Heartburn Remedies

*Avoiding spicy foods as well foods a woman knows to produce gas and indigestion outside of pregnancy

*Walking after meals to get digestion going

*Not eating large meals late at night (or, eating only bland foods)

*Drinking milk before, during or after meals

*Taking any of the following supplements to enhance digestion and/or neutralize heartburn:

NF formyla's liquid calcium/magnesium supplement (1 tsp- 1 Tbsp as-needed)

Tablets of confrey with pepsin

Papaya enzymes (or eating raw papaya or papaya juice

Digestive enzyme tablets

Slippery elm bark powder in capsules as-needed

*Plain baked potatoes

*Thoroughly chewed raw almonds, cashew or filberts

*A tablespoon of cream or milk may help by coating the stomach

*Avoiding eating and drinking at the same time

Antacids should not be taken in pregnancy or should be used in strict moderation. Antacids neutralize stomach acids, thus arresting digestion but these neutralized acids later rebound, producing even more stomach acid. Poorly assimilated calcium leaves deposits on the placenta as well. Antacids are not a good source of calcium.

Sources: Holistic Midwifery 1 by Anne Frye