People's Pharmacy

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Heartburn Help Is Within Reach

Posting Date: 12/05/2005

Others find that simple antacids relieve their discomfort. Old-fashioned calcium carbonate (Chooz, Maalox Quick Dissolve or Tums) usually works quite well for occasional indigestion. So does baking soda, for that matter. Half a teaspoon in four ounces of water is a time-honored recipe for heartburn.

Some people find home remedies do the trick. Chewing on gum or sucking on hard candy can stimulate the flow of saliva. Two decades ago, an article in the New England Journal of Medicine (Feb 2, 1984) showed that this tactic helps rinse and buffer acid in the esophagus. Since then other studies have confirmed that chewing sugarless gum for 30 minutes after a meal can help ease acid reflux.

We offer more information on treating heartburn in our Guide to Digestive Disorders. Download it for $2 from www.peoplespharmacy.com or send check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. G-3, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

As challenging as it may be, eating sensibly during the holidays could be the best solution for reducing holiday heartburn. When all else fails, though, simple remedies can bring quick relief.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.