Stomach Acid Reduction: Simple Steps to Calm the Burn

Feeling that burning feeling after a big meal? It’s usually excess stomach acid, and the good news is you can bring it down without a trip to the doctor every time. Below are everyday tricks, over‑the‑counter helpers, and when you should actually see a professional.

Food and drink swaps that dial down acid

What you eat has a huge impact on how much acid your stomach makes. Here are the low‑effort changes that work fast:

• Skip the citrus and tomatoes. Oranges, lemons, and tomato sauces are big acid triggers. Swap them for milder veggies like zucchini or cucumber.
• Go easy on spicy heat. Chili, hot sauce, and pepper can irritate the lining. Try milder herbs such as basil or parsley instead.
• Choose lean protein. Fried chicken or fatty cuts cause the stomach to work harder. Grill, bake, or steam chicken breast, fish, or tofu.
• Mind the drinks. Coffee, alcohol, and carbonated sodas all increase acid production. Water, herbal tea (chamomile or ginger), and non‑citrus juices are safer bets.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Large meals stretch the stomach and push more acid upward. Aim for five or six light meals a day instead of three heavy ones.

These swaps are easy to adopt and can cut your heartburn episodes in half within a few days.

OTC and prescription options for fast relief

If diet tweaks aren’t enough, over‑the‑counter (OTC) medicines are a go‑to. Here’s what’s on the shelf:

• Antacids (Tums, Maalox, Gavisco). They neutralize acid right away. Good for occasional flare‑ups, but they don’t prevent future bouts.
• H2 blockers (ranitidine, famotidine). These lower acid production for up to 12 hours. Take them 30 minutes before meals if you know a trigger is coming.
• Proton‑pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole). Stronger than H2 blockers, they keep acid low for 24‑48 hours. Best for chronic reflux; a short 2‑week course is often enough.

When you start a new OTC, read the label for dosage and watch for side effects like constipation or headache. If you need a daily prescription, your doctor may suggest a low‑dose PPI plus lifestyle changes.

When to see a doctor? If you experience any of these, schedule an appointment:

• Chest pain that mimics a heart attack.
• Difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck.
• Weight loss or persistent nausea.
• Symptoms lasting more than three weeks despite OTC treatment.

These can signal a more serious condition such as esophagitis or a hiatal hernia.

Bottom line: you don’t have to live with constant heartburn. Simple food swaps, well‑timed OTC meds, and a short doctor visit when needed can keep stomach acid in check and let you enjoy meals again.