Acid reflux often starts with a burning feeling in your stomach that can rise up into your chest, creating intense discomfort. This sensation may feel like your chest is on fire. Fortunately, there are simple and effective home remedies that can help ease this burning and bring quick relief.
- What Causes Stomach Burning
- 10 Ways To Stop The Burning Sensation
- Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Burning Sensation
- Foods To Avoid To Prevent Burning Sensation
What Causes Stomach Burning
Stomach burning is a common issue that can feel uncomfortable and distracting. This sensation often starts in the upper abdomen and may travel up into the chest or throat. It usually results from acid reflux but can also be linked to other digestive imbalances.
Understanding the Digestive Process
Your stomach naturally contains acids and enzymes that help break down food. Once you eat, food passes through the esophagus and enters the stomach, where it’s processed. A small valve called the lower esophageal sphincter controls this entry and prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
However, when this valve becomes weak or doesn’t close completely, it allows stomach acids to rise into the esophagus. This leads to a burning feeling commonly known as heartburn or acid reflux. Medically, this condition is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Common Triggers of Stomach Burning
Stomach burning can be triggered by a variety of lifestyle or health-related factors, including:
- Overeating
- Obesity
- High intake of fatty or fried foods
- Caffeine
- Alcohol-based beverages
- Smoking
- Lying down right after eating
- Chronic stress
- Pregnancy
Low vs. High Stomach Acid
While many people associate stomach burning with excess stomach acid, it’s important to note that low stomach acid can also be a culprit. When your body doesn’t produce enough acid, food isn’t properly broken down, which can lead to irritation, indigestion, and reflux symptoms.
Recognizing the root cause of your stomach burning is essential for finding the right relief strategy and preventing long-term discomfort.
10 Ways To Stop The Burning Sensation In Your Stomach At Home
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar might seem counterintuitive, but a small amount can help neutralize stomach acid and support digestive balance. It helps regulate acid production, easing the burning sensation in the stomach.
You Will Need
2–3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
A glass of water
What To Do
Mix the apple cider vinegar into the water. Add honey if desired, then drink.
How Often
Drink this whenever the burning sensation starts. If needed, repeat after a few hours.
2. Juice Or Gel For Burning Stomach
(a) Lemon Juice
Lemon juice may help neutralize stomach acids, especially when consumed before meals. It acts as a mild acid balancer and may help prevent reflux symptoms.
You Will Need
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
A glass of warm water
What To Do
Add the lemon juice to the water and drink it on an empty stomach.
How Often
Consume this in the morning or 10–15 minutes before meals.
(b) Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing effect on the digestive system. It supports hydration and may help flush out excess stomach acids.
You Will Need
1/2 cup aloe vera juice
What To Do
Drink the aloe vera juice before a meal.
How Often
Use as needed for relief from burning or heartburn.
3. Milk
Cold milk has a natural antacid effect, which helps neutralize stomach acid and reduce acidity. It also soothes the stomach lining and offers quick relief.
You Will Need
A glass of cold milk
What To Do
Drink the milk after your meal.
How Often
Have cold milk post-meal to prevent or calm acid reflux.
4. Milk Of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia is a trusted over-the-counter remedy. It contains magnesium hydroxide, which neutralizes stomach acid and offers fast relief from indigestion or heartburn.
You Will Need
Milk of magnesia liquid
What To Do
Follow the instructions on the product label.
How Often
Use once to relieve the burning sensation in the stomach.
5. Mastic Gum
Mastic gum may help reduce the burning sensation by targeting Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to GERD. By supporting gut health, it may alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
You Will Need
Mastic gum
What To Do
Chew the gum to soothe acid reflux and ease stomach burning.
How Often
Use as needed when symptoms occur.
6. Tea
Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, licorice, or green tea have anti-inflammatory properties that may help calm the digestive system. You can also add peppermint for additional relief.
You Will Need
1 herbal tea bag (ginger, chamomile, licorice, or green tea)
1 cup hot water
Honey (optional)
What To Do
Steep the tea bag in hot water for a few minutes. Remove and sip slowly.
How Often
Drink 1–2 cups daily to manage acidity.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in probiotics that support digestive balance. It may help relieve acid reflux and the burning sensation by improving gut health.
You Will Need
1 cup plain yogurt
What To Do
Consume chilled yogurt when you feel a burning sensation.
How Often
Use this remedy as needed for quick relief.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda helps neutralize stomach acid due to its alkaline pH. It offers fast relief from heartburn and indigestion.
Caution
Limit use to short periods, as overuse may cause water retention or nausea.
You Will Need
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 glass of water
What To Do
Dissolve the baking soda in water and drink. Add lemon or honey if desired.
How Often
Take as needed for quick relief.
9. Banana, Apple, Or Papaya
These fruits are high in fiber and may help neutralize acid, improve digestion, and soothe the stomach lining. Papaya contains enzymes that may support digestion and ease acidity.
You Will Need
1 cup papaya, or
1 banana, or
1 apple
What To Do
Eat one of these fruits when symptoms start.
How Often
Consume regularly to prevent and relieve stomach burning.
10. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is known to coat the digestive tract, easing irritation and increasing mucous production for added protection against excess acid.
You Will Need
1 teaspoon slippery elm
1 cup boiling water
What To Do
Steep the herb for a few minutes, strain, and drink. Alternatively, use slippery elm lozenges.
How Often
Drink before meals or as needed to manage acidity.
Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Burning Sensation In Stomach
Simple lifestyle habits can play a major role in reducing the frequency and intensity of acid reflux. By making a few consistent changes, you can support better digestion and minimize discomfort. Here are practical adjustments you can adopt:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease pressure on your stomach and limit excess acid production
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, but avoid drinking large amounts during meals
- Practice mindful eating by chewing slowly, eating in a calm setting, and enjoying your food
- Keep a food diary to identify ingredients or meals that trigger acid reflux or burning sensations
- Reduce stress with relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to aid digestion
- Maintain a healthy weight to relieve pressure on the abdominal area and support long-term digestive wellness
- Avoid common trigger foods that may irritate your stomach lining or worsen symptoms
What Foods To Avoid To Prevent Burning Sensation In The Stomach
If you often experience a burning sensation in your stomach or struggle with acid reflux, certain foods can make the discomfort worse. Avoiding these common triggers can help calm your digestive system and prevent irritation.
- Foods high in saturated fats like French fries, hash browns, onion rings, potato chips, cottage cheese, sour cream, fried meats, lard, and cream-based gravies
- High-acid fruits such as citrus fruits and tomatoes
- Chocolate
- Garlic
- Onion
- Spicy foods
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Soda and other carbonated beverages
These items are known to irritate the stomach lining and can increase acid production, leading to reflux symptoms.
To support better digestion and long-term relief, focus on incorporating more whole foods like vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals. These options are gentler on the stomach and promote healthy digestion naturally.