So, that spicy burrito from lunch is staging a rebellion, and you’re frantically searching for your trusty Tums to quell the uprising. But wait! Have you ever pondered a natural alternative to tums? It turns out, that Mother Nature has her own antacid aisle, and it’s brimming with goodies that don’t just calm the storm but also offer additional health benefits. Let’s jump into this green adventure together!
1. Baking Soda:
Your trusty kitchen staple isn’t just for baking cookies or cleaning. Just a half teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water can act as a powerful, yet temporary antacid. It neutralizes stomach acid pretty efficiently. However, be mindful of its sodium content if you’re watching your salt intake.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
Counterintuitive, right? But yes, this tangy liquid can sometimes help alleviate heartburn symptoms. Mix one tablespoon of ACV with a glass of water and drink. The idea is that it might actually correct low stomach acid, a potential cause of indigestion.
3. Aloe Vera:
Not just for sunburns! Drinking half a cup of aloe vera juice before meals can soothe the stomach lining. But keep an eye out for the type that’s been purged of its laxative properties, unless you’re aiming for a double whammy!
4. Chewing Gum:
Saliva is nature’s antacid! Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize acid and push it down to where it belongs. Just opt for a non-minty flavor, as mint can exacerbate heartburn.
5. Ginger:
Long revered for its anti-nausea properties, ginger also shines as a natural antacid. A soothing ginger tea might just be the heartburn relief you’ve been yearning for.
6. Mustard:
While it might sound zany, some folks swear by swallowing a teaspoon of plain yellow mustard to treat heartburn. Why? Its alkaline properties can help neutralize acid.