7 Simple Tricks for Fast Relief from Heartburn (2024)

7 Simple Tricks for Fast Relief from Heartburn (1)

Occasional heartburn is a common complaint. Below are 7 tricks for fast relief from heartburn. It’s not unusual for stomach acid to leak up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like:

  • A bitter taste in your mouth
  • Belching
  • Bloating
  • Burning feeling in the chest
  • Pain made worse by bending over or lying down

Although it’s not typically serious, heartburn is uncomfortable and can disrupt your normal activities. Most people find relief with antacids or by adjusting their diet or other personal health factors.

If you have more than occasional heartburn, your doctor might recommend tests to determine the cause and recommend a long-term treatment. But, if you’re only experiencing heartburn occasionally, one of the following tips and tricks can help you find relief.

7 Tips for Fast Relief from Heartburn

When you start to feel the familiar burning of heartburn, you need fast relief. For occasional symptoms, try one of these heartburn-relieving tricks.

1. Antacids

Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid and relieve the burn in seconds. This relief can last up to three hours. Keep antacids on hand for those occasional attacks of the burn.

2. Chew gum

Gum chewing increases your saliva production, which may help keep acid in your stomach where it belongs.

3. Loosen your belt

Tight-fitting clothing that squeezes your abdomen may push acid up into your esophagus. Loosen your belt or wear loose clothing if you’re prone to heartburn.

4. Check your posture

Slouching or slumping in your seat can put pressure on your abdomen, which may push acid into your esophagus. Changing your posture may help keep your stomach acid down.

5. Save the snack

Going to bed with a full stomach can cause acid to leak up into your esophagus when you lie down. Stop eating three hours before bedtime for an easier night’s sleep.

6. Change sleep positions

Elevating the head of your bed or sleeping on your side may keep acid down and reduce nighttime heartburn.

7. Manage your stress

Chronic stress can slow your digestion, keeping food in your stomach longer. The longer food stays in your stomach, the more likely you are to develop heartburn. Step away from a stressful situation and focus on breathing to minimize your stress response.

When to Call Your Doctor

Everybody has occasional heartburn, but if your symptoms happen more than two times per week, last for more than two weeks, or seem to worsen, call your doctor to schedule an appointment. You should also see your doctor if:

  • You have difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • Your heartburn comes with nausea or vomiting
  • You’ve had unexplained weight loss
  • You have a cough or feel a lump in your throat
  • You’ve tried antacids for more than two weeks without relief
  • You are hoarse or tend to wheeze
  • You’re in extreme pain
  • You are having diarrhea or black bowel movements.
  • You notice blood in your stool

Uncontrolled heartburn not only makes your day-to-day life uncomfortable, but it can also damage your esophagus, leading to higher risk of cancer in the future. Your gastroenterologist can diagnose the underlying cause of your heartburn and work with you to determine a treatment plan.

You don’t have to live with the burn – schedule an appointment today!

Request Appointment

Related:

7 Simple Tricks for Fast Relief from Heartburn (2024)

FAQs

What is the most immediate heartburn relief? ›

Antacids provide fast heartburn relief. They start to work in seconds* to neutralize stomach acid, making your stomach contents less acidic and reducing the chances that acidic liquid will leak into your esophagus (the muscular tube that connects your mouth and stomach).

How do I stop heartburn asap? ›

Once acid reflux starts, you can use over-the-counter medications like antacids or H2 blockers to stop the symptoms fast. Home remedies like drinking milk or eating a banana may help relieve heartburn symptoms.

What is a quick aid for heartburn? ›

7 Tips for Fast Relief from Heartburn
  • Antacids. Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid and relieve the burn in seconds. ...
  • Chew gum. ...
  • Loosen your belt. ...
  • Check your posture. ...
  • Save the snack. ...
  • Change sleep positions. ...
  • Manage your stress.
Feb 20, 2023

What can I drink to finish heartburn? ›

You can try apple cider vinegar and baking soda mixed with water. In addition, you can try ginger tea and low-acid fruit or vegetable juice like carrot juice.

What pills neutralize stomach acid immediately? ›

Antacids. The oldest and best-known medicines for treating heartburn, they have remained popular because they're fast-acting, inexpensive, available without a prescription, and are safe for most people when used as directed. Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums are examples.

How do you flush acid out of your stomach? ›

How to Treat Acid Reflux Naturally
  1. Drink diluted baking soda. Also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, baking can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. ...
  2. Drink diluted lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. ...
  3. Drink a glass of milk. ...
  4. Chew some gum. ...
  5. Enjoy ginger root in soups, smoothies or tea. ...
  6. Take Iberogast®
Feb 18, 2022

What calms GERD down? ›

Ginger. Ginger is one of the best digestive aids because of its medicinal properties. It's alkaline in nature and anti-inflammatory, which eases irritation in the digestive tract. Try sipping ginger tea when you feel heartburn coming on.

Does bread help heartburn? ›

Whole grain foods like oatmeal, bread, and brown rice are healthy, hearty ways to combat occasional heartburn. These complex carbohydrates not only help absorb acid in the stomach, but they're also full of vitamins and minerals.

What liquid stops heartburn? ›

To help soothe acid reflux, a person can try drinking ginger tea, low fat milk, water, or non-acidic fruit or vegetable juices. Non-acidic fruit and vegetable juices include carrot, melon, or aloe vera.

What is the best thing over the counter for heartburn? ›

Doctors often suggest antacids as the first line of treatment for minor heartburn. Antacids can reduce heartburn by neutralizing acid in your stomach. They typically work within minutes of taking them, offering more immediate relief than other GERD treatments.

What is the cure for heartburn? ›

Heartburn is treatable. In the best-case scenario, you may be able to manage it by making some diet and lifestyle adjustments and keeping some antacids handy for occasional use. If you need them, long-term prescription medications are also very effective for acid reflux.

How do you make heartburn go away in the moment? ›

Antacids like Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox, provide relief for heartburn by neutralizing your stomach acid. H-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), such as famotidine (Pepcid AC, Pepcid Oral, and Zantac 360), reduce the amount of stomach acid your body produces.

What to drink first thing in the morning for acid reflux? ›

Try drinking herbal teas, coconut water, smoothies, and plant-based milks. Learn… Learn how Carafate might help treat symptoms of GERD and what you should be aware of before starting it.

What's the worst drink for acid reflux? ›

Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine. Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.

What can neutralize stomach acid fast? ›

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of baking soda to 4 ounces (oz) of warm water and drink. Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe and nontoxic.

What is the fastest working heartburn medication? ›

Antacids (e.g. Tums, Rolaids) and H2 blockers (e.g. Pepcid) are the best heartburn medicine for immediate relief of your heartburn symptoms. Antacids start to work in seconds to neutralize stomach acid, thereby providing prompt heartburn relief.

Which antacid works the fastest? ›

While many people find tablets more convenient, liquids can provide faster relief. Magnesium-based antacids. These products, such as Maalox and Mylanta, are popular because they are fast-acting. One possible drawback of magnesium-containing antacids is that they can cause diarrhea.

How do I stop crippling heartburn? ›

Don't overload your stomach.
  1. Limit alcohol. Alcohol can relax the muscles around the lower end of your esophagus, making it easier for acid to bubble up.
  2. Stay slim. One study found that overweight people who lost weight were more likely to have their heartburn go away. ...
  3. Wear loose clothing. ...
  4. Relax.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6427

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-12-23

Address: 4653 O'Kon Hill, Lake Juanstad, AR 65469

Phone: +494124489301

Job: Marketing Representative

Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking

Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.