How to Relieve Heartburn in Minutes, According to a Gastroenterologist

When you get heartburn or acid reflux, it can feel like it will never go away. You may even run to the medicine cabinet to take antacids and help relieve the discomfort.

But there are natural ways to alleviate heartburn, and gastroenterologist Joseph Salhab, D.O., explains two ways to mitigate the pain—plus the science behind these doctor-approved methods.

“If you’re having really bad heartburn, here’s a nifty little trick you can try,” the gastroenterologist says in an Instagram post. “Pop in some sugar-free gum or a lozenge and start chewing and start moving. You’ll notice that after a few minutes, your heartburn gets significantly better.”

Salhab further explains why these tips work, referencing a 2001 study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

“There’s a few reasons why this happens. The first is that the saliva production in your mouth starts increasing,” the doctor states. “That saliva travels down into your esophagus, and it forms a protective barrier against the stomach acid.”

The gastroenterologist also notes that the act of chewing “fools your body into thinking you’re eating.”

“When that happens, your esophagus starts to move and contract,” Salhab explains. “That clears out the excess acid within the esophagus. It does the same thing for the stomach: the stomach starts moving, starts churning, and what that does is that starts clearing out the stomach as well, [so] you have less of a chance of acid refluxing back into the esophagus.”

And recent research shows how regular walks can support gut health by reducing inflammation and improving digestion. So if you’re prone to heartburn, it may be best to not stay sedentary after eating. Take a brief stroll—walking regularly can also help lower blood sugar levels, improve longevity and reduce stress.

While more research is needed for direct ways to reduce acid reflux and heartburn, these doctor-approved tips are worth the try. But if you are experiencing regular heartburn and are unable to soothe it, it’s best to talk to your doctor about further treatment options.