If eating too quickly, eating too much, eating the wrong foods or just plain eating has resulted in the all too familiar and distinctly uncomfortable burning sensation of acid reflux, it’s time for you to get a little help.

Of course you could hike down to the drug store for something chalky and chewable, or to the medicine cabinet for something you bought last time for heartburn, or even take a look at what's in grandma’s list of favorite home remedies. The number of possible cures is almost as large as the number of possible causes. However you could just relax and take a little baking soda instead.

How It Works

Although heartburn has many causes, the thing that does the burning is always the same; hydrochloric acid from the stomach has squirted up through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and attacked the lining of the esophagus. There are a lot of reasons that can happen and if it is a regular occurrence you need to take the time to find out what the problem is in your case.

On the other hand, if the occurrence is infrequent, you can just deal with it yourself and neutralize the 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 indigestion is so effective.

The close proximity of the esophagus, the stomach and the sphincter that connects them will sometimes lead to a little spillage causing the burning sensation we know as heartburn. For the occasional, mild attack nature has a few easy ways to help.

Saliva, for example has what it takes to calm the little bit of acid that escapes with a belch. A stick of chewing gum can easily increase the saliva to give your body an extra boost. A glass of water can help to keep things flowing in the right direction – down and away from the esophagus and into the stomach.

When plain water isn’t enough, you need a little extra to counteract the acid instead of just washing it away. Baking soda is a natural antacid that is gentle on your insides and has no side effects. You do use it in cookiing, after all - so, when you drink a glass of water to counter acid reflux, add a teaspoonful of baking soda for quicker, safe relief.

One note of caution. If you suffer from heartburn frequently, ask your doctor about possible causes. Sometimes medical conditions or medicines can cause the lower esophageal sphincter 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 if you experience heartburn as a side effect.

But for that occasional bout of discomfort, take a little baking soda for heartburn and have a much more pleasant day.