There are few things more embarrassing than heartburn that takes over after your meal. Moreover, its simple unpleasantness is enough for just about any one of its victims to seek ways to treat heartburn. The most important thing to remember is that if you are at all unsure of the severity of your heartburn, you need to see your doctor. However, if you’re reluctant to head over there just yet, here are some methods which may work for you.

OTC (over the counter) Antacid Tablets

This is perhaps the most practiced method for heartburn relief. Rolaids are a very common selection, and Tums are as well. Though they may not taste like candy, they are often artificially flavored. Some of these flavors include mint, fruit, and sometimes chocolate to help mask the naturally less-than-tasty flavor.

The trick to these little tablets is in the ingredients. The calcium in each Rolaid or Tums is what neutralizes the acid in your stomach that is causing you to burp. When this acid begins to force itself upwards through your esophagus, you are left with the burning sensation in your chest: heartburn.

Imodium AD and Pepto Bismol

Another variation to calcium tablets are these liquid methods. Pepto-bismol is perhaps the most reputable, noticed by its bright pink liquid. The active ingredient here is also calcium which neutralizes stomach acid. The major difference is taste as good, though, for many people work more efficiently–providing quicker and longer-lasting results.

Beverage and Diet Supplementation

Some people may want to treat their heartburn by using more natural methods. That is, changing or adding certain foods and drinks to their diet in order to minimize the effects and frequency of heartburn. Many people believe that carbonated beverages, such as soda or mineral water, have a similar neutralizing effect to calcium. Also, some suggest that the acid from eating tomatoes can have a canceling out effect on stomach acid, thus causing heartburn to retreat.

The problem with each of these methods, however, is that they have not been supported by doctors. In many cases, these methods are found to work for one person, and not for another. When treating heartburn with diet changes, it is important to remember that some foods will react differently with your body than they would with someone else.

Pepcid AC and other OTC medications

These medications are for those who have a much stronger heartburn symptoms. These products have a much higher concentration of stomach acid neutralizing agents. It is thus very important to take as directed.

Now, if these products fail to work, it is best to now see your doctor. These everyday solutions are great for those who have mild to moderate heartburn. However, if suffering more intensely, you may have acid reflux disease. This is just another way of saying “really, really, really bad heartburn”, but all it means is that you have to go see your doctor to get prescription medication. If this is the case, fear not, he or she will have you fixed up in no time!