The best heartburn remedy varies depending on the person. Some individuals find relief from treatments that others don’t find as helpful. A person may find the best heartburn remedy for his particular case by choosing some of the recommended treatments to try and sticking with the remedy that works best for him. Some options include avoiding certain foods, taking antacids or H2 blockers, or drinking milk.
Prevention can be an important part of treating heartburn. People who struggle with it may do well to avoid eating spicy foods and those that contain caffeine. For example, foods that contain garlic and onions are known to contribute to or aggravate symptoms. Coffee and chocolate may contribute to it as well. Eating smaller meals can also help to prevent symptoms, as can waiting a while to lie down after eating.
People often get temporary heartburn relief from over-the-counter medications called antacids. These medications are available in pill or liquid form and work very quickly to neutralize stomach acid, relieving symptoms. Typically, heartburn sufferers take them right after they eat and again a couple of hours later before going to bed. One dose of antacid treatment should be enough to provide symptom relief. If it is not, a patient may need to see his doctor for advice.
Though over-the-counter antacids are generally considered safe, and some people consider them the best heartburn remedy, they can cause side effects. For example, the active ingredient calcium carbonate in some antacids can lead to constipation. Other ingredients may pose problems as well. Sodium bicarbonate can cause an imbalance of salts in the blood, and magnesium hydroxide and oxide can interfere with the normal functioning of the bowels or kidneys. Aluminum hydroxide may also lead to constipation and decreased blood levels of phosphate, a substance that contributes to the growth and repair of body tissues and nerve and muscle function. Antacids can also interfere with the proper absorption of some medications.
Besides over-the-counter remedies that treat heartburn symptoms, there are some that work to prevent heartburn in the first place. H2 blockers suppress the production of digestive acid by impairing histamine. Histamine, a chemical the body produces naturally, works to stimulate the stomach’s production of acid.
H2 blockers are available for purchase over the counter as well as by prescription. Patients usually take them before going to bed or twice daily. They can suppress the production of acid for up to 24 hours, but they are associated with some side effects. For example, some people experience headaches, rashes, and diarrhea with these medications. Symptoms are usually mild and do not affect everyone.
Some people suggest milk consumption as a heartburn remedy, and it can provide initial relief. After about a half an hour or so, however, milk leads to more acid production. This may cause the heartburn sufferer to feel uncomfortable all over again.
