During both of my pregnancies, I was relatively lucky when it came to symptoms for the most part. I didn’t have huge amounts of morning sickness, hemorrhoids (thank God!), or many of the other things I dreaded. The one thing I did have though, I had bad — heartburn.

Before I was pregnant, I honestly had no idea what heartburn really was. Oh, I’d heard of it, but I’d never experienced it. It was baptism by fire — serious fire. I turned to antacids when I really needed to, but I wanted to keep my pregnancy as drug-free as possible, so instead I sought out natural remedies, many of which worked as well if not better. Since then I’ve come across many more that I wish I knew about then. Here are eight natural ways to treat heartburn that are worth a try.

1. Fresh Pineapple

Though citrus can cause heartburn in some cases, people swear by this remedy. Apparently pineapple contains bromelain and enzymes that help minimize inflammation.

2. Coconut Water

It’s delicious, and it contains natural acid neutralizers.

3. Ginger

Whether freshly grated on food or in ginger ale, many women find this plant to be helpful for nausea as well as heartburn.

4. Almonds

Try eating a handful when you first feel heartburn coming on. The large amounts of oil in the nuts may help combat the acid.

5. Gum

There have been several studies that show how well chewing gum works to prevent heartburn, as it helps force fluids back into the stomach. Bonus — good breath.

6. Elevate your head while sleeping

Whether you do so with a special pillow or just by putting blocks underneath the legs of your bed, keeping your head slightly elevated while you sleep can help keep acid down in your stomach.

7. Pay Attention to What You Eat

Common foods that cause heartburn include caffeine, chocolate, and fatty dishes, but it can be different for every woman. Pay attention to when the heartburn hits and you can try to eliminate those foods that trigger it.

8. Eat Small, Frequent Meals

A too-full or too-empty stomach can both make heartburn hit hard. Five or six small meals a day are ideal.

What natural remedies for treating heartburn have you found that work?

 

Image via Tatsuo Yamashita/Flickr