Home Remedy For Heartburn
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Reflux is a gastric fluid which flows back up from the stomach into our esophagus.
During reflux, gastric acids and digestive enzymes damage the mucus membranes of the esophagus. They cause inflammation. The nerves in the esophagus become more sensitive to pain. The result of all this is heartburn. The medical term is gastroesophageal reflux disease .
To treat this painful sensation we have to reduce the acidity in the esophagus. Less acidity means less pain!
So how do we do that?
Well, we can swallow something that neutralizes the acidity. That is quite easy. We swallow something that is alkaline.
Alkaline – you might remember that word from chemistry class. Here is a quick refresher:
The acidity in acid reflux is measured using the pH scale. Readings that measure below a pH of 7 are acidic. Anything with a pH greater than 7 is alkaline.
The pH-Scale
Alkaline and acidic are opposites. They neutralize each other.
Over-the-counter antacids work by the same principle. They contain highly alkaline substances that reduce the acidity in the stomach and esophagus. Swallowing those antacids gives quick relief from heartburn.
However, many people are concerned about the potential side effects of artificial antacids and prefer something homemade. Many antacids contain aluminum, which is suspected to promote the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
In other words: Baking soda is our built-in anti-heartburn mechanism!
Sparkling Water Is Good For Digestion
Sparkling water has, for centuries, been a go-to remedy for digestive disorders. Carbonated water has been shown to reduce the growth of bacteria, and it does give you the feeling that things are moving not the most scientific statement, admittedly, but considering the power of belief, a feeling is often worth a shot!
One of the most reliable and enduring remedies for indigestion or constipation is sodium hydrogen carbonate , also known as sodium bicarbonate. Dissolved in water, along with an acid, the NaHCO3 reacts with the acid to produce CO2. Drinking the effervescent water is known to provide significant relief from heartburn, dyspepsia, and constipation.
Many studies have shown that carbonated water has a more remedial effect on constipation and dyspepsia than still water, and that sparkling water can improve the swallowing reflex.
Does Water Help Get Rid Of Heartburn
Drinking water during the later stages of digestion can reduce acidity and GERD symptoms. Often, there are pockets of high acidity, between a pH or 1 and 2, just below the esophagus. By drinking tap or filtered water a little while after a meal, you can dilute the acid there, which can result in less heartburn.
Also Check: Why Does Lettuce Hurt My Stomach
Use It As A Mouthwash
Baking soda mouthwash can help freshen your breath and even provide antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It may also help soothe pain caused by canker sores small, painful ulcers inside your mouth.
How to use baking soda as mouthwash: Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to half a glass of warm water, and swish as usual.
Is It Safe To Drink Baking Soda During Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you will have lots of doubts concerning your intake of food active ingredients and medications. Baking soda is one such ingredient which has multiple uses, and how it works likewise depends on how you use it.
The chemical name for baking soda is salt bicarbonate. But, is baking soda safe during pregnancy? Let us discover.
Read Also: Do Probiotics Help With Colitis
Is Milk Good For Acidity
Milk has its pros and cons when it comes to relieving heartburn. While protein and calcium from skimmed milk may buffer stomach acids, full-fat milk may increase heartburn symptoms. Nevertheless, you can give low-fat or skim a try, or even switch to a milk substitute if you feel it would suit you better.
Be Careful What You Drink
Alcohol, coffee and whole milk can all lead to heartburn, as can peppermint tea. Sodas and carbonated drinks may relax the LES and make your stomach acid more acidic, increasing your risk of heartburn. Highly acidic citrus juices such as orange and grapefruit can also cause acid reflux and heartburn in some people.xiii
Also Check: Tramadol Causes Constipation
Before Taking Sodium Bicarbonate
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antacids, aspirin or aspirin-like medicines, benzodiazepines, flecainide , iron, ketoconazole , lithium , methenamine , methotrexate, quinidine, sulfa-containing antibiotics, tetracycline , or vitamins. Take sodium bicarbonate at least 2 hours apart from other medicines.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or kidney disease or if you have recently had bleeding in your stomach or intestine.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking sodium bicarbonate, call your doctor.
Also Check: Does Papaya Enzyme Help With Heartburn
Baking Soda For Cancer
There has been some limited research into the effects that baking soda may have on cancer cells and tumors in the body. The basis of the argument is that cancerous cells thrive in an acidic environment and that baking soda can help to inhibit and destroy these malignant cells.
