There are many people who suffer from heartburn – a painful, burning sensation that radiates from the upper chest and can make it all the way to the throat. While there are several medicinal options to treat the problem there are also a number of simple and natural ways to eliminate heartburn.

1. A glass of water helps dilute the contents of the stomach and push them through. This eliminates the opportunity for pressure to build and extra acid to be produced.
2. Ginger has long since been a treatment for stomach problems. Heartburn is no exception. It can be found in pills, candied or tea. All three forms help to prevent and alleviate heartburn.
3. Slippery Elm, once a popular remedy for sore throats, is now being shown to help heartburn sufferers. Though it’s not been proven to be scientifically beneficial, and has not been tested in pregnant women, it may help coat the esophagus.
4. Chewing gum promotes saliva production, which acts as water to dilute and flush out the stomach contents.
5. An amino acid called glutamine can also help. It disposes of damaged cells in the esophagus and promotes healing.
6. The oils found in a handful of almonds may relieve reflux in some sufferers.
7. Aloe Vera juice – not to be confused with aloe vera gel found in some household plants – can help prevent heartburn when consumed before meals. It’s important to distinguish between juice and gel, as the gel acts as a laxative when consumed. Be sure to use caution and find aloe vera juice that is labeled for consumption.
8. An enzyme that aids in digestion and helps prevent pressure and acid build up can be found in papaya.
9. Apples have been said to help soothe heartburn and some people even found relief after just a few slices.
10. Drinking a glass of milk may help, but don’t drink too much. Milk will help absorb acids, but it also has fats that can cause acid buildup.
11. Try to avoid heartburn triggers. Common ones include garlic, onion, caffeine, alcohol, and citrus. Watch what you eat to find your specific triggers.
12. Don’t eat right before bed. Gravity keeps stomach acids down and lying down allows them to creep into the esophagus.
13. Eat less more often. Eating fewer, larger meals has been shown to put pressure on the stomach and result in excess acid production.
14. Don’t smoke. Smoking has been proven to cause heartburn.
15. Take steps to reduce stress. Something as simple as deep breathing or counting to 10 can help prevent the onset of heartburn.
16. Sleeping with a few pillows under your head helps keep your esophagus elevated and stomach acids where they belong.
17. Losing a few pounds may help relieve the pressure on the chest and stomach extra weight can add.

For more information on natural and holistic treatment ideas for heartburn, please see our Reflux Remedy Report.