How To: Soothe heartburn

Waking up in the middle of the night with heartburn is no fun. Fortunately, there are some simple remedies for fast heartburn relief. Watch this video to learn how to soothe heartburn.

Step 1. Stand up immediately

The fastest way to get rid of heartburn is to stand up. Heartburn is caused by food and stomach acid moving up the esophagus; standing helps gravity work for you instead of against you.

Step 2. Take a teaspoon of vinegar

Try a spoonful of vinegar. Heartburn is sometimes caused by too little stomach acid; vinegar gives the stomach what it needs for efficient digestion.

Step 3. Drink water with baking soda

Drink a glass of water, followed by half a glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. The calcium in the baking soda counteracts your stomach acid to relieve heartburn.

To make the water and baking soda taste palatable, add a couple drops of honey.

Step 4. Drink chamomile tea

Chamomile, like baking soda, is high in calcium. Like baking soda, it will lower stomach acid, while tasting a whole lot better!

Step 5. Chew peppermint leaves

Chew on peppermint leaves. Peppermint is high in menthol, which can help relax the stomach.

FACT: An old wives' tale says that a woman who has heartburn during pregnancy will give birth to a hairy baby.