14 Home Remedies To Ease Burning Stomach: Causes And Prevention

Acid reflux is indicated by a burning sensation emanating from your stomach. It can even reach your chest, making you feel like your heart is on fire. Some simple home remedies for burning stomach can help alleviate the discomfort and burning sensation associated with acid reflux.

This article discusses why acid reflux happens and some common symptoms associated with this strange burning sensation in the stomach. We also share some simple cures for this condition that can help bring quick relief, the list of foods to avoid, and tell you when to contact your doctor. So, read on.

What Causes Stomach Burning?

Our stomach contains acids and digestive enzymes that help break down the food and liquids we consume. The entry of food to the stomach is controlled by a valve (lower esophageal sphincter). This valve does not allow food to re-enter the esophagus or the acids from the stomach to flow into the food pipe. Acid reflux occurs when this sphincter does not close properly, and the stomach acids enter the esophagus, causing a burning sensation along with other symptoms (1), (2). It can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Common ones include:

• Overeating
• Obesity
• Increased consumption of fatty foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol-based drinks
• Smoking
• Lying down after meals
• Stress
• Pregnancy

Scientifically, acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Many people think that a burning stomach is only caused by high stomach acid, but it can also be caused by too low stomach acid.

Quick Tip

The basic symptoms of GERD were first described in 1925 and the term ‘acid reflux’ was used in 1934 by gastroenterologist Asher Winkelstein.

Symptoms Of Burning Stomach

Image: Shutterstock

• Burning sensation in stomach, chest (heartburn), esophagus, and/or throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gas
• Burping
• Bloating
• Sore throat
• Cough or wheezing
• Hiccups
• Difficulty in swallowing (1), (2)

Certain medications may soothe the discomfort, but they can have negative side effects. As an alternative to these medications, you can try some natural remedies to find what works best to treat your condition. But if you experience burning in the stomach frequently, we suggest you opt for prescribed medicines only.

Did You Know?

There are four types of GERD depending on your symptoms. These include mild GERD, moderate GERD, severe GERD, and the precancer or cancer stage.

14 Ways To Stop The Burning Sensation In Your Stomach At Home

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Juice/Gel
3. Milk
4. Milk Of Magnesia
5. Mastic Gum
6. Tea
7. Yogurt
8. Baking Soda
9. Banana/Apple/Papaya
10. Slippery Elm
11. Ginger
12. Mustard
13. Almonds
14. Basil

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Image: Shutterstock

Why This Works

It might be surprising, but when the stomach acids are burning your esophagus, ingesting more acid can actually calm it down. It regulates the acid production in the stomach and brings about balance (3).

You Will Need

• 2-3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• A glass of water

What You Have To Do

Mix the vinegar in water and drink this mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this whenever you experience acid reflux. If it doesn’t subside after you have a glass of this water, repeat after a few hours.

2. Juice/Gel For Burning Stomach

(a) Lemon Juice

Why This Works

Lemon juice has been found to have a moderate neutralizing effect on gastric acids. Thus, it may be of some help in reducing the burning sensation caused by acid reflux (4). 

Note

If you are prone to developing heartburn, use this remedy 10-15 minutes before you have your meals as a preventive measure for acid reflux.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• A glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

Add the lemon juice to water and have this on an empty stomach.

How Often You Should Do This

Have this in the morning to get rid of the acid reflux due to that heavy meal you had last night.

(b) Aloe Vera Gel

Why This Works

Aloe vera gel contains anthraquinones that have a laxative effect. They not only increase the water content in your intestine but also stimulate water secretion and enable easier movement of stool (5). Therefore, they may help in flushing out the acids accumulated in your stomach and causing the burning sensation.

You Will Need

1/2 cup aloe vera juice

What You Have To Do

Have the gel before a meal.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume as and when required to relieve heartburn and other symptoms.

3. Milk For Stomach Burning

Image: Shutterstock

Why This Works

Cold milk can neutralize the gastric acids in the stomach. Thus, it can restore the natural acid balance in the stomach, reduce acid reflux, and relieve the burning sensation caused by it (4).

Caution

If you are lactose and casein sensitive, please avoid using this remedy.

