20 Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn to Alleviate Its Symptoms
Contents
Facebook 
X 
Copy Link
Overview
Heartburn often causes a fiery discomfort in the chest or throat, usually after meals. It is a prevalent health concern in Australia. According to data from the National Library of Medicine1, about 9.3% to 12.7% of Australians deal with recurrent heartburn symptoms. While medications are available, many people prefer natural home remedies to control mild or occasional symptoms, avoiding prolonged reliance on medications. Let’s explore the causes of heartburn, ways to prevent it, and the top home remedies that may bring relief, using simple, everyday solutions.What is heartburn
Heartburn is a painful burning feeling experienced in the chest or throat, which occurs when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus. It often occurs after eating, lying down, or bending and is associated with acid reflux.Causes of heartburn
Lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and certain foods often trigger heartburn. It happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. Common causes include:Lifestyle factors:
- Eating large meals or eating too quickly
- Lying down after eating
- Wearing tight clothes around the stomach
- Smoking
- High stress or anxiety
Foods and drinks:
- Spicy or fatty foods
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated or carbonated drinks
- Citrus fruits or tomatoes
- Alcohol
Medical conditions:
- Obesity
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Some antidepressants
- Certain blood pressure medications
Symptoms of heartburn
The most common signs of heartburn include:- Burning sensation in the chest
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Discomfort after eating
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling food “stuck”
- Burping or bloating
Suggested home remedies
These gentle, everyday home remedies may help relieve heartburn. However, individual responses may vary, and it is important to consult a doctor if symptoms persist:- Aloe vera juice: The lining of the stomach and oesophagus can be soothed with aloe vera juice. Before meals, consume half a cup of aloe vera juice.
- Ginger: Ginger's inherent anti-inflammatory qualities can aid in calming the digestive tract. You may drink ginger tea or cook with fresh ginger.
- Chamomile tea: The anti-inflammatory qualities of chamomile tea can help decrease the symptoms of acid reflux. Make sure to have a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed.
- Banana: The natural antacids in bananas can help neutralise gastric acid. A ripe banana can help relieve heartburn quickly.
- Probiotics: Eating foods high in probiotics, such as kefir or yoghurt, might enhance digestion and help maintain a balanced population of gut bacteria, which may lessen the symptoms of heartburn.
- Oatmeal: Consuming plain oatmeal might help reduce the symptoms of heartburn and absorb extra stomach acid.
- Fennel seeds: Chew on a teaspoon of fennel seeds to help lower acidity and calm the stomach after meals.
- Almonds: Consuming a small number of almonds might help reduce stomach acid production and ease the symptoms of heartburn.
- Baking soda: Drink a glass of water gently after adding a teaspoon of baking soda to it. Stomach acid decreases with baking soda.
- Apple cider vinegar: Despite its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar has the potential to help regulate the acidity of the stomach. Before meals, stir one spoonful of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and sip.
Other natural remedies you may try
- Slippery elm: The mucus found in slippery elm is well-known for its ability to cover and calm the oesophagus. Supplements containing slippery elm are available as capsules or powder.
- Liquorice root: By coating and shielding the stomach lining, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements help lessen the heartburn sensations.
- Mustard: Due to its alkaline qualities, consuming a teaspoon of mustard may help neutralise stomach acid.
- Coconut water: Consuming a glass of coconut water will help calm the stomach lining and lessen symptoms of acid reflux.
- Papaya: Rich in digestive enzymes, papaya might help fight against heartburn. Papaya juice or fresh papayas eaten simultaneously may help.
- Marshmallow root: Drinking tea made from marshmallow root might help protect the oesophagus and reduce discomfort brought on by acid reflux.
- Cabbage juice: Packed with glutamine, cabbage juice helps protect the stomach lining and combat heartburn.
- Warm water with lemon: This remedy for heartburn can help reduce stomach acid production, aid in digestion, and neutralise stomach acid.
- Chia Seeds: When chia seeds and water are combined, a gel-like substance is produced that coats the stomach lining and lessens symptoms of acid reflux.
