You do not necessarily have to take your doctors prescription for medicines to treat heartburn and indigestion. Take a little time to consider these alternative approaches to the problem.

Probiotics bacteria such as Acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobaterium bifidum help protect your oesophagus from acid attack and restore the normal balance of bacteria in your gut. The pain subsides, flatulence is reduced and inflammation is cut.

Herbs Slippery Elm Bark or Marshmallow Root Powder taken after a meal form a protective gel on top of your food and coats the lower part of your esophagus to protect it from the stomach acid.

Meadowsweet soothes the stomach lining and helps heal damage there, as well as lowering acid levels.

Garlic kills bacteria involved in stimulating acid production. One clove a day may be all you need, so long as the garlic is fresh. You can eat it whole, juiced or crushed..

Antioxidants from fresh fruit and vegetables are useful in preventing inflammation caused by acid leaking up into your oesophagus.

Water, strangely enough, helps your stomach work normally. Dont drink it with a meal because that dilutes the acid and hinders digestion, but sip as much as 8 pints spread through the day. Combined with some other alternatives such as probiotics and dietary changes, it may be all you need.

Acupressure has been tested to see if it could help, and preliminary results were encouraging. One particular acupressure point in the wrist seems to be connected to the stomach sphincter. Stimulation of that point tightened up the sphincter and made it more efficient at preventing acid splashing or leaking back up into the esophagus.

Adjust your diet and allow the esophagus to heal naturally. Avoid anything that could irritate or damage the esophagus. That includes things such as crackers, crisps, hard foods, spicy foods, hot peppers, fizzy drinks and alcohol.

Change to milder foods that are easy to cook and gentle on your stomach. Fresh fruits such as bananas, melon and apples help, too. Eat slowly in relaxed surroundings, and chew your food well.

Stress is a common factor in many cases of heartburn, so avoiding or coping with stress is an important way of treating it. Essential oils and aromatherapy techniques are simple to use and very effective in relaxing you and reducing anxiety, worry and stress.