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Acid reflux and heartburn are common conditions that can leave you feeling very uncomfortable. If you experience mild, occasional heartburn, over-the-counter antacids can provide quick relief. There are also some home remedies that might help, such as drinking baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) dissolved in water or taking a ginger supplement. 

If you experience repeated episodes of acid reflux, you may want to make an appointment to see your doctor. You may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and require prescription medications for treatment. 

Please keep reading to learn how to get fast heartburn relief. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent heartburn symptoms.

Understanding acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD

The lining of the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid to break down the food we eat. The stomach is designed to handle this acid. However, if the acid flows back into the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach), it can cause irritation and damage. A circular muscle at the lower end of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts as a one-way valve between the esophagus and stomach and prevents the backflow of stomach acid. 

If the LES is weakened or abnormally relaxed, stomach contents can flow back into the esophagus. This is called acid reflux. Heartburn is the symptom you experience as a result of acid reflux. (The name is misleading, as it has nothing to do with the heart). 

Heartburn symptoms usually include a burning sensation or chest pain behind your breastbone that seems to rise up in your chest, a bitter or sour taste in your mouth, the sensation of a lump in your throat, and trouble swallowing.

When acid reflux occurs repeatedly, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can be treated with lifestyle changes, heartburn medications, and surgery in severe cases. Without treatment, GERD can lead to esophagitis (inflammation), esophageal stricture (narrowing), and Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous changes in the esophagus). Learn more about the differences between heartburn and GERD.

What settles acid reflux quickly?

Taking an antacid can settle acid reflux quickly, typically providing relief from the burning feeling within seconds to minutes. Antacids are available over-the-counter in the form of chewables, dissolving tablets, liquids, and gummies. They contain alkaline salts such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide and work by neutralizing stomach acid upon contact to treat heartburn fast. Examples of common antacids include Tums, Rolaids, Alka-Seltzer, Pepto-Bismol, Gelusil, Mylanta, and Maalox. 

Make sure to carefully read the package instructions on OTC antacids. Do not take more than the recommended dose. If you have frequent heartburn, make an appointment to see your doctor. Find out how long acid reflux lasts.

What home remedies help with heartburn?

The following home remedies may help with heartburn:

• Drinking a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water

• Taking a licorice supplement

• Sucking on a ginger candy or taking a ginger supplement

• Chewing gum to stimulate saliva production

There is no strong scientific evidence supporting the use of these home remedies for quick heartburn relief. Do not take large doses or take them for a long time, as this can have negative effects on your health. For example, long-term use or large doses of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can lead to acid-base imbalances in your body. 

If you have mild acid reflux and want to try these non-drug remedies, talk to your doctor to make sure there are no drug interactions that can lead to harmful adverse effects. 

How do you get rid of acid reflux?

The following tips can help to prevent acid reflux and provide heartburn relief:

Avoid trigger foods

Certain foods and drinks, such as acidic foods, spicy foods, fried foods, caffeine, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages, can trigger heartburn. Keeping a food and symptom journal can help you identify these trigger foods and avoid foods that cause your symptoms. For example, you might find relief if you avoid eating citrus fruits.

Stay upright after meals

Lying down after eating can make heartburn symptoms worse. Staying upright after meals and avoiding eating 2-3 hours before bedtime may help by allowing time for your stomach contents to move into your intestines.

Eat small meals and eat slowly

Eating too quickly or eating large quantities of food can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. 

Lose weight if you are obese or overweight

Excess body weight puts pressure on your stomach, causing stomach acid to travel into the esophagus. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help you achieve a healthy weight. 

Raise the head of your bed

One of the best home remedies for heartburn symptoms is placing blocks under your bed posts or a foam wedge under your mattress. This raises the head of your bed and places your upper body above the level of your feet when you’re lying down. It can help to ease the burning pain associated with heartburn. 

Sleep on your left side

Studies have found that sleeping on your left side can help digestion and provide relief from the burning pain and other symptoms of heartburn. Try adjusting your sleeping position to see if it works for you.

Wear loose clothing

Tight-fitting clothing can put additional pressure on the stomach and contribute to heartburn symptoms.

Limit alcohol intake 

Drinking alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and make the symptoms of heartburn worse. 

Quit smoking 

Smoking weakens the esophageal valve and can increase the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to stop smoking if you smoke.

Manage stress

Emotional stress and poor posture can make GERD symptoms worse. Practicing deep breathing and relaxation exercises to manage stress may help your heartburn.

Acid Reflux Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking water help acid reflux?

Drinking water may help acid reflux by diluting stomach acid.

Which drink reduces acid reflux? 

Low-fat milk and herbal teas may reduce acid reflux. On the other hand, caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages (sodas), and alcohol can make acid reflux symptoms worse.

What over-the-counter medications can relieve heartburn symptoms? 

• Antacids such as Tums, Mylanta, Maalox, Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, Gelusil, and others can quickly relieve heartburn within a few minutes.

• Over-the-counter H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB), nizatidine (Axid AR), and famotidine (Pepcid AC) decrease stomach acid production. These medications take 15-30 minutes to start working, and their effects last for up to 12 hours.

• Over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) block stomach acid formation and allow time for the esophagus to heal. Examples include omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR), and esomeprazole (Nexium 24 HR). They take 1-4 days to start working, and their effects last for up to 24 hours.

What prescription medications neutralize stomach acid?

While many of these heartburn medications are available over-the-counter, prescription-strength products are available with a prescription if you have more severe symptoms. You should talk to your doctor if OTC heartburn medications do not provide you adequate relief from acid reflux. Treatment options your doctor may prescribe to neutralize stomach acid include:

• Prescription-strength H2 blockers such as cimetidine and famotidine.

• Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), and rabeprazole (Aciphex). Learn about the Pantoprazole (Protonix) Diet Do’s and Don’ts.

Note: If you continue to experience heartburn after making diet changes and taking over-the-counter medications, make an appointment to see your doctor. Also, you should know that a heart attack can resemble GERD symptoms. Go to the emergency room if you have chest pain accompanied by a feeling of chest tightening or squeezing or difficulty breathing. Also, seek emergency medical attention for vomit that looks like coffee grounds (this may be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding). Check out “What to Do if Your Acid Reflux Medication Is Not Working Effectively.”