If you’re experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, regularly have chest pains even though your heart checks out fine, or you find it difficult to breathe after eating, you may have a form of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Why Conventional Options Might Not Help

Antacid treatments are available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription formulas, but it can be tough to find something that has minimal side effects. What’s more, if you take antacids regularly, you may develop a tolerance for the active agents and ingredients, making it even more challenging to control your symptoms. While surgery is an option for many sufferers, others choose natural antacid treatments instead.

Causes of Heartburn and GERD

GERD and heartburn are very common in women who are pregnant, as well as people who may be having digestive problems or are not able to process food easily. Infants and the elderly commonly get heartburn, and heartburn and related symptoms can be triggered by stress, certain food combinations, and food allergies.

Among other common triggers for heartburn and GERD are:

• Alcohol.


• Carbonated beverages.


• Peppermint.


• Caffeine.


• Citrus juices.


• Milk.


• Stress.


• High blood pressure.


• Food allergies.

Eating a healthy diet that contains sufficient vitamins and minerals is especially important for people who regularly experience symptoms of GERD or heartburn.

What Antacids Do

Antacids are designed to block histamines and can thereby help reduce the body’s stress response. This greatly reduces the occurrence of acid reflux and prevents the stomach from sending gastric juices upward to the mouth and throat. Acid reflux is most common after eating, and can lead to distressing symptoms that result in poor sleep, pain after eating, and irritability. Antacids can help reduce these symptoms and effects after eating, regulating stomach acids so they don’t move upward into the esophagus. Antacids may also be used to promote digestion, assimilation, and nutrient absorption for those with weak digestive systems.

Natural Alternatives

If you choose to forgo OTC medication and prescription drugs to manage heartburn, there are some natural supplements and vitamins that might interest you. These can help soothe the stomach and esophagus so that acid cannot cause excessive damage. Among these natural antacid treatments are:

• Aloe vera.


• Bladderwrack.


• Carob.


• Calcium carbonate.


• Folic acid.


• Licorice.


• Marshmallow.


• Multimineral supplements.


• Multivitamin supplements.


• Vitamin B-12.

Natural supplements and special foods offer another way to deal with indigestion and gastric distress. Acidophilus yogurt can help prevent indigestion by lining the stomach with healthy bacteria. Other options to relieve heartburn and symptoms of GERD include:

• Eating lemon rinds or fresh lemons before meals.


• Eating almonds.


• Taking apple cider vinegar tablets along with honey mixed in water to promote digestion.


• Drinking peppermint tea to promote digestion and soothe the stomach.


• Using menthol as a natural anesthetic to block nausea signals and stomach cramping.


• Eating fresh pineapple to promote digestion; dried figs and fresh papaya are also full of natural enzymes that help relieve indigestion.

—Sabah Karimi