How Can I Treat Heartburn?

In this article, we'll explore how to treat heartburn effectively. We'll discuss what causes heartburn, identify the common symptoms and help you understand which foods and drinks are best avoided. You'll also find advice on which foods can help reduce heartburn symptoms, as well as tips for quick relief when you experience heartburn.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about how to relieve heartburn:

• Heartburn is caused by stomach acid travelling back into the oesophagus.

• The main symptom is a burning sensation in the chest, which can extend to the throat.

• To prevent heartburn, avoid fatty meats, high-fat foods, sugary snacks, and common triggers like chocolate, coffee, acidic drinks, and alcohol.

• While no food cures heartburn, certain foods like vegetables, non-citrus fruits, and high-fibre options can help reduce symptoms when combined with lifestyle changes.

• Quick relief options include aloe vera juice, coconut water, and bicarbonate of soda.

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the oesophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the chest. While it can happen to anyone, certain factors can trigger the condition. Common causes, according to the NHS, include:

• Specific foods and drinks, such as coffee, alcohol, tomatoes and spicy or fatty meals

• Being overweight, smoking and having high levels of stress

• Pregnancy and hormonal changes can also increase the likelihood of heartburn

• Certain medications like anti-inflammatory painkillers

What are the most common heartburn symptoms?

According to the charity Guts UK, the most common symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, which can sometimes be felt deep within the chest or even in the back. This burning may extend upwards towards the throat. Some people experience acid reflux, where stomach contents come back up into the oesophagus. This can lead to a sour or bitter taste. Other symptoms include discomfort or pain when swallowing, frequent throat clearing, coughing and in some cases choking.

Which foods and drinks should I avoid to prevent heartburn?

To help prevent heartburn, it's a good idea to avoid certain foods and drinks that are known to trigger symptoms (Richter & Sherrell, 2023). 

• Fatty meats like red meat, lamb, bacon, and sausages can be problematic due to their high saturated fat content. Similarly, oils, butter, and other high-fat foods, including baked goods and cheese, can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, making heartburn worse. 

• Avoid white rice, white bread and sugary snacks like crisps and fizzy drinks. 

• As well as these, common foods and drinks that are known to trigger heartburn include chocolate, mint, coffee, acidic drinks (like orange juice), caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol.

Can any foods help to reduce the symptoms of heartburn?

While no food can cure heartburn, certain foods may help reduce the symptoms when combined with lifestyle changes, according to BBC Good Food. 

• Vegetables like green beans, potatoes, fennel, asparagus, cucumber and leafy greens such as spinach and kale are all gentle on the stomach. 

• Fruits like melon, banana, apple and pear are often well-tolerated, but it's best to avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes. 

• High-fibre foods including oatmeal and wholegrain rice can also aid digestion and help manage heartburn.

What can I do to relieve heartburn quickly?

To avoid heartburn: 

• Try wearing loose clothing around your waist to reduce pressure on your stomach

• After you have eaten, limit physical activity for at least 45 to 60 minutes to allow your food to digest

• Avoid lying flat on your back, especially after meals, instead, prop yourself up with extra pillows or raise the head of your bed by a few inches 

• If you often experience heartburn at night, avoid eating meals or drinking tea or coffee 3 to 4 hours before going to bed.

These are all tips provided by Macmillan. 

To relieve heartburn quickly you can try drinking two ounces of unprocessed aloe vera juice daily or pure, unsweetened coconut water before meals. A tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a cup of water can also help neutralise stomach acid (OPA Cancer Charity, 2023).

Can my doctor recommend medical treatments for heartburn?

Yes, your doctor can recommend several medical treatments for heartburn, particularly if lifestyle changes and home remedies aren’t providing enough relief. Medications commonly used for heartburn/acid reflux include omeprazole and lansoprazole. You can purchase these medications, as well as other acid reflux medications online from UK Meds.

Sources

Heartburn and acid reflux - NHS