How Heartburn Remedies Work: Baking Soda, Antacids, and When to Seek Care

Heartburn results from stomach acid irritating the esophagus. Short-term relief comes from neutralizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and over-the-counter antacids. Longer-term control uses H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid production. Common contributors include certain foods, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and hiatal hernia. Use lifestyle changes and see a clinician for frequent or worsening symptoms.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is the burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by stomach acid reaching the lower esophagus. Occasional heartburn is common. When it happens frequently (two or more times a week) it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

How common treatments work

Treatments for heartburn take two basic approaches: neutralize acid already in the stomach or reduce the stomach's acid production.

Neutralizing acids: baking soda and antacids

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) neutralizes stomach acid on contact. Several over-the-counter antacids use similar chemistry (for example, calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide) to raise the pH and provide fast, short-term relief.

Baking soda can relieve symptoms quickly, but it contains a lot of sodium and can cause gas, bloating, or an electrolyte imbalance if used often or in large doses. People with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or who are on a sodium-restricted diet should avoid regular use and talk with a clinician.

Reducing acid production: H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors

H2 blockers (like famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, like omeprazole) decrease the stomach's acid production. H2 blockers act faster but for a shorter duration. PPIs provide stronger, longer suppression and are commonly used for frequent or severe reflux. Discuss appropriate duration and monitoring with a healthcare provider, because long-term use has trade-offs that deserve medical guidance.

Causes and risks

Common triggers and contributors include certain foods and drinks (spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol), obesity, smoking, pregnancy, certain medications, and anatomical issues like a hiatal hernia. Stress and mood can influence symptoms but do not directly cause acid production.

Repeated acid exposure can irritate or inflame the esophagus (esophagitis). Over time, chronic reflux can lead to complications that require medical evaluation and treatment.

Practical steps and when to see a doctor

Try lifestyle measures first: lose excess weight, avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, avoid lying down soon after eating, and stop smoking. Use occasional, short-term antacids for fast relief.

See a clinician if you have frequent heartburn (twice a week or more), symptoms that get worse, difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, chest pain that could be cardiac, or if over-the-counter remedies stop working. Your clinician can evaluate for GERD, review medication options, and investigate for complications.

Heartburn treatments can relieve symptoms quickly or manage acid over time, but persistent or severe reflux deserves medical assessment to choose the safest, most effective approach.