One study has shown that sodium bicarbonate can inhibit the spread of various cancer tumors. The study provided evidence that low pH in cancer cells can increase the chance of tumors spreading. By increasing the pH level of tumors, scientists were able to inhibit the spread of malignant cancer cells.11
Further research is required to provide evidence of the effectiveness of baking soda in cancer treatments.
Recommended Reading: Salad Causes Gas
Tomatoes Are Very Acidic With A Ph Of Around 6
For my Low-Acid I use fresh herbs in the summer when my garden is growing, and dry herbs in the winter. Fresh basil should be used right at the end of cooking so the flavor is fresh and bright, whereas the dry herbs can handle the 30-minute cooking time. Depending on your preference, you can add additional liquid to the sauce, for meatballs only, I prefer the sauce a little drier, if your adding pasta to the sauce, a little pasta water will be a welcome addition.
This is the same recipe that Ive used in several other recipes. It is quick and easy, costs less than half of what I spend on a jar of sauce, and tastes twice as good. So, for five minutes worth of work, you get a sauce that is infinitely better than any sauce you get in a jar.
How It Might Help
“Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, when added to water and ingested in very dilute amounts may help to neutralize stomach acid and therefore calm an upset stomach, similar to the neutralizing effect of antacids like calcium carbonate,” says Heather Campbell, RDN, LDN, a dietitian/nutritionist based in Montgomery, Alabama.
“The biggest difference between sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate in the acidic environment of the stomach is the way it neutralizes the acid, and what the leftover byproducts are,” Campbell says. “Because of these different chemical reactions, drinking baking soda water regularly is not recommended due to potential malabsorption and dysfunction of the stomach.”
Mayo Clinic agrees, noting that when taken as prescribed by your doctor or as directed on the box label, drinking baking soda water can relieve heartburn or stomach ulcer symptoms. Just be sure to dose it properly, Mayo adds. If you are prescribed sodium bicarbonate by your doctor, carefully follow the prescription label instructions. If you’re treating yourself, look at the manufacturer’s directions to get the right dosage.
How much should you take? Dosage recommendations may vary from person to person, depending on how often you’re taking it throughout the day and the length of time you’re taking it factors affected by the medical condition you’re trying to treat.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does Ibs Flare Up Last
Important Note Dont Use Baking Powder Instead Of Baking Soda
Some people think baking powder is the same as baking soda and this is wrong. Baking powder for heartburn simply doesnt work. The reason for this is because baking powder contains acidic salts on top of the baking soda base.
This means that when mixed with water it wont make it any more alkaline which is the point of adding it to the water in the first place. It therefore makes it effectively worthless for treating the heartburn. So, make sure to use baking soda NOT baking powder.
What Other Information Should I Know
If your doctor has prescribed sodium bicarbonate, keep all scheduled appointments so that your response to the medicine can be checked.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Recommended Reading: Prenatal Vitamins Diarrhea
Baking Soda Health Benefits
Baking soda has many benefits, which make it one of the most used products.
We can group such benefits for health into two main categories.
The first one is directly related to human health.
The other is related to hygiene and the improvement of sanitary conditions.
Among the first category, well see extensively how baking soda can help in the case of heartburn and acid reflux.
Its a short-term measure, but effective.
In addition, baking soda has been proven effective in calming indigestion.
You can use effectively baking soda also to treat insect bites and stings. However, please always remember that the pH of the skin is slightly acidic. This means that baking soda is not good for health in general. But under some circumstances, it can help a lot.
The mouth can also experience several benefits: a toothpaste containing baking soda has a better effect in whitening, and it can also freshen the breath.
For more specific and serious conditions, it has been observed that baking soda helps fighting cancer. To be honest, theres a lot of buzz around the topic. It needs all our attention and interest for sure. Anyway, we want to post below a famous video made by Dr. Sircus about pH medicine, in order for you to better understand the great potential of baking soda as a whole.
Finally, kidneys can experience good help by baking soda.
For what concerns the second category of benefits, baking soda is a great product when it comes to controlling odors.
Foods/drinks To Avoid For Heartburn
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
A final piece of advice I would offer if you are suffering from regular heartburn is too simply eat smaller meals. The more you fill up your stomach the more pressure it is under due to being overloaded and the more likely it will reflux acid back up and give you heartburn. Also, if you suffer from nighttime heartburn not eating food 3 hours before bedtime is a good idea.
