Our stomach region is filled with digestive acids, which are kept contained within it with the help of sphincters and gravity. But there are cases when these acids traverse back to the esophagus. Some of the causes of the acid reflux include: 

• A chronic condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), in which acids leak into the esophagus
• Frequently consuming spicy foods, citrus fruits and fatty or fried foods
• Immediately lying down after eating food (especially eating just before bed)
• Increase in stomach pressure due to consumption of a heavy meal
• Excess weight can also put pressure on the abdominal region

Further Complications

In cases when the acid reflux is chronic, the following complications may occur:

• Inflammation of esophagus
• Esophageal ulcers

Home Remedies For Heartburn

Home remedies for heartburn can help stop the pain faced during acid reflux. These simple ingredients will also minimize the chances of complications related to chronic acid reflux.

1. Alkaline Foods

The strategy behind consuming alkaline foods is to neutralize the acidity of the stomach acids. As the acidity reduces, the burning sensation ultimately goes away.

Some foods with high alkalinity include:

• Vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts
• Fruits like apples, bananas and melons
• beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

When used as a home remedy for heartburn, apple cider vinegar may offer relief due to its acidity-neutralizing properties.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar may stimulate digestive enzymes, aiding in more efficient digestion and reducing the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms such as burning sensations and discomfort.

How To Use? : Diluting a small amount of apple cider vinegar in water and consuming it can help with heartburn.

When mixed with water, baking soda or sodium bicarbonate acts as an alkaline compound, neutralizing excess stomach acid that causes heartburn.

Consuming baking soda water helps raise the pH level in the stomach, providing relief from the burning sensation in the chest.

How To Use? : Mixing one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drinking it when you feel a burning sensation in your chest might help.

Stimulating saliva through chewing gum provides relief from heartburn by promoting the production of saliva, a natural acid neutralizer.

As you chew gum, the increased saliva helps to buffer and wash away stomach acid, reducing the burning sensation in the chest.

Opt for sugar-free gum containing natural sweeteners, and choose flavors like mint, as they can further aid in soothing the digestive system.

Known for its soothing properties, Aloe Vera juice is a popular home remedy for heartburn. When consumed, it forms a protective layer on the lining of the esophagus, alleviating irritation and reducing the discomfort associated with heartburn.

The juice's natural anti-inflammatory and healing properties help calm the digestive tract, making it an effective and gentle remedy for managing heartburn symptoms.

Dosage: Dilute 1 to 2 ounces of the juice in water and drink. For someone who faces heartburn regularly, drink the diluted form 1 to 2 times daily.

How To Use? : You can extract fresh juice if you have access to an aloe vera plant. For this, you have to cut off the leaf, remove the outer skin and extract the gel inside. You can also purchase pre-made juice designed for consumption.

This sweet nectar possesses numerous benefits and among them is its ability to serve as an effective home remedy for heartburn. Its thick consistency helps coat the esophagus, soothing irritation caused by stomach acid.

Moreover, honey possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting digestive health.

How To Use? : Consuming a teaspoon of honey may remove heartburn symptoms by neutralizing acid and reducing inflammation, offering a sweet and natural alternative to over-the-counter remedies.

To improve your health, incorporate ginger into your diet, as it can help digestive discomfort by calming the stomach and reducing acidity.

Ginger's benefits extend to its bioactive compounds like gingerol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help the proper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent the backward flow of stomach acid.

How To Use? : You can prepare a soothing ginger tea, chew a small piece of the root or consume it in the form of supplements or chews.

Embracing a cup of chamomile tea before bed can alleviate heartburn by offering anti-inflammatory and calming properties.

Its compounds, such as bisabolol and flavonoids, help relax the digestive tract muscles, preventing stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.

How To Use? : Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then sip slowly. It is one of the natural remedies for heartburn that soothes the burning sensation and promotes overall digestive well-being.

Yogurt may help relieve heartburn caused by probiotics. Probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can aid digestion and alleviate symptoms of heartburn. It can also help soothe the burning sensation by neutralizing stomach acid and providing a protective coating to the esophagus. 

How To Use? : Start with a small serving size, 1/4 cup or 60 ml, to see if the symptoms start to disappear. Opt for low-acidic yogurts like Greek yogurt.

Things To Consider: Avoid full-fat yogurt as it may worsen the symptoms.

This pungent bitter-sweet root is known for its natural healing properties which can serve as an effective home remedy for heartburn. Licorice root supplements are available commercially which can be used for heartburn.

How To Use? : Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements, chewable tablets and powder are commercially available. These forms can be included in the diet upon consulting with a healthcare professional.

Licorice Root Tea Works Equally Well

If you have licorice root tea at home, it can also offer heartburn relief. Steep the tea for a few minutes and a home remedy for heartburn is ready! 

How Licorice Root Works?

Rich in compounds like glycyrrhizin, licorice roots help soothe the lining of the stomach and esophagus, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with heartburn. Additionally, licorice roots stimulate mucus production in the digestive tract, forming a protective barrier against stomach acid.

1. Lean Protein

If you face heartburn regularly, incorporating lean protein foods into your diet can be an effective home remedy. Lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, or tofu, are less likely to trigger acid reflux compared to fatty or fried foods.

Protein-rich meals help to stabilize blood sugar levels and promote satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating, which can exacerbate heartburn symptoms.

Consuming whole grains as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall digestive health and reduce the frequency of heartburn episodes. Grains that retain all parts of the seed (bran, germ, and endosperm), are called whole grains.

Always add whole grain foods such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa in your diet. All these grains are high in fiber, which helps to absorb excess stomach acid and regulate digestion.

Additionally, they provide a steady release of energy, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels that can exacerbate heartburn symptoms.

Elevating your head and chest while sleeping helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

When the upper body is elevated higher than the feet, gravity works against the upward movement of stomach acid, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux. This position promotes better digestion and minimizes discomfort.

Individuals can use a wedge pillow or elevate the head of the bed by placing blocks or risers under the bedposts. However, piling pillows is not recommended, as it may worsen your symptoms. 

Maintaining an upright position after eating aids digestion by preventing stomach acid from flowing back up the esophagus. When you stay upright, gravity helps keep food and stomach acid down, acting as a heartburn relief home remedy.

This position also allows the digestive system to work more efficiently, decreasing the risk of discomfort.

By avoiding lying down immediately after meals, you give your body time to digest food properly, minimizing the chances of acid reflux and the associated symptoms like chest discomfort and a sour taste in the mouth.

You can get rid of heartburn by opting for smaller, more frequent meals as it reduces the pressure on the stomach.

When smaller amounts of food are consumed, you reduce the amount of food the stomach needs to process at once, producing less acid during digestion.

 It gives time to digest the food properly and decreases the pressure pushing up against the valve to keep stomach acid down, preventing chances of heartburn.

If you are someone who frequently experiences acid reflux, following some methods can help prevent further occurence. The principle behind all these strategies is to reduce pressure on the stomach and make sure the sphincters are working well.

1. Incorporate smaller, frequent meals into your diet. Also avoid eating right before bed.
2. Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol are common triggers. So, it's better to stay away from them.
3. A healthy weight can help to reduce abdominal pressure.
4. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and wear loose clothing to minimize stomach pressure.
5. Avoid smoking, which can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter.