Heartburn strikes when you least expect it — maybe after a spicy dinner, a cup of coffee, or a late-night snack. If you don’t have Tums or another antacid on hand, you may be searching your kitchen for relief. The good news is there are several at home alternatives to Tums that can ease heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach without a trip to the pharmacy. Let’s explore natural remedies, why they work, and when you should seek medical help.
1. Why Do People Look for Alternatives to Tums?
Tums are convenient, but they’re not always the best choice for everyone. Reasons people look for substitutes include:
- Running out of antacids at home
- Preferring natural remedies over medication
- Concerns about side effects like constipation or kidney stones
- Wishing to avoid over-reliance on quick fixes
Fortunately, many simple, safe home remedies can help balance stomach acid and soothe discomfort.
2. Quick At-Home Alternatives to Tums
Here are some of the most effective natural heartburn remedies you can try at home:
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) works in a similar way to Tums — it neutralizes stomach acid. Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink slowly. Relief is often quick, but don’t use this method frequently, as too much sodium can be harmful.
Bananas
Bananas are naturally low in acid and high in potassium, making them soothing for heartburn. They act as a gentle protective layer in the stomach and may reduce acid irritation.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries to treat digestive issues. Drinking ginger tea or chewing a small piece of raw ginger can help reduce nausea and acid reflux.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is known for soothing burns on the skin, but it can also help calm irritation in the esophagus. Drink a small amount of aloe vera juice made for internal use before meals to reduce heartburn.
Chewing Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid and wash it back down into the stomach.
Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted)
Though acidic, apple cider vinegar may help balance stomach acid in people with low acid production. Mix 1 teaspoon with a glass of water and sip before meals. This doesn’t work for everyone, so use cautiously.
Oatmeal
A simple bowl of oatmeal absorbs stomach acid and is gentle on digestion. It’s especially helpful for breakfast if you often wake up with reflux symptoms.
Licorice Root (DGL)
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) tablets can help increase the mucus lining of the stomach and esophagus, offering natural protection from acid irritation.
3. Lifestyle Habits as Alternatives
Instead of only reaching for remedies, you can also prevent heartburn through simple habits:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones
- Avoid lying down within 2–3 hours of eating
- Identify and avoid trigger foods like spicy, fatty, or citrus-heavy meals
- Elevate your head slightly when sleeping to reduce nighttime reflux
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the stomach
4. Comparison: Tums vs. At-Home Alternatives
| Remedy | How It Works | Speed of Relief | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tums | Neutralizes acid with calcium carbonate | Within minutes | Quick, occasional relief |
| Baking Soda | Neutralizes acid with sodium bicarbonate | Fast (5–10 minutes) | Quick relief if no antacids available |
| Bananas | Soothes stomach and lowers acidity | Slower (30+ minutes) | Mild, recurring heartburn |
| Ginger | Reduces inflammation and nausea | 20–30 minutes | Indigestion with nausea |
| Aloe Vera Juice | Soothes esophagus lining | Varies | Frequent mild reflux |
| Chewing Gum | Increases saliva to wash acid down | 10–15 minutes | After-meal heartburn |
5. Risks of At-Home Alternatives
While natural remedies are generally safe, they are not risk-free:
- Baking soda: High in sodium; overuse can affect blood pressure and kidneys.
- Apple cider vinegar: May worsen reflux in some people.
- Aloe vera juice: Only use varieties labeled safe for internal use; others may be harmful.
- Licorice root: Non-DGL versions can raise blood pressure if overused.
Always try small amounts first and see how your body reacts.
6. When to See a Doctor
While home remedies can help with occasional heartburn, you should see a doctor if you experience:
- Heartburn more than twice a week
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough or sore throat
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain not related to meals
These may be signs of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or another condition that needs medical treatment.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best at-home alternative to Tums?
Baking soda mixed with water is the closest natural substitute, as it works the same way by neutralizing acid.
Are bananas really good for heartburn?
Yes. Bananas are low in acid and may help coat the stomach, though their effect is milder than Tums.
Does milk help with heartburn?
Milk may temporarily soothe acid, but it also stimulates stomach acid production later, which can worsen symptoms.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of Tums?
Sometimes. It may help in people with low stomach acid, but it can make reflux worse in others.
Is chewing gum really effective?
Yes. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize and wash acid back down.
8. Conclusion
Looking for an at home alternative to Tums? You have options. From baking soda and bananas to ginger and chewing gum, there are many simple remedies that can calm heartburn and indigestion. These methods won’t replace medical treatment if you have chronic reflux, but they can help in a pinch when you don’t have Tums available.
Bottom line: Home remedies can provide gentle relief, but if you find yourself needing them often, it may be time to talk to your doctor about longer-term solutions.