Milk and Crackers for Heartburn?

A gastroenterologist weighs in

Question: I am a longtime sufferer of heartburn and have tried every suggestion I have ever received. Well, nothing worked, but I found something on my own. I drink a small glass of milk and eat plain crackers (about four) with it. For some reason it works. I have shared this with others, and they said it worked for them too! —Beth

Answer: Not so surprising to me. The typical saltine has just a few ingredients, one of them being baking soda, so you’re taking a small dose of this popular home remedy.

However, you really don’t want to do this too often. There’s a fair amount of sodium in your crackers, both from the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and the sodium chloride (salt on top).

For most people, a dose of acid-neutralizing baking soda every once in a while is okay, but be careful if you take it frequently, you’re on a low sodium diet, or you’re taking other medications (some don’t work well with baking soda).

So far as the milk is concerned, I assume you’re drinking it in either low-fat or skim form. Fat takes a while to digest, giving stomach contents more time to reflux. Plus, some studies have suggested that fat may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle at the bottom end of the esophagus that closes and prevents reflux). Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, smoking, and peppermint may have the same effect.

Whatever you do to treat your heartburn in the meantime, don’t neglect to give your health care provider a crack at it. Longstanding reflux can lead to strictures (scarring and narrowing) of the esophagus and esophageal cancer. Your provider can help you learn which foods to avoid and, if necessary, which medications can help.


By Patricia L. Raymond, MD
Contributing Writer
My Family Doctor Blog

[Last updated and/or approved November 2008, James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor Web site.]