Keep in mind that most heartburn is actually caused from TOO LITTLE stomach acid and not too much. So sometimes anti-acids only make the situation worse since we are medicating with a substance that allows our stomachs to produce even less acid.
Apple Cider Vinegar. It sounds wrong, but Vinegar can actually help heartburn if it is caused by a LACK of stomach acid. The acid in vinegar will help digest your food, and over a period of time, alleviate heartburn if yours is caused by a lack of stomach acid.
Similarly, lemons and lemon rinds can help prevent heartburn when there is too little stomach acid. Cut a lemon into thin strips and dip in sea salt. Eat before meals to prevent heartburn. If not lemons, try lemon rinds.
Now, if it those do not work and it is not TOO LITTLE stomach acid, try these:
The Heel Drop. You'll need to find a carpeted area for this heartburn remedy called a heel drop. This sounds strange, but it works. Roll up onto your toes as high as you can, and then allow your heels to quickly drop down onto the ground. Repeat this 20 to 30 times, holding onto the back of a chair for balance if you need to. The downward motion pulls the acid that causes heartburn back into your stomach.
Digestive enzymes.
Papaya. Particularly good if you have ulcers and cannot tolerate citrus, vinegar or spicy substances. Use natural papaya or natural papaya juice.
Take one piece of Clove and suck on it slowly. This should give you relief from acidity and also help in reducing the onslaught of diseases arising out of acidity.
Eat a cup of vanilla ice cream or drink a glass of cold milk to get heartburn and acidity relief within minutes
For acid reflux, try DGL tablets (licorice). Take two tablets 20 minutes before meals. Usually symptoms will be gone within about three days.
Saltine crackers. Eat anywhere from two to six saltines when symptoms begin. Drink a little water afterwards and symptoms should go away quickly. Pretzels also work.
Mustard. Take one teaspoon by itself. If necessary, repeat a second time. Works wonders!
Almonds. Can relieve heartburn. Eat several almonds when heartburn symptoms persist.
Bananas. Eat a banana slowly.
Other effective remedies include raw potatoes, pineapple or pineapple juice, raw ginger or ginger tablets, baking soda and water, and root beer. Peppermint is an over-rated remedy for most people.