5 Natural Heartburn Treatments for Pregnancy

Image by AndyRobertsPhotos

By Nina, Modern Alternative Pregnancy editor

Each weekend, in addition to sharing all the awesome links and news from around our network, we share and answer a reader’s question.  This week we’re talking about natural heartburn treatments for pregnancy.

This week, Alison asked:

Does anyone have ideas for natural heartburn relief? I lived on tums last time and this time would prefer not to. I have pretty poor digestion to begin with, so I’m sure that is playing a role, but I still need some relief (i’m only 5 months along :/)….TIA.

What Causes Heartburn?

During pregnancy, hormones relax soft tissues in preparation for birth. This affects many parts of the body, including the muscle that closes the esophagus off from the stomach. This relaxed sphincter, combined with increasing upward pressure from a growing uterus, can cause gastric juices to go up past the sphincter, causing a burning sensation.

This can be aggravated by spicy foods and other foods a woman knows she has difficulty digesting.

Natural Treatments for Heartburn

1. Marshmallow Root – Soak marshmallow root in water until it produces a thick gel. This gel is very soothing. Encapsulate the gel and take two capsules. 
2. Papaya Enzymes – Chewing papaya enzymes can help stop heartburn. Find them online or in your local natural food store. 
3. Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar is said to safely neutralize acid, reducing heartburn. Mix 1/2 oz water and 1/2 oz ACV and drink quickly (do not drink it straight – I made this mistake once.). 
4. Digestive Enzymes – You can try digestive enzymes to aid digestion, decreasing incidences of digestive contents being pushed back into your esophagus.
5. Coconut water – Coconut water is a natural acid neutralizer and digestive aid and safe to drink during pregnancy. 

If heartburn is persistent, you can also seek out accupressure or reflexology treatment.

Weekend Links

Modern Alternative Mama

• Recipe Collection: Feta And Chorizo Mac’n’Cheese {Guest Post}
• Simple Ways To Play At Home
• Six Simple Soups For Cold Days
• Guest Post: 5 Steps To An Easier Morning Routine

Modern Alternative Health

• Nettle- A Natural Antihistamine
• Are Conventional Supplements Worth Your Time And Money?
• Homemade Non-Toxic Carpet Cleaner
• 5 Ways To Naturally Treat Burns
• Make Your Own Simple Calendula Salve

Modern Alternative Kitchen

• 5 Kitchen Must-Haves For The Real Food Lifestyle
• Strawberry Season Is Near!
• 8 Secrets To A Refreshingly Organized And Pretty Kitchen
• {Kitchen Tip} : Using Scraps For Stock
• Easy Steps To Cut Food Waste And Save Money

From Our Contributors

• Real Food Chicken Noodle Soup from Tryin’ to Evolve
• 7 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Read Beautiful Babies from Shalom Mama
• Enough Already! Dealing With Family While in Labor from Natural Birth Evangelist

Looking for more information on eating for fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding? Check out the book Beautiful Babies by Kristen Michaelis of Food Renegade. Until March 18th, you can also get free access to her ecourse of the same name (normally $199)! Read more about getting the book and the ecourse for one very low price.

Have a great weekend!