Heartburn: Milk, Baking Soda and Other Treatment Myths

There are many tips for easing heartburn — some helpful, some not. Time-tested “grandmother’s remedies” like cold milk or a digestive drink are still popular today. But does tried-and-tested really mean reliable? We explain the most common heartburn myths.

Does milk help with heartburn — or not?

Milk against heartburn? Yes, say some; no, say others — and science tends to agree with the second group. A Korean research group found that milk triggers heartburn more often than water, while lower-fat milk triggers it less often.

Yogurt fares no better: acidity levels after eating it were found to be very high, similar to acidic citrus juices.

Some experts even believe milk can increase heartburn, because it has a slightly acidic pH (around 4.5). On top of that, some people don’t tolerate the lactose in milk, which can put extra strain on digestion.

All in all, milk may help some people — heartburn triggers vary as much as the people who get it — but from a scientific point of view, drinking milk for heartburn isn’t recommended.

From grandma’s bag of tricks: baking soda

Grandmother knew that for heartburn you could reach for sodium bicarbonate — baking soda, found in almost every kitchen. Dissolve a teaspoon in a large glass of water, stir, drink, and the discomfort eases for a little while.

Today we view it more critically: while baking soda does neutralise stomach acid, it has downsides. It relieves symptoms only briefly and ignores the cause.

When sodium bicarbonate dissolves in water, carbon dioxide forms. These gas bubbles can prompt the lower oesophageal sphincter to open to let the gas escape; the burping may feel relieving, but it can also let acidic stomach contents into the oesophagus. Too much baking soda can even stimulate further acid production.

The “digestive” drink after a meal

After a rich meal, a schnapps aids digestion — so the saying goes. In fact, reaching for alcohol during or after a meal is more likely to delay digestion than help it. Alcohol can reduce the feeling of fullness by relaxing the stomach muscles, but it also slows digestion — short-term relief, longer-term trouble.

If you suffer from heartburn, it’s best to avoid alcohol, for two reasons:

1. It relaxes the muscles. The sphincter that normally stops acid flowing back is a muscle — when it’s loose, stomach acid can reflux more easily.
2. Alcohol is acidic and can increase acid production in the stomach.

So the “digestive” drink is neither digestive nor a remedy for heartburn — on the contrary, alcohol can cause it.

Other myths

People try many things to relieve heartburn. Some swear by brushing their teeth straight after eating — there’s no scientific evidence for this. What is true: heartburn sufferers should pay extra attention to oral hygiene, because acid flowing back into the mouth can attack the teeth and gums.

Another myth says a cigarette after a meal prevents heartburn — the opposite is true. Experts agree there’s a link between heartburn and smoking: like alcohol, it loosens the sphincter, making acid reflux more likely throughout the day.

And a post-meal nap? Better skipped — a short walk is far better. Movement keeps digestion going, the stomach empties faster, and the risk of heartburn drops.

Myth-buster summary

Bottom line

Baking soda, milk and the old “digestive” drink turn out to be of little help for heartburn. But there’s no need to despair — you can ease symptoms in other ways, and often prevent heartburn with the right diet and habits.

If you’re curious about mastic: it’s a natural resin used as a food supplement that contributes to the normal function of the digestive system, and mastic oil is used in toothpaste for everyday oral care. Learn more in what is mastic gum?

Frequently asked questions

Text source: Sodbrennen.de.