Heartburn is a common condition that can cause a burning sensation in the chest, throat, and mouth. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including eating certain foods, drinking alcohol, smoking, and being overweight.
While heartburn is usually not serious, it can be very uncomfortable. If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a number of things you can do to get rid of it fast.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to get rid of heartburn fast. We will also provide some tips for preventing heartburn in the future.
How to Get Rid of Heartburn Fast
Follow these tips to get rid of heartburn fast:
- Drink a glass of milk.
- Eat a spoonful of baking soda.
- Chew gum.
- Take an antacid.
- Avoid lying down.
- Elevate your head.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Avoid smoking.
If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor.
Drink a glass of milk.
Milk is a natural antacid, which means it can help to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. The fat in milk can also help to coat the esophagus and protect it from stomach acid.
To get rid of heartburn fast, drink a glass of cold milk. The cold temperature of the milk will help to numb the pain of heartburn, and the milk will help to neutralize stomach acid and coat the esophagus.
If you are lactose intolerant, you can still drink milk to relieve heartburn. Lactose-free milk and almond milk are both good options.
However, it is important to note that milk can sometimes make heartburn worse in some people. If you find that milk triggers your heartburn, you should avoid drinking it.
If you are experiencing heartburn, you can also try other home remedies, such as eating a spoonful of baking soda, chewing gum, or taking an antacid. If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor.
Eat a spoonful of baking soda.
Baking soda is a natural antacid, which means it can help to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. It works quickly and is very effective at relieving mild to moderate heartburn.
To use baking soda to get rid of heartburn fast, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with four ounces of water. Stir until the baking soda is dissolved. Drink the solution slowly.
You can also take baking soda in capsule form. Baking soda capsules are available at most drugstores.
It is important to note that baking soda should not be used for more than two weeks without talking to a doctor. Baking soda can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also interact with certain medications.
If you are experiencing heartburn, you can also try other home remedies, such as drinking a glass of milk, chewing gum, or taking an antacid. If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor.
Chew gum.
Chewing gum can help to relieve heartburn in a number of ways:
- Saliva production: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production. Saliva helps to neutralize stomach acid and protect the esophagus from irritation.
- Esophageal sphincter: Chewing gum helps to strengthen the esophageal sphincter, which is a muscle that prevents stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus.
- Distraction: Chewing gum can also help to distract you from the pain of heartburn.
- Acidic foods: Chewing gum can help to remove acidic foods from the mouth and esophagus, which can help to reduce heartburn.
To get rid of heartburn fast, chew a piece of sugar-free gum for at least 30 minutes. Avoid chewing gum that contains mint or other flavors that can irritate the esophagus.
Take an antacid.
Antacids are medications that can help to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. They work quickly and are very effective at relieving mild to moderate heartburn.
There are many different types of antacids available over-the-counter. Some common antacids include:
- Calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids)
- Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer, Bromo-Seltzer)
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
- Aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel, Gelusil)
To take an antacid for heartburn, follow the directions on the package. Most antacids should be taken after meals and at bedtime.
It is important to note that antacids can cause side effects, such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas. They can also interact with certain medications. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor before taking an antacid.
If you are experiencing heartburn, you can also try other home remedies, such as drinking a glass of milk, eating a spoonful of baking soda, or chewing gum. If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor.
Avoid lying down.
Lying down can make heartburn worse because it allows stomach acid to more easily flow back into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, throat, and mouth.
To avoid heartburn, try to stay upright for at least 3 hours after eating. This will give your stomach time to empty and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
If you need to lie down, try to elevate your head and shoulders. This will help to keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
You can also try sleeping on your left side. This can help to reduce the pressure on your stomach and make it less likely that stomach acid will reflux into the esophagus.
If you are experiencing heartburn, you can also try other home remedies, such as drinking a glass of milk, eating a spoonful of baking soda, chewing gum, or taking an antacid. If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor.
Elevate your head.
Elevating your head can help to reduce heartburn by preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This is especially helpful at night, when you are lying down.
- Use pillows: Prop yourself up with pillows so that your head and shoulders are elevated by at least 6 inches.
- Adjustable bed: If you have an adjustable bed, raise the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches.
- Wedge pillow: You can also use a wedge pillow to elevate your head and shoulders.
- Avoid flat pillows: Avoid using flat pillows, as these can make heartburn worse.
If you are experiencing heartburn, you can also try other home remedies, such as drinking a glass of milk, eating a spoonful of baking soda, chewing gum, or taking an antacid. If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor.
Wear loose clothing.
Wearing tight clothing can put pressure on your stomach and make heartburn worse. This is especially true after eating a large meal.
To avoid heartburn, try to wear loose, comfortable clothing, especially around your waist and abdomen. This will help to reduce pressure on your stomach and make it less likely that stomach acid will reflux into the esophagus.
