How To: Soothe acid indigestion or heartburn

Relieve symptoms of indigestion and hear burn with some simple remedies.

You Will Need:
• Avoidance of triggers
• Antacid tablets
• Licorice tablets
• Aloe vera juice
• Acid-blocking tablets
• Pillows
• A medical evaluation

Step 1: Examine your triggers
If you regularly suffer from mild indigestion, start taking note of which foods cause your problems & eliminate them from your diet. Common culprits include coffee, citrus fruits, soft drinks, spicy food, fried and other high-fat foods.

Step 2: Try antacid tablets
If you sometimes suffer from acid indigestion after eating, take 2 over-the-counter antacid tablets with a glass of water. Repeat this step after each meal for the next 2 days.

Step 3: Try natural remedies
Some foods naturally relieve acid indigestion, especially licorice. This root, available in chewable tablet form, stimulates the stomach's natural defenses against excessive acid production. A quarter-cup of aloe vera juice before a meal also helps combat indigestion.

Step 4: Try an acid blocker
If over-the-counter & natural antacids don't soothe your indigestion, try acid-blocking tablets. This over-the-counter medication blocks the stomach from producing excess acid. Take two tablets each morning for the next 3 days.

Step 5: Treat nighttime indigestion
If you feel a burning sensation in your throat or chest while sleeping, you're suffering from a condition known as heartburn. Before going to sleep, take three pillows & use them to prop up your head and neck.

Step 6: See a doctor
Chronic acid indigestion or heartburn can indicate more serious conditions such as coronary disease, hernias, ulcers, stomach cancer, or cancer of the esophagus. If you suffer from frequent, repeated bouts of acid indigestion, make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.

Trivia: In Ancient Greece, China, and Egypt, licorice was used to treat gastritis, a painful irritation of the stomach