Snuff out heartburn

Do you suffer from heartburn? If so you are one of the millions people who do, so don’t worry too much, Many people who suffer from heartburn complain that store bought remedies simply are not strong enough to dampen the pain and search out alternate methods of treatment.


Regardless of if you suffer Chronic (2-3 times a week) or intermittent (1-2 a month) pains, these natural remedies and tactics to combat heartburn should prove useful to you.

Chew gum

Multiple tests have determined that any sugar free gum has potential to aid in the neutralization of heartburn. Tests have determined that upon chewing gum, you stimulate the salivary flow rate which will cause the knock on effect of washing away any excess acids and minimizing the amount of damage these excess acids can cause.

It can be believed that chewing a single piece of sugar free gum after each meal can help minimize the chances of developing heartburn.

Eat Liquorice

It was suggested by Susan Blum, MD, that chewing liquorice before a meal can minimize the chances of developing heartburn. She said that the beliefs that taking antacids to avoid the development of heartburn is wrong, seeming as the stomachs contents are meant to be acidic. Her theory is that by eating liquorice before a meal you are more likely to avoid the development as liquorice is a natural stomach healer. However, it goes without saying that this is not an excuse to binge on liquorice before a meal, for two main reasons;

1. You will ruin your appetite.
2. You can develop several dangerous side effects, the same as if you binged on sugar for large amounts of time; these side affects could be anything as minor as weight gain to something more dangerous such as a rapid increase in blood pressure.

Drink Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera’s use as a soothing agent is well known, great for neutralising the pain from severe burns. These effects have also been demonstrated as working within the stomach, which minimises the pain caused by severe heartburn. It does so by neutralizing the inflammation within the stomach and oesophagus, in addition to regulating and soothing the acid flow between the two. It is recommended to drink a half a cup before eating to prepare the body for the inflow of acid that accompanies a meal.
As a warning however, it should be noted that this juice is also a potent laxative if not prepared properly, the easiest thing to do is to purchase Aloe Vera powder and mix that into water instead.

Drink Slippery Elm

Some experts have suggested that mixture of Slippery Elm and water, once drunk can create a protective layer covering the stomach lining. This lining is demonstrated as being extremely potent at negating the pain induced by acid reflux (heartburn). However, there is very little research to back up these theories yet the few tests that have been carried out have all been positive.

Baking Soda

My Nan would always try and treat her stomach pains with a cup of baking soda and water, and whilst it is true that there are some benefits to taking Baking soda, I do not recommend it. Remember how it was said earlier that antacids are not exactly good for you? Baking soda and water is an Antacid so whilst it will neutralize some amounts of pain from heartburn, it will also reduce the acid in your stomach, causing problems further down the line. Baking soda has also been attributed to causing some of the following side effects:

• Swelling
• Nausea
• Increase in blood pressure
• Slow breathing
• Weakness

Now armed with the above knowledge, you should be able to find the way that works for you. However, if the above methods do not work, keep in mind these methods are only the tip of the iceberg and many more ways exist! Good luck!