Get Rid of Heartburn - What NOT to Take

Get Rid of Heartburn - What NOT to Take

You would be surprised at the remedies people try to relieve heartburn. Don't make the same mistakes yourself. Here is a list of things NOT to take - and the reasons why.

Do not take Alka-Seltzer regularly. Although the sodium bicarbonate can neutralize heartburn for a while, the aspirin can make it worse. Alka-Seltzer Antacid Relief does not contain aspirin and is therefore safe in this regard (but still high in sodium).

Don't take aspirin. In case you missed the above, aspirin can irritate the stomach and make heartburn worse. Sometimes it relieves pain, even stomach pain, for a short time, but ultimately it irritates the stomach and/or esophagus and makes heartburn worse.

Do not take ibuprofen or naproxen sodium for the same reason as aspirin.

Do not take sodium bicarbonate if you have high blood pressure. Do not increase your blood pressure because of a little heartburn.

Do not drink beer or wine (or other alcohol). It might be reassuring in the short term (or maybe not). But in the long run, alcohol will make the problem worse.

Don't drink a glass of orange juice. It's like pouring gasoline on a fire - acid on acid.

Don't take a nap. The flow of stomach acid is driven by gravity. Lying down makes it easier for the acid to flow back into your chest.

Don't run away. Exercise slows digestion, and the exertion can drive acid to your chest.

I can't end this article without telling you what to take. For occasional heartburn, take an H-2 blocker (ranitidine, famotidine, or cimediine) or a PPI (omeprazole or lansoprazole). These are generic names for OTC medications that were once prescription only. If you cannot find them under generic names, ask your friendly pharmacist. Antacids also help. If you experience frequent heartburn, contact your doctor. You could have an ulcer or a serious illness.

Copyright 2010 Cynthia J Koelker MD

Inspired by Cynthia Koelker