Heartburn remedies: fast fixes and lasting relief

That burning in your chest is a clear signal: your stomach acid is coming back up where it shouldn't. You don't need to suffer through every meal. Below are simple, practical steps you can try right away, plus changes that help stop heartburn from returning.

Fast fixes you can use now

Need relief quickly? Antacids like Tums or Rolaids neutralize acid in minutes and work well for occasional heartburn. Chewing sugar-free gum for 20–30 minutes after a meal boosts saliva and helps wash acid back down. A glass of water can dilute acid and ease the burn. Some people find a half teaspoon of baking soda in water helps, but don’t use that often—it's high in sodium and can upset stomach balance.

If you often wake with heartburn, sit upright for an hour after eating and avoid lying down right after meals. Tight waistbands and belts push stomach contents upward, so loosen up until the burning fades.

Medications: what to try and when

Over-the-counter H2 blockers (famotidine, ranitidine replacements) reduce stomach acid for several hours and work well for predictable triggers. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole cut acid production more strongly and help if you get regular heartburn. Use OTC PPIs for short courses unless your doctor advises longer use—long-term PPI use can raise risks for certain infections and nutrient gaps.

Always read dosing instructions. If you take other meds, check interactions—PPIs and H2 blockers can change how some drugs work. If symptoms don't improve after a couple of weeks on OTC meds, talk to your healthcare provider.

Natural options can help some people. Fresh ginger in tea eases digestion for many. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) chews may protect the stomach lining. Aloe vera juice sometimes soothes the esophagus, but pick a prepared product labeled for internal use. Apple cider vinegar is touted online, but it can make heartburn worse for some—try a tiny amount only if it ever helped you before.

For longer-term control, find and avoid your triggers. Common culprits: spicy foods, chocolate, peppermint, fried meals, alcohol, coffee, and large late-night dinners. Eating smaller portions more often, losing even a few pounds if you're overweight, and quitting smoking all lower reflux episodes. Keep a simple food diary for two weeks to spot personal triggers fast.

Small sleep changes help too: raise the head of the bed by 6–8 inches or use a wedge pillow so acid stays lower while you sleep. Take medicines at times your doctor recommends—some work best before a meal. And remember: posture matters; staying upright for 30–60 minutes after a meal reduces chances of reflux.

See a doctor right away for warning signs: trouble swallowing, unintentional weight loss, repeated vomiting, or blood in vomit or stool. If chest pain feels like a heart attack, call emergency services. Also see a clinician if regular OTC remedies stop working or you need them more than twice a week—persistent symptoms could mean gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another condition that needs testing and prescription care.