Using Baking Soda for Heartburn

When eating too fast, eating too much, eating the wrong foods or just plain eating has resulted in that familiar burning sensation, you know it's time for help. You can run to the drug store for something chewable or to the medicine cabinet for something awful-tasting or to the list of grandma's favorite home remedies. The number of possible cures is almost as large as the number of possible causes. Of course, you could just relax and take a little baking soda for heartburn.

Why It Works

With all of the causes of heartburn, the thing that causes the burning is always the same. Acid from the stomach has squirted up through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and attacked the esophagus. There are a lot of reasons that can happen. You can take the time to find out why it happens to you and then try to avoid it. Or, if the occurrence is infrequent, you can just deal with the common problem: acid. The opposite of acid is antacid or alkaline. That's what baking soda is; which is why simply using a little baking soda for heartburn is so effective.

The close quarters shared by the esophagus, the stomach and the LES that connects them often leads to a little spillage causing a burning sensation. For the occasional, mild heartburn, nature has a few easy ways to help. Saliva has what it takes to calm the little bit of acid that escapes with a belch. A stick of chewing gum can increase the saliva to give your body that lovely boost. A glass of water keeps things flowing in the right direction - down and away from the esophagus and the coolness feels good.

Sometimes the whole thing started because of dry food anyway. When plain water isn't enough, you need a little kick to counteract the acid instead of just washing it away. Baking soda for heartburn is a natural antacid that is gentle to your damaged parts and has no side effects. You do put it in cookies, after all - so, when you drink a glass of water, add a spoonful of baking soda for heartburn for quicker, safe relief.

If you suffer from heartburn frequently, ask your doctor about possible causes. Sometimes medical conditions or medicines can cause the LES to weaken and allow acid reflux. If you are taking antihistamines, asthma medication, calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, anxiety medication, nitrates, or prescription pain killers, let your doctor know when heartburn becomes a side effect. In the meantime, take a little baking soda for heartburn and have a more pleasant day.