You Will Need

A glass of cold milk

What You Have To Do

Drink this after your meal.

How Often You Should Do This

Have cold milk after your meals to avoid or soothe acidity problems.

4. Milk Of Magnesia

Why This Works

Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) has an antacid effect on the stomach. It is also used with other medications to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach (6).

Caution

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using this remedy.

You Will Need

Milk of magnesia liquid

What You Have To Do

Take as directed on the bottle.

How Often You Should Do This

Using this remedy once should give you relief from the burning sensation.

5. Mastic Gum For Burning Stomach

Why This Works

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that is said to be associated with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Mastic gum may help in the eradication of H. pylori, which could be causing the burning sensation in your stomach (7).

You Will Need

Mastic gum

What You Have To Do

Chew on this gum to relieve heartburn and stomach burning.

How Often You Should Do This

Whenever you experience acid reflux, just pop one of these gums into your mouth and chew on it.

6. Tea For Burning Stomach

Why This Works

Herbal teas can calm the stomach and have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, they may help in soothing the burning sensation in the stomach and esophagus (8), (9). Optionally, you can also add a few peppermint leaves or 1-2 drops of food grade peppermint oil to this tea as it may soothe a burning stomach.

You Will Need

• 1 green/licorice/ginger/chamomile tea bag
• A cup of hot water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Steep the preferred tea bag flavor in hot water for a few minutes.
2. Remove the bag and drink this tea.

How Often You Should Do This

Have a cup or two in the day to keep acid reflux at bay.

7. Yogurt For Burning Stomach

Image: Shutterstock

Why This Works

Yogurt contains probiotics. Probiotics have been found to be effective in the treatment of reflux esophagitis and the burning and pain associated with it (10).

You Will Need

1 cup plain yogurt

What You Have To Do

Have the yogurt, preferably chilled.

How Often You Should Do This

Have a cup when you experience a burning sensation in your stomach and chest.

8. Baking Soda For Burning Stomach

Why This Works

Baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate, which is alkaline in nature. It helps in the treatment of heartburn as its pH is higher than 7.0. It neutralizes the stomach acids and gets rid of the burning sensation (11).

Caution

Avoid using this remedy for more than a week at a go as it is high in salt and can lead to swelling or nausea.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A glass of water

What You Have To Do

Dissolve the baking soda in water and drink it. You can add honey or lemon juice to enhance the taste.

How Often You Should Do This

This remedy should give you relief in a couple of minutes. Use it as and when required.

9. Banana/Apple/Papaya For Stomach Burning

Why This Works

Bananas are rich in natural antacids that act as a buffer against acid reflux. They are a rich source of potassium and help keep the level of acid production in your stomach under control. Certain elements in the fruit also help to increase the production of mucus in your stomach, which, in turn, protects it from the harmful effects of excessive acid production. As bananas and apples are high in fiber, they help speed up digestion, thus minimizing incidences of acidity (12), (13), (14). Papaya enzymes are useful in the digestion process and in relieving heartburn (15).

You Will Need

1 cup papaya OR 1 banana OR 1 apple

What You Have To Do

Eat any of the available fruits to get relief from acid reflux.

How Often You Should Do This

You can use this remedy for quick relief and also as a preventive measure to avoid discomfort due to the burning sensation in the stomach.

10. Slippery Elm

Why This Works

Slippery elm is a wonderful herbal remedy to treat acid reflux as it lines and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It can help calm inflammatory bowel symptoms. As it stimulates the nerve endings in your gastrointestinal tract, mucous secretion is enhanced, which protects your GI tract against ulcers and excess acidity (16).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon slippery elm herb
• A cup of boiling water

What You Have To Do

1. Steep the herb for a few minutes.
2. Strain and drink this herbal tea.

Suck on a slippery elm lozenge if you cannot find the herb for the tea.

How Often You Should Do This

Have a cup or two prior to each meal.

11. Ginger

Why This Works

Ginger root is an effective therapy that helps ease a number of stomach problems – from nausea to acid reflux. It can help calm your stomach and also act as an acid buffer. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects (17).

