Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn/Acid Reflux

Heartburn is defined as a burning sensation in the chest caused by acid regurgitation of acid into the esophagus.

Image of a cut papaya in a dish with papaya seeds

Some medical practitioners believe that it is caused from too little acid, and not an excess. If that is so, then taking antacids would be a poor choice. Included in the self-treatment portion are remedies from both camps. Experiment with them and see what works for you.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Burning in the throat
Burning sensation in the chest
Chest pain on bending over or lying down
Sour-tasting fluid at the back of the throat
Swallowing difficulty

RISK FACTORS

Excessive weight
Hiatal hernia
Medications
Pregnancy
Smoking
Stress
Wearing tight belts

ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT

OTC antacids
Prescription medications like Tagamet or Pepcid
Surgery, rarely

SELF TREATMENT

DIET

A healthy immune system is always the first line of defense against disease and disorder. To promote a healthy immune system, it is important to eat a balanced diet, with as much variety as you can manage, with lots of whole, fresh vegetables and fruits, quality protein and healthy sources of monounsaturated fat. The Zone is an excellent starting point.

FOODS THAT MAY PROMOTE HEALING

Almonds
Bone broth
Low-fat dairy
Mustard greens
Papaya

FOODS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES TO AVOID

Alcohol
Caffeine
Carbonated beverages
Chocolate
Chocolate
Citrus juices
Fatty foods
Garlic
Onions
Peppermint/mint
Smoking
Spicy foods
Tomatoes

TEAS AND OTHER LIQUIDS

Aloe Vera juice before meals
Anise
Apple Cider Vinegar in warm water half an hour before meals
Caraway
Cardamom
Chamomile
Chew gum after a meal to neutralize acid with saliva
Coconut water
Dandelion
Fennel
Fenugreek
Ginger
Half a teaspoonful of baking soda in water—drink all at once. Not for long-term use
Lemon juice if acid levels are too low
Licorice
Licorice root powder in water before meals
Marshmallow root
Slippery elm

HERBS AND SPICES

Agrimony
Aloe Vera
Anise
Basil
Bay leaf
Caraway
Cardamom
Cayenne
Chamomile
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coriander
Dill
Fennel
Fenugreek
Ginger
Licorice root
Marjoram
Nutmeg
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Saffron
Slippery elm
Thyme
Turmeric
Yellow Mustard

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils can be administered via a diffuser for inhalation, administered topically in a carrier oil like coconut on the skin, or undiluted drops can be added to a hot bath or compress. Blend your own from the oils listed below.

Anise
Caraway
Coriander
Fennel
Ginger
Lavender
Lemon
Tarragon

OTHER SUBSTANCES AND SUPPLEMENTS

The cost of having a blood test to determine if you have nutritional deficiencies is likely to be negligible compared to over-consuming expensive supplements that you do not need.

Betaine HCL (check contraindications for medications)
Digestive Enzymes
Ginger
L-glutamine
Licorice root tablets before meals
Marshmallow
Probiotics

HYDRATION

If your heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid, drinking a glass of water will help to neutralize the acid. If it’s caused by too little acid, drink some lemon juice. Remember to stay hydrated all the time. Water is essential and a main nutrient for the human body. Without it, you cannot survive for many days. Staying hydrated is fundamental for a healthy body, so how much is enough? There are so many differences in people (i.e., how much we sweat), as well as the diets we consume (a lot of water comes from healthy, whole foods), but a general rule is to consume enough water that your urine is clear, but not so much that you dilute your nutrients. If you are taking certain supplements that make your urine yellow, then you can start out with the formula of drinking ½-1 ounce of water for each pound you weigh. If you weigh 130 pounds, drink 65 to 130 ounces of water a day. Definitely drink when you are thirsty.

EXERCISE

If you are overweight, that will make your heartburn worse. Coupled with a good diet, exercise will help you lose weight and ease some of the symptoms. That exercise is beneficial for overall health is undisputed. If you are ill, you will want to take it easy, of course, but there is always something you can do to support your body. Do what you can without making yourself feel worse. Exercise in fresh air whenever possible.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

Tension will make your heartburn worse. Stay calm. Anxiety undermines health. Practice relaxation exercises, talk to a friend. Do what works for you to keep mellow.

OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO

Avoid bending over at the waist. Have your last meal a few hours before bedtime.
Chew gum to increase the flow of saliva.
Don’t eat too much at one time.
Don’t lie flat If you sit up, the acid is more likely to remain in your stomach.
Eat a banana.
Edible clay in water–to drink
Have a test to determine if your stomach and esophagus are working properly.
Pickle juice
Zypan (Standard Process) for excess acid. (If you have too little acid, the Zypan will make you feel worse)

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES