5 natural heartburn remedies

Looking for natural heartburn relief? These five at-home remedies are proven to alleviate and prevent symptoms.

Most adults have experienced heartburn, which causes an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest and can travel all the way into the throat. It usually occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) allows food to enter the stomach because it relaxes when it shouldn't. This is known as acid reflux. When it happens, acid from your stomach churns up into your esophagus, causing uncomfortable heartburn symptoms. Try these natural remedies to alleviate the discomfort.

Although apple cider vinegar may sound like an unlikely heartburn remedy, it works. Simply add a tablespoon of vinegar to a glass of water and drink it down. Heartburn is sometimes caused by too little acid production in the stomach, which causes the LES to relax when it shouldn't.

Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum after a meal for 30 minutes can prevent and eliminate heartburn symptoms. Why does it work? As you chew the gum, your salivary flow rate is stimulated. Any accumulated heartburn-causing acid gets washed away.

Ripe bananas are natural antacids that help prevent acid reflux. Try eating one every night a couple of hours before bedtime to prevent heartburn, or eat one if you're already experiencing symptoms.

If you feel a bout of heartburn coming on, eat a teaspoon of good quality mustard, straight up. Mustard is an alkalizing food with a low concentration of vinegar. It works best if you're already experiencing symptoms or you can tell a heartburn attack is about to rear its ugly head.

Aloe vera juice can help soothe the burning feeling in your esophagus in the same way that it soothes an uncomfortable sunburn on your skin. When you start to feel heartburn coming on, drink a half-cup of aloe vera juice to reduce the pain and inflammation. Use a brand that has the laxative component removed so you don't end up replacing your heartburn symptoms with multiple trips to the bathroom.

No matter which natural heartburn remedy you use, keep in mind that you shouldn't lie down immediately after meals. When you remain upright, gravity prevents stomach acid from traveling up into your esophagus. If nighttime heartburn plagues you, eat at least a couple of hours before bedtime so gravity can do its thing.