Some specific tips for wearing loose clothing to prevent heartburn include:
- Avoid wearing tight belts or waistbands.
- Choose loose-fitting shirts and pants.
- Wear stretchy fabrics that won't constrict your stomach.
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too short or too tight in the torso.
If you are experiencing heartburn, you can also try other home remedies, such as drinking a glass of milk, eating a spoonful of baking soda, chewing gum, or taking an antacid. If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor.
Avoid smoking.
Smoking can worsen heartburn in a number of ways. First, nicotine relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which is a muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This can lead to acid reflux and heartburn.
Second, smoking can irritate the lining of the esophagus, making it more sensitive to stomach acid. This can also lead to heartburn.
Third, smoking can increase the production of stomach acid. This can make heartburn worse, especially after eating a large meal.
If you are experiencing heartburn, it is important to avoid smoking. This is one of the best things you can do to reduce your symptoms.
Here are some tips for avoiding smoking if you are experiencing heartburn:
- Set a quit date and stick to it.
- Tell your friends and family that you are quitting so they can support you.
- Find a support group or online forum where you can connect with other people who are quitting smoking.
- Use nicotine replacement therapy or other medications to help you quit smoking.
If you are experiencing heartburn, you can also try other home remedies, such as drinking a glass of milk, eating a spoonful of baking soda, chewing gum, or taking an antacid. If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of heartburn fast:
Question 1: What is the best way to get rid of heartburn fast?Answer 1: There are a number of things you can do to get rid of heartburn fast, such as drinking a glass of milk, eating a spoonful of baking soda, chewing gum, or taking an antacid. Question 2: How long does it take for heartburn to go away?
Answer 2: Heartburn usually goes away within a few minutes to hours. However, if your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor. Question 3: What foods can trigger heartburn?
Answer 3: Some common foods that can trigger heartburn include fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, and caffeine. Question 4: What lifestyle changes can help to prevent heartburn?
Answer 4: Some lifestyle changes that can help to prevent heartburn include losing weight, avoiding smoking, avoiding alcohol, and eating smaller meals. Question 5: When should I see a doctor about my heartburn?
Answer 5: You should see a doctor about your heartburn if:
- It is severe or does not improve with home treatment.
- You have heartburn more than twice a week.
- You have other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty swallowing.
Answer 6: There are a number of medications that can be used to treat heartburn, including antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of questions and answers about heartburn. If you have any other questions, please talk to your doctor.
In addition to the tips mentioned above, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent heartburn, such as avoiding eating large meals, eating slowly, and avoiding lying down after eating.
Tips
Here are a few tips for preventing heartburn:
Tip 1: Eat smaller meals. Eating large meals can put pressure on your stomach and make it more likely that stomach acid will reflux into the esophagus.
Tip 2: Eat slowly. Eating slowly gives your stomach more time to digest food and reduce the risk of heartburn.
Tip 3: Avoid lying down after eating. Lying down after eating can make it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Wait at least 3 hours after eating before lying down.
Tip 4: Elevate your head when you sleep. Elevating your head when you sleep can help to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Use pillows or a wedge pillow to raise your head and shoulders by at least 6 inches.
Tip 5: Avoid foods that trigger heartburn. Some common foods that can trigger heartburn include fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, and caffeine. Keep a food journal to identify the foods that trigger your heartburn and avoid them.
Tip 6: Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heartburn. Losing weight can help to reduce pressure on your stomach and make it less likely that stomach acid will reflux into the esophagus.
Tip 7: Avoid smoking. Smoking can relax the esophageal sphincter, which can lead to heartburn. Quitting smoking can help to reduce your risk of heartburn.
Tip 8: Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the lining of the esophagus and make it more sensitive to stomach acid. Avoiding alcohol can help to reduce your risk of heartburn.
Tip 9: Manage stress. Stress can make heartburn worse. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
If you are experiencing heartburn, talk to your doctor. There are a number of treatments available that can help to relieve your symptoms.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent heartburn and improve your overall health.
Conclusion
Heartburn is a common problem that can be very uncomfortable. However, there are a number of things you can do to get rid of heartburn fast, such as drinking a glass of milk, eating a spoonful of baking soda, chewing gum, or taking an antacid.
In addition to these quick fixes, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent heartburn, such as losing weight, avoiding smoking, avoiding alcohol, and eating smaller meals.
If you are experiencing heartburn more than twice a week, or if your heartburn is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor. There are a number of medications that can be used to treat heartburn.
By following the tips in this article, you can help to get rid of heartburn fast and prevent it from coming back.
Remember, heartburn is a common problem and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. If you are experiencing heartburn, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. There are a number of effective treatments available that can help you to get rid of heartburn and improve your quality of life.