med.2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice root.Yeh AM, Golianu B.Integrative treatment of reflux and functional dyspepsia in children.Children (Basel). 2014;1(2):119-33. doi:10.3390/children1020119Murray MT.Glycyrrhiza glabra(Licorice).Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2020:641–647.e3. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00085-6Schulz RM, Ahuja NK, Slavin JL.Effectiveness of Nutritional Ingredients on Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 5;14(3):672. doi: 10.3390/nu14030672MedlinePlus.Papaya.Additional ReadingYeh Z.Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective for Reducing Heartburn Symptoms Related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?Arizona State University.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Heartburn and GERD: Treatment options for GERD. [Updated 2021 Dec 27]Johns Hopkins Medicine.Smoking and the digestive system.Harvard Medical School.What to eat when you have chronic heartburn.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for GER & GERD.Kurin M, Shibli F, Kitayama Y, Kim Y, Fass R.Sorting out the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep.Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2021;23(9):15. doi:10.1007/s11894-021-00815-4Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Herdiana Y.Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Nutrients. 2023 Aug 15;15(16):3583. doi: 10.3390/nu15163583Martin Z, Spry G, Hoult J, et al.What is the efficacy of dietary, nutraceutical, and probiotic interventions for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2022;52:340-352. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.09.015Harvard Medical School.Herbal remedies for heartburn.Soleimani V, Sahebkar A, Hosseinzadeh H.Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review.Phytother Res. 2018;32(6):985-995. doi:10.1002/ptr.6054Medline Plus.Sodium bicarbonate.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.J Tradit Chin Med.2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice root.Yeh AM, Golianu B.Integrative treatment of reflux and functional dyspepsia in children.Children (Basel). 2014;1(2):119-33. doi:10.3390/children1020119Murray MT.Glycyrrhiza glabra(Licorice).Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2020:641–647.e3. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00085-6Schulz RM, Ahuja NK, Slavin JL.Effectiveness of Nutritional Ingredients on Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 5;14(3):672. doi: 10.3390/nu14030672MedlinePlus.Papaya.Additional ReadingYeh Z.Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective for Reducing Heartburn Symptoms Related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?Arizona State University.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Heartburn and GERD: Treatment options for GERD. [Updated 2021 Dec 27]Johns Hopkins Medicine.Smoking and the digestive system.Harvard Medical School.What to eat when you have chronic heartburn.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for GER & GERD.Kurin M, Shibli F, Kitayama Y, Kim Y, Fass R.Sorting out the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep.Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2021;23(9):15. doi:10.1007/s11894-021-00815-4Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Herdiana Y.Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Nutrients. 2023 Aug 15;15(16):3583. doi: 10.3390/nu15163583Martin Z, Spry G, Hoult J, et al.What is the efficacy of dietary, nutraceutical, and probiotic interventions for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2022;52:340-352. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.09.015Harvard Medical School.Herbal remedies for heartburn.Soleimani V, Sahebkar A, Hosseinzadeh H.Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review.Phytother Res. 2018;32(6):985-995. doi:10.1002/ptr.6054Medline Plus.Sodium bicarbonate.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.J Tradit Chin Med.2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice root.Yeh AM, Golianu B.Integrative treatment of reflux and functional dyspepsia in children.Children (Basel). 2014;1(2):119-33. doi:10.3390/children1020119Murray MT.Glycyrrhiza glabra(Licorice).Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2020:641–647.e3. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00085-6Schulz RM, Ahuja NK, Slavin JL.Effectiveness of Nutritional Ingredients on Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 5;14(3):672. doi: 10.3390/nu14030672MedlinePlus.Papaya.
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Heartburn and GERD: Treatment options for GERD. [Updated 2021 Dec 27]
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Smoking and the digestive system.
Harvard Medical School.What to eat when you have chronic heartburn.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for GER & GERD.
Kurin M, Shibli F, Kitayama Y, Kim Y, Fass R.Sorting out the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep.Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2021;23(9):15. doi:10.1007/s11894-021-00815-4
Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
Herdiana Y.Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Nutrients. 2023 Aug 15;15(16):3583. doi: 10.3390/nu15163583
Martin Z, Spry G, Hoult J, et al.What is the efficacy of dietary, nutraceutical, and probiotic interventions for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2022;52:340-352. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.09.015
Harvard Medical School.Herbal remedies for heartburn.
Soleimani V, Sahebkar A, Hosseinzadeh H.Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review.Phytother Res. 2018;32(6):985-995. doi:10.1002/ptr.6054
Medline Plus.Sodium bicarbonate.
Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457
Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.J Tradit Chin Med.2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice root.
Yeh AM, Golianu B.Integrative treatment of reflux and functional dyspepsia in children.Children (Basel). 2014;1(2):119-33. doi:10.3390/children1020119
Murray MT.Glycyrrhiza glabra(Licorice).Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2020:641–647.e3. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00085-6
Schulz RM, Ahuja NK, Slavin JL.Effectiveness of Nutritional Ingredients on Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 5;14(3):672. doi: 10.3390/nu14030672
MedlinePlus.Papaya.
Yeh Z.Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective for Reducing Heartburn Symptoms Related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?Arizona State University.
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