Don’t Miss: Align Probiotic Reviews For Diarrhea
Reducing Acidity In Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce and pasta are naturally acidic. To counteract this you need to add naturally alkaline ingredients to bring the PH down to help neutralize the acid in food. While at the same time not dramatically changing the flavor, or look of the Low-Acid Marinara Sauce. Although garlic is alkaline, many people find it irritating, you can reduce or eliminate it from the recipe if needed.
Im not a Doctor, Im just a cook, so take this information with a grain of salt, and consult with your doctor if you have concerns about any of these ingredients or suggestions.
When Should You Go To The Hospital For Heartburn
Normally, heartburn doesnt need treatment in the ER. Over the counter remedies, such as antacids, are available to calm the burning effect and reduce the symptoms. You should seek medical advice, however, if the symptoms recur frequently or if you get any of the following additional symptoms: Breathing difficulties.
Also Check: Is Align A Good Probiotic
Recommended Reading: Fish Oil Help Constipation
Icons / Ellipsis / Ellipsis
When To See A Doctor
Many mild cases of acid reflux can be managed with home remedies and OTC medication.
However, if you experience any of the below symptoms, contact your healthcare provider:
- Shortness of breath, sweating, or chest pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, or arm
- Chest pain with stress or exertion
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Heartburn or acid reflux symptoms that last longer than two weeks
Don’t Miss: Can Pantoprazole Make You Tired
How Many Times A Day Can You Drink Baking Soda And Water
Baking soda and water can be consumed multiple times per day. There is no set limit on how many times it can be consumed, but it is generally recommended to drink baking soda and water in moderation. Excessive consumption of baking soda may lead to health problems.
Yes, drinking water with baking soda is safe. It can help to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms.
What If I Have An Ulcer
Baking soda, as well as OTC antacids, can temporarily relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers. However, antacids are not a cure for stomach ulcers.
This is because stomach ulcers are most often a result of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen, or Helicobacter pylori, which is a type of bacteria.
For ulcers due to NSAID use, people may need to lower or stop NSAID use. For ulcers due to H. pylori, a person may require antibiotics.
Antacids, including baking soda, can prevent antibiotics from working. While a person receives ulcer treatment, a doctor can prescribe other drugs such as proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach ulcer symptoms and allow the ulcer to heal.
You May Like: Is Tramadol Constipating
What Is The Best Thing To Take For Heartburn While Pregnant
Over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox may help you cope with occasional heartburn symptoms. Those made of calcium carbonate or magnesium are good options. However, it may be best to avoid magnesium during the last trimester of pregnancy . Magnesium could interfere with contractions during labor.
Baking Soda For Heartburn: Effectiveness And Precautions
by Westwood Wellness Team | Mar 21, 2019 |
Heartburn is an unfortunate but all-too-common experience that virtually everyone has experienced at some point. Heartburn involves acidic sensations felt in the stomach and esophagus caused by a range of digestive issues and lifestyle choices. You may feel like youve tried it all but have you tried baking soda for heartburn?
With a parade of prescription and home remedies to choose from for heartburn relief, its hard to know what option is best. One of the simplest natural remedies for heartburn is baking soda mixed with water. Baking soda neutralizes acid in your stomach and can bring relief from heartburn.
While its true that baking soda is a great natural acidity neutralizer thats readily available, how much should you take? How should you consume baking soda for heartburn, and when?
Lets take a look at some of your options as well as the reason acid reflux occurs in the first place.
4.6 out of 5 stars
You May Like: Stomach Relaxer Medicine
Baking Soda Balances Ph
When used correctly baking soda can be a healthy pH stabilizer. For example, baking soda is often used as an ingredient in toothpaste to prevent the enamel from being exposed to acids and, thus, degrade.
One of the most significant advantages of baking soda for health purposes is its high alkalinity which provides protection against acidosis by neutralizing acidotic pH levels.
Natural Remedy: Use Baking Soda
You may find relief from infrequent heartburn with sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda. Simply mix ý teaspoon with four ounces of water to help neutralize the acid. Note this contains sodium and should not be used if you are on a sodium-restricted diet. Check with your doctor if you are taking any prescriptions drugs, are pregnant or have a chronic health condition before using baking soda to relieve heartburn.
Read Also: To Get Rid Of Heartburn
You May Like: Can Fish Oil Help Constipation