Natural Antacids for Heartburn and Indigestion
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Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD
Antacids are over-the-counter medications that neutralize your stomach acid to treat symptoms of heartburn. Common symptoms include a burning feeling in the throat or chest and a sour or acidic taste in the mouth.
Heartburn symptoms are associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition affecting between 18-28% of adults. Healthcare providers usually recommend over-the-counter antacids to treat heartburn in adults and kids over the age of 12. However, these can cause side effects or interact with other medications you are taking, and they are not meant to be used as long-term solutions to chronic heartburn.
Natural antacids are non-medication substances, such as certain foods and herbs, that have a similar effect to antacid medications. Some people prefer to try natural remedies before using medication, or they may be looking for a natural alternative that comes with fewer side effects or risks of complications.
There are several natural alternatives to antacids that are known to reduce heartburn symptoms. However, you should consult your healthcare provider before trying a natural remedy for heartburn.
Related: Choosing Over-the-Counter Medicine for Acid Reflux
Ginger
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe digestive discomfort. Studies have found that consuming ginger can reduce how often you get heartburn and how severe the symptoms are. You can consume ginger in several different forms, including as an ingredient in cooking, as part of a smoothie, as a tea, or in capsule form.
Ginger is a food and rarely has negative side effects; however, when taken in large amounts, ginger can cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and worsening of heartburn symptoms.
There are no set amounts of ginger recommended to treat heartburn—you can experiment to see what works for you. One study found that 1500 milligrams (mg) of ginger a day was effective at treating digestive upset during pregnancy.
Related: The Best Foods You Can Eat For A Healthy Liver
Papaya
Papaya fruits contain enzymes that can aid in breaking down proteins in foods and help you digest your food more smoothly. There is some evidence that papaya can help decrease symptoms of heartburn and GERD.
Most people consume papaya as a food, but it’s also sold in supplement form. Papaya is usually safe to take and consume, but when taken for a long period of time or in large amounts, it can cause nausea and vomiting.
Related: Should You Eat Papaya Seeds for Parasites?
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice in the ginger family that’s known to reduce inflammation in the body. These anti-inflammatory properties are linked to a component in turmeric called curcumin. Curcumin can help reduce heartburn by decreasing inflammation in your esophagus and stomach lining.
Turmeric can be added liberally to foods with few side effects, and most commercially sold turmeric supplements are unlikely to be harmful. Still, in high doses, turmeric can cause negative side effects. One small study found that people who consumed 500-12,000 mg of turmeric were more likely to experience diarrhea, rash, and headaches.
Related: The 10 Best Turmeric Supplements to Help Fight Inflammation, According to Experts
Chamomile
Chamomile is a plant that is known to calm an upset stomach. There is also some evidence that drinking chamomile tea after meals or right before bed can decrease heartburn and GERD symptoms.
In general, chamomile is safe and well tolerated, especially when consumed in moderate amounts, such as the amounts in commercially sold teas. Some potential side effects include nausea and dizziness. It’s possible to be allergic to chamomile, especially if you are allergic to plants related to chamomile like daisies, marigolds, ragweed, and chrysanthemums.
Related: 10 Teas That May Help Keep Your Cold at Bay
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a cooking ingredient commonly found in most home pantries. This ingredient can be used effectively as an antacid.
To take baking soda for heartburn, dissolve about 4 ounces of the powder in a glass of water and drink it about one to two hours after eating. While baking soda is generally safe to consume, it’s not recommended to use as an antacid for more than two weeks at a time, unless under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Baking soda for heartburn should only be used in people aged 12 and up.
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Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb that’s often used as an ingredient in cooking. It is also sold in capsule form. One component of fenugreek, galactomannan, is thought to reduce GERD and heartburn symptoms. One study found that about 2000 mg of fenugreek taken twice per day for two weeks reduced heartburn frequency and intensity.
Fenugreek is generally safe to consume, especially in amounts typically added to foods and drinks. Large doses may cause diarrhea, nausea, and unhealthy decreases in blood sugar. It’s also possible to be allergic to fenugreek.
Related: Supplements That Should Not Be Mixed
Yogurt
Yogurt has natural probiotics in it, which can help with your overall digestive health and decrease heartburn symptoms. Yogurt can also calm the stomach and provide a sensation of coolness that may be comforting for people with heartburn. As a food, yogurt is generally safe to consume, though people with lactose intolerance may need to try a lactose-free yogurt. People with dairy allergies should not have dairy yogurt.
Related: This Is the Most Nutritious Plant-Based Yogurt If You're Dairy-Free
Bananas
One of the best foods for heartburn and GERD is bananas. They are a low-acid food and work to neutralize your stomach acid. Bananas are also high in soluble fiber, which helps you digest and move food out of your digestive system, which can help reduce heartburn.
Bananas are safe to eat for most people, but some people experience allergic reactions to bananas; occasionally, these allergies are serious and can cause life-threatening symptoms.
Related: Can Eating Bananas Make You Constipated?
Other Ways to Reduce Heartburn
Besides antacids and other heartburn remedies, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your heartburn symptoms.
Diet and eating modifications can be enormously helpful in decreasing heartburn symptoms. Here are some tips:
Reduce fast foods, high-fat foods, oily foods, and fried foods
Consume fewer carbonated beverages and beverages containing caffeine
Decrease alcohol consumption
Reduce consumption of chocolate, citrus fruits, spicy foods, garlic, onion, tomatoes, and mint
Avoid eating large meals at night and avoid overeating in general
Follow a balanced diet with whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as the Mediterranean diet
In addition to dietary changes, there are certain daily habits that can help lessen heartburn symptoms, such as:
Wearing loose-fitting clothing around your waist; tight clothes squeeze the stomach and can increase reflux
Sleeping on a pillow that raises your head about six inches
Reducing stress
Practicing yoga or meditation
Stopping smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight for your body
Related: 9 Things That Could Cause You to Have Acid Reflux
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing heartburn symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan. You should also speak to your healthcare provider before considering both natural and over-the-counter treatments for heartburn.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, vitamins, and herbal remedies the same way it regulates prescription drugs. It's important to check in with your provider regarding the safety and dosage of new supplements or other remedies.
Most heartburn symptoms don’t necessitate an urgent visit to a healthcare professional. However, you should seek emergency medical care if your heartburn symptoms are accompanied by:
Vomit that has blood in it or resembles coffee grounds
Extreme burning, squeezing, or chest pressure, which could indicate heart attack rather than heartburn
Related: Quickly Recognizing and Acting on Heart Attack Symptoms Saves Lives, New Research Shows
A Quick Review
Heartburn can be an uncomfortable and sometimes chronic condition. Over-the-counter medications called antacids usually work well to reduce heartburn symptoms. If you can’t take antacids or are looking for a more natural alternative, several natural remedies can help, including ginger, turmeric, papaya, and chamomile. If natural or over-the-counter solutions aren’t working for you, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider for further guidance.
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