Risk factors and complications of heartburn
Certain factors increase the risk of developing heartburn. You may be at risk if you:- Are above 40
- Are overweight
- Smoke or drink alcohol regularly
- Often eat large or late-night meals
- Have frequent stress or disturbed sleep
- Oesophagitis: Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagus) due to prolonged acid exposure.
- Oesophageal ulcers: Open sores in the oesophagus, leading to pain and difficulty swallowing.
- Barrett’s oesophagus: A condition where the oesophageal lining changes, increasing the risk of oesophageal cancer.
- Chronic respiratory issues: Acid reflux can lead to asthma-like symptoms, chronic cough, or recurrent pneumonia.
How to prevent heartburn
You can often reduce symptoms by adjusting your lifestyle and diet.Lifestyle tips:
- Eat smaller meals: Avoid overeating to reduce pressure on the stomach.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can reduce acid reflux frequency.
- Sleep with your head elevated: Raising the head of your bed can prevent acid from travelling up the oesophagus.
- Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the LOS and increases acid reflux risk.
- Manage stress: Practising mindfulness or engaging in light exercise can help alleviate stress.
Dietary tips:
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake: Both substances can relax the LOS.
- Opt for low-fat meals: High-fat foods slow digestion and increase acid production.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps neutralise stomach acid and aids digestion.
- Chew slowly and thoroughly: Don’t rush through meals, as eating fast can overload your stomach and trigger heartburn.
When to consult a doctor
See your GP or seek medical advice if you experience:- Chest pain (especially with sweating or breathlessness)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing
- Frequent heartburn episodes (two or more per week)
- No relief despite lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications
How Hola health can help
Heartburn may be successfully treated with a Hola health telehealth consultation with an online doctor. The doctor may assess symptoms, medical history, and possible causes via video consultation. They can offer tailored suggestions for food adjustments, over-the-counter medications, and lifestyle changes. During follow-up visits, they will monitor your progress and modify your therapy as necessary. Particularly for treating mild to severe heartburn, telehealth provides easy access to medical knowledge. If symptoms worsen or continue after therapy, an in-person examination can be required for additional testing and assessment. Through services like Hola Health, you can manage heartburn symptoms easily from home.- Immediate access: Connect with AHPRA-accredited online doctors or health practitioners through 24/7 telehealth appointments in Australia.
- Online prescriptions: Get medication through online prescriptions in Australia within 15 minutes without visiting a clinic.
- Get medical certificate online: Access medical certificates for work, school, or to fulfil carer’s responsibilities.
- Online referrals: Get instant online doctor referrals to specialists, blood tests, pathology tests, and radiology tests.
Conclusion
Heartburn is common and often manageable with simple lifestyle changes and home remedies. But if your symptoms are frequent or severe, it’s important to seek medical advice. Through Hola Health telehealth appointments, you can access fast, professional support anywhere in Australia.FAQs
Is heartburn the same as acid reflux or GORD?
Not really. Heartburn is a symptom, the burning pain you feel in your chest. Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, while GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease) is the chronic, more serious form of reflux.Can pregnancy cause heartburn?
Yes. Pregnancy often causes heartburn due to hormonal shifts and increased abdominal pressure from the growing uterus. It is more common in the second and third trimesters.When should I go to the emergency room for chest pain?
Seek emergency medical care if chest pain is intense, comes with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or pain moving into the arm or jaw. These may be signs of a heart attack, not just heartburn.What can I drink to relieve heartburn?
To soothe heartburn, drink herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, or a glass of warm water. Additionally, low-fat milk or aloe vera juice may relieve inflammation.Does milk help heartburn?
Low-fat milk may provide short-term relief for some people by regulating stomach acidity. However, full-cream milk can worsen symptoms since high-fat content increases acid production.Does drinking water relieve heartburn?
Yes, drinking small sips of water may help rinse acid down and weaken its effect. However, avoid drinking large amounts with meals, as it may put extra pressure on the stomach.Reference
- National Library of Medicine - reference link
See a GP online within just 15 minutes.
Download the app today.
Related Articles
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health.