Heartburn’s burning and uncomfortable feeling is really unpleasant. Sadly, 60 million Americans have acid reflux monthly, and 15 million feel it daily, as Healthline says. While meds can help, there are natural home remedies:
- Chew Gum: WebMD says it soothes heartburn. Chewing gum makes saliva, a natural acid buffer, and makes you swallow more, pushing acids back down.
- Eat Smaller Meals: Instead of 3 big meals, have 5-6 small ones. Controlling portions reduces reflux and helps with weight loss. Eat when you wake up to stabilize blood sugar and do something else while eating to slow down.
- Baking Soda Drink: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) neutralizes stomach acid. Mix 1 tsp in 8 oz of water. Drink before a meal or at the first sign of heartburn. Don’t have more than 7.5 tsp in 24 hours due to salt risks.
- Ginger Root Tea: A study in India found ginger is better than some drugs for acid reflux. Ginger has enzymes that break down amino acids and is antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-parasitic. Drink tea made with fresh ginger root.
- Almonds: People on The People’s Pharmacy say 2-3 almonds after a meal can stop heartburn. Almonds, almond milk, and almond butter may be better than drugs. Prevention Magazine suggests an almond milk smoothie in the morning. Almonds alkalize to neutralize acid.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Acid reflux can be from not enough stomach acid. Drink 8 oz of water with 1 tbsp of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar before bed or 2-3 times a day.
- Sleep on Your Left Side: Stanford research found right-side sleep worsens acid reflux, while left-side sleep reduces symptoms.
- Eat a Banana: Bananas are alkaline, balance stomach pH, coat the stomach lining, and are rich in potassium and fiber. Eat them daily to prevent and soothe heartburn.
With these natural ways, you can prevent and treat acid reflux. Try them today: drink apple cider vinegar water before bed, sleep on your left side, have an almond milk and banana smoothie in the morning, eat small meals, chew gum when full, and drink ginger tea or baking soda water if you have heartburn. You can ditch the prescription drugs and be heartburn-free!