To help with heartburn, several approaches can be used including lifestyle changes, home remedies, and medications: Lifestyle changes to prevent and reduce heartburn include:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals
- Avoiding eating 2-3 hours before bedtime to reduce acid reflux at night
- Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy foods, tomatoes, chocolate, greasy foods, coffee, and mint
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
- Wearing loose clothing to avoid pressure on the stomach
- Managing weight if overweight, as excess weight can increase stomach pressure
- Raising the head of the bed by 10 to 20 cm to help prevent acid from traveling up the esophagus
- Finding ways to relax to reduce stress which can worsen symptoms
Home remedies that may provide relief include:
- Taking antacids containing calcium carbonate or magnesium for quick neutralization of stomach acid
- Dissolving baking soda in water to neutralize acid (use occasionally and consult a doctor)
- Chewing sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva that may help clear acid
- Small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar, ginger, or licorice supplements (consult a doctor first)
- Avoiding peppermint if it worsens symptoms
Medications available over-the-counter or by prescription help reduce acid production or neutralize acid:
- Antacids provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid
- H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) lower acid production and are suitable for more severe or long-term cases
If heartburn persists frequently or worsens despite these measures, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment, as chronic heartburn can lead to complications. These strategies collectively help to reduce the symptoms and prevent heartburn episodes effectively.
