Acid relief: fast heartburn help and steady control

About 1 in 5 people get heartburn each week. That burning in your chest is annoying, but you can often calm it quickly and cut how often it comes back with a few clear steps.

Quick ways to stop heartburn now

If you need immediate relief, chew a Tums or take an over-the-counter antacid containing calcium carbonate. Antacids neutralize stomach acid fast and work well for mild, occasional heartburn. For longer short-term relief, H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) reduce acid production for several hours—take them 30–60 minutes before a trigger meal if needed.

Try simple home moves too: stand up and walk for 10–15 minutes after eating, sip a little water, and avoid tight clothing around your waist. Don’t lie down for at least two to three hours after a big meal; gravity helps keep acid where it belongs.

Long-term acid control that actually works

If heartburn is regular, change what and when you eat. Cut back on fried or fatty foods, spicy dishes, chocolate, citrus, tomato sauce, caffeine, and alcohol—those are common triggers. Eat smaller meals more often, and stop eating 2–3 hours before bed. Raising the head of your bed by 6–8 inches or using a wedge pillow keeps acid from creeping up at night.

For chronic reflux, doctors often prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole or esomeprazole. PPIs reduce stomach acid more strongly than H2 blockers and work best when taken daily before breakfast. Use the lowest dose that controls symptoms and talk to your doctor about how long to stay on them; long-term use has pros and cons that are worth discussing.

Weight loss helps. Even a small drop in weight can reduce pressure on the stomach and lower reflux. Quitting smoking matters too—smoking weakens the valve between your stomach and esophagus and makes reflux worse.

Watch for warning signs that need a doctor: trouble swallowing, losing weight on purpose, vomiting blood or black stools, or severe chest pain. Those are not routine heartburn symptoms and deserve prompt medical attention.

Want to try natural options? Ginger, licorice (deglycyrrhizinated form), and chewing gum after meals can help some people. Keep expectations realistic—these may reduce symptoms but rarely replace medical treatment when reflux is frequent or severe.

Pick a few of these tips and be consistent. Small daily changes—timing meals, cutting triggers, and using the right medication—often add up to big relief. If you’re unsure which steps to take, chat with a clinician to make a plan that fits your life.