You Will Need

• 3 one-inch pieces of ginger
• 2 cups of water
• Honey (to taste)

What You Have To Do

1. Slice the ginger pieces and simmer them in water for about 30 minutes.
2. Strain, add some honey and sip this soothing tea.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink 1-2 cups of ginger tea in the day.

12. Mustard

Why This Works

Mustard is an alkaline food. It may be a bit difficult to consume raw mustard, but its alkaline nature can help neutralize the acid that has risen in your throat (18), (19).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• A glass of water

What You Have To Do

Gulp down the mustard with the help of the water.

How Often You Should Do This

Have this whenever you experience heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.

13. Almonds

Image: Shutterstock

Why This Works

Almonds may help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux and dyspepsia (20).

You Will Need

5-6 almonds

What You Have To Do

Have them after anything you eat, especially after meals.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this after every meal.

14. Basil

Why This Works

The therapeutic properties of basil leaves may help provide relief from gas, acidity, and nausea (21). Those suffering from acidity frequently can keep dried and crushed basil leaves handy, which can be consumed with water for instant relief.

You Will Need

• 3-4 basil leaves
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Honey (to taste)

What You Have To Do

1. Boil the basil leaves for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Add honey, strain and drink this.

You can also simply wash the leaves and eat them. Be sure to chew them thoroughly.

How Often You Should Do This

Sip this tea 2-3 times a day.

Some of these remedies give instant relief while some can take a couple of minutes to show their effects. Check your pantry for the ingredients you have available and use them as recommended above. In addition to the above home remedies to cure stomach burning, you should avoid certain food items that are known to trigger acid reflux in many people. A list of these items is given below.

What Foods To Avoid To Prevent Burning Sensation In The Stomach

These food items are best avoided when you are experiencing a burning sensation in your stomach or if you are prone to developing acid reflux (1).

• Foods high in fat, such as French fries, hash browns, onion rings, potato chips, cottage cheese, sour cream, fried cuts of meat, lard, cream-based gravies, etc.
• High acidic fruits, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Onion
• Spicy food
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Soda and carbonated beverages

The list given above includes common triggers for burning sensation in the stomach that can be easily eliminated from your diet.

Infographic: Top 6 Foods To Soothe A Burning Stomach

Acid reflux can be dealt with effectively with the right arsenal of kitchen ingredients. You can establish the balance between your stomach acid level by following a few home remedies.
Check out the infographic below to learn more about the foods and drinks you can consume to soothe your digestive system and relieve yourself from the burning sensation in your stomach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the warning signs of gastritis?

According to Dr. Steven Line, MD, “The warning signs of gastritis include:
• Feeling full or bloated after eating a small amount of food
• Nausea or vomiting
• Less appetite
• Weight loss
• Dark or black stools, which may indicate bleeding in the stomach or intestines.”

Is burning stomach serious?

Dr. Line says, “Whether a burning stomach is serious or not depends on the underlying cause. Some causes of a burning stomach may be relatively benign and easily treated, while others may require more extensive medical intervention.”

How long can stomach burning last?

Stomach burning may last up to 2 hours or longer. It may also return after several hours, depending on the cause.

Is lemon tea good for stomach burning?

No, lemon tea can trigger acidity. So, it is best to avoid it.

Can drinking too much water lower stomach acid?

No, drinking lots of water does not lower stomach acid. But, drinking water may help change the pH of the stomach and help relieve some symptoms (22).

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Dr. Millie LytleND, MPH

     

Dr. Millie Lytle has 8 years of experience in naturopathic medicine, is a member of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP), and sits on the Medical Advisory Board for the School of Applied Functional Medicine. She is the founder of Nat Med Coach, offering a weekly Virtual Health Club, as well as concierge programs with integrative teams of...more

Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing. She writes articles on home remedies and ensures to present a balanced perspective to the reader. When she is not...more

• Dr. Steven LineMD

  Dr. Steven Line, MD, is a physician with a keen focus on cosmetic medicine. He managed a private practice for two decades. He completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania and Medical College of Pennsylvania.
  
  Dr. Steven Line, MD, is a physician with a keen focus on cosmetic medicine. He managed a private practice for two decades. He completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania and Medical College of Pennsylvania.