There are basically two points of view when talking about stopping heartburn. The first trend is to go on the offensive, or, in other words, stop heartburn before it starts! The other side just waits until heartburn happens and then looks for a remedy.
If we start with how to stop heartburn before it begins, then go to the more preventative side of medicine, adopting a proper diet for heartburn prevention and letting our common sense prevail at meal time.
Prevention is thought to be the most effective remedy for heartburn. Chronic heartburn can lead to other gastric problems, so, prevention is the way to go.
Push away from the table before you over eat! Nothing causes more heartburn than over eating.
Eating a banana before your main meal can also help. They contain a natural antacid that will help prevent heartburn.
Even with the best intentions, our prevention regimen may fail us, making a heartburn home remedy necessary. As for “remedies after the fact”, I know of only two that are both safe and effective.
My favorite is to dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in water. Once you drink the water, relief is only a couple of burps away.
Another remedy that works is vinegar. A one ounce shot followed by a good drink of water often brings immediate relief. If you’re worried about drinking straight vinegar a 50/50 mix of apple cider and vinegar will work almost as well.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This posting is based upon information freely available in the popular press and medical journals on the subject of heartburn relief. Nothing herein should be or construed to be any type of medical advice. For medical advice you must consult with his or her personal doctor or other medical specialist.