How Long Does Acid Reflux Take To Heal? Tips For Fast Relief

Acid reflux is a common digestive concern that happens when a surge of acid from your stomach enters the esophagus. 

Several remedies as well as diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce acid indigestion and promote healing.

How long this takes depends on the severity of your acid reflux and your ability to make these changes.

Explore how long acid reflux takes to heal, factors that affect healing time, as well as remedies and other tips for finding relief.

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How Long Does Acid Reflux Take to Heal?

Acid reflux is a less severe form of gastroesophageal disease (GERD), a long-lasting condition that can lead to complications over time.

Complications can include bleeding or ulcers in the esophagus, difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, and increased risk for cancer.

Because of the potential for acid reflux to progress into GERD, it’s a good idea to consider making changes right away to reverse it.

Several factors, such as lifestyle choices, medical interventions, and individual differences influence the time it takes for you to heal. 

Factors That Affect Healing Time

Several factors affect how long it takes for your esophagus to heal once you start treatment.

• Dietary changes: To start healing, it’s important to cut out foods that increase stomach acid, such as acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine, high-fat foods, and carbonated beverages.
• Weight management: Being overweight greatly increases the risk of frequent heartburn and the potential for GERD.
• Smoking cessation: Smoking cigarettes is a known risk factor for acid reflux. 
• Meal portions and timing: Rather than eating three larger meals daily, eat smaller meals throughout the day and avoid eating three hours before lying down for bed.
• Medications: If your acid reflux is severe, your health provider may prescribe medications, such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), to reduce stomach acid.
• Underlying conditions: There may be underlying conditions causing the acid reflux that you and your healthcare provider need to address.

Remedies for Fast Relief from Acid Reflux Symptoms

The classic symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn and regurgitation. 

Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in the chest that sometimes radiates to the neck.

Regurgitation is when stomach acid travels up your esophagus into your throat, causing a burning feeling and bad taste.

Other symptoms of acid reflux may include:

• Nausea.
• Painful or difficult swallowing.
• Hoarse voice.
• Chronic cough. 

If you’re experiencing any of those symptoms, here are some remedies to try for fast relief.

Antacids

Antacids can help with mild symptoms but are not meant for severe ones.

These medications help neutralize stomach acid and are available over the counter.

However, they’re not indicated for daily use. If you need antacids frequently, consider talking to your healthcare provider about your symptoms.

Examples of antacids include:

• Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide).
• Tums (calcium carbonate).
• Gaviscon (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate).
• Mylanta (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone).

Common side effects of antacids include diarrhea of constipation.

Ginger

Ginger is a spice used in herbal medicine for thousands of years. It contains many compounds that benefit multiple areas of health. 

For the digestive system, and more specifically related to acid reflux, ginger is known to help relieve:

• Indigestion.
• Burping.
• Upper stomach discomfort.
• Bloating.
• Nausea.
• Inflammation.

You can take ginger as a supplement in capsule form or try adding it to your cooking. Ginger tastes great in stir fry and many Asian dishes. 

You can also make ginger tea by steeping several fresh slices of ginger in hot water for a few minutes. For a bit of sweetness, try adding some honey.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, works as an antacid to help relieve heartburn.

If you’re experiencing heartburn symptoms, dissolve baking soda in at least four ounces of water and drink one to two hours after eating.

Follow the instructions on the packaging or talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider for directions on how much sodium bicarbonate to dissolve.

It’s not good to use baking soda for more than two weeks.

If you notice you are still experiencing symptoms after two weeks, consider talking with your healthcare provider.  

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Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a gel-like liquid made from the flesh of the aloe vera plant. It can be made into a healthy juice by mixing it with water.

Several studies found that aloe vera juice worked just as well as or better than conventional medications for heartburn. 

Aloe contains compounds that help decrease inflammation and may help heal the gastrointestinal lining. 

Other Tips for Fast Relief of Acid Reflux

Along with the above remedies, here are some helpful tips for relieving heartburn. 

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Elevating the head of your bed about six to eight inches can help reduce acid reflux into your esophagus.

Try using a wedge foam pillow or put bricks or blocks under the head of your bed to raise your mattress.  

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating encourages eating habits that may help reduce acid reflux.

• Making better food choices: Take the time to plan meals around avoiding foods that trigger your heartburn and incorporate foods that benefit your overall health (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains).

• Be mindful of portion sizes: Focus on eating several small meals throughout the day to decrease the pressure in your stomach. 

• Slow down and savor each bite: Taking the time to savor and thoroughly chew each bite can help your digestive system process food efficiently and minimize the likelihood of overeating. 

Avoid Eating Before Bed

Plan to have your last meal of the day at least three hours before bedtime.

This gives your stomach time to digest the food and empty before you lie down. 

Laying down too soon after eating increases the pressure in your stomach and can cause heartburn symptoms. 

Avoid Trigger Foods

Some people have certain foods that trigger their heartburn symptoms.

According to several studies, the following foods tend to be the most common foods that trigger acid reflux. 

• Acidic foods (tomatoes, lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit).
• High-fat foods (fried foods, ice cream, whole milk, desserts, baked goods, whole-fat cheese, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, ribs).
• Alcoholic drinks.
• Chocolate.
• Coffee and other caffeinated beverages.
• Mint.
• Onions and garlic.
• Carbonated beverages.

Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco can trigger acid reflux symptoms in some people. Some people may get heartburn from inhaling secondhand smoke as well. 

Limit Caffeine Intake

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, or carbonated beverages, can cause some people to have heartburn symptoms. 

Caffeine increases acid production in the stomach, which may be the cause of acid reflux discomfort for some people. 

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Takeaway

Acid reflux is a common but bothersome digestive concern.

Because of the possibility of it causing long-term damage and developing into GERD, it’s recommended to address your symptoms early by identifying (and avoiding) triggers, and making other changes that promote healing. 

Several remedies, such as, antacids, baking soda, ginger, and aloe vera, can help ease heartburn symptoms.

Also, applying lifestyle tips such as elevating the head of your bed, practicing mindful eating, and learning what triggers your discomfort can help. 

How a Dietitian Can Help

A dietitian specializing in acid reflux can help you discover which foods are aggravating your heartburn.

Through learning your triggers and dietary preferences they can develop a meal plan that will allow your body to heal and reduce heartburn symptoms. 

Find a dietitian who accepts insurance through Nourish. 

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