Originally published April 5, 2016, last updated April 5, 2016

Home Remedies for Heartburn

If you suffer from occasional heartburn you don’t need to be told how uncomfortable and life-altering it can be. The burning sensation of heartburn is often caused when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close tight enough, which allows stomach acid to reflux or seep into the esophagus.

While reducing stress, avoiding spicy foods and taking antacids can help, they don’t always do the trick. So to help cool a toasty tummy, consider some of these home remedies.

Rest awareness

How you rest, especially after eating, makes a huge difference.

First, don’t lie down after a meal. When you are in a prone position, you can’t effectively elevate your chest, which helps keep stomach acids from leaking into your esophagus. Wait two or three hours after eating, or before bedtime, before lying down. You might also try slightly elevating the head of your bed, allowing gravity to work for you.

Drinking decisions

Four great juices for heartburn relief are pear, mango, guava and papaya. Raw potatoes or a cabbage through your juicer, though probably not as yummy, will also soothe your stomach. Buttermilk (unlike regular milk) relieves acid, but it’s heavy on the tummy.

Also, fluids with meals increase the contents of your stomach, so drink only what you comfortably need to wash down the food.

Food factors

Handy snacks that promote heartburn relief are unsalted soda crackers (they absorb stomach acid rapidly) and blanched almonds. If at home, cook up some brown rice, even with a little sweetener for taste. It’s sad for your palette, perhaps — but bland, complex carbohydrate foods are less likely to increase acidity and help relax the sphincter muscle.

Getting spicy

Three types of spice teas can give you a cup of tummy relief:

• Cinnamon. Brew a cup from a cinnamon stick or try tea bags, but make sure it doesn’t include black tea, which is a cause of heartburn.
• Ginger. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger root to 1 cup water, then simmer for 10 minutes. This is an Asian-inspired and delicious tasting treat.
• Sage. This tea can reduce stomach weakness that allows acid to be released back into the esophagus.

If you find yourself suffering from persistent heartburn, be sure to consult your physician and discuss treatment options that are right for you.