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This article was co-authored by Nimisha Gandhi. Nimisha Gandhi is a Certified Nutritionist based in San Francisco, California. With over 15 years of research and clinical experience, she specializes in functional and ayurvedic reproductive and gut health. She is a certified Ayurvedic counselor from the Ayurvedic Institute of America and received her certification in nutrition from the Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts while also getting certified as a Yoga Nidra teacher from the California College of Ayurveda. She is also a certified Well Woman Yoga Practitioner and Conscious Parenting Coach. She earned her B.S. in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles.
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Eno is an over-the-counter antacid made from sodium bicarbonate and citric acid that is used to prevent heartburn and acid reflux. Although it also comes in tablet form, the powdered salt is most common and is mixed in water and consumed before or after meals. If you're considering drinking Eno, there are a few things you should know first as well as some great ways to prevent acid build-up to get the most out of the medication.
How to Properly Take Eno
Take Eno after a meal when you have heartburn or acid reflux. Dissolve 1 packet of powder in a cup of water, and drink it. If you're still feeling symptoms after 2-3 hours, take another dose.
Steps
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![Step 1 Dissolve 1 sachet or 1 teaspoon (4.2 grams) of Eno powder into 1 c (240 mL) of water.]()
Dissolve 1 sachet or 1 teaspoon (4.2 grams) of Eno powder into 1 c (240 mL) of water. Some Eno products—typically flavored commercial alternatives—come in prepackaged sachets. Eno is also available in bulk containers of powder. Regardless of which product you're using, start by filling your glass with water. Now, either dissolve 1 sachet or 1 teaspoon (4.2 grams) of powder into your cup of water.- Use room-temperature water for the best results.
- Don't dissolve your Eno in other liquids, such as juice, as it might not be as effective at fighting stomach acidity.
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![Step 2 Drink Eno after meals.]()
Drink Eno after meals. When you experience heartburn or acid reflux, take Eno powder immediately. However, avoid taking Eno before meals as a preventative measure—it's much more effective as a treatment when you're experiencing symptoms.Advertisement -
![Step 3 Wait 2 to 3 hours before taking another dose of Eno powder.]()
Wait 2 to 3 hours before taking another dose of Eno powder. Try to consume the Eno powder once it has dissolved in the water. After drinking your Eno, take note of your heartburn and acidity. After 2 to 3 hours, take another dose if symptoms persist. If they subside, hold off on dosing until they come back.- Although you can wait until the bubbles settle down to drink Eno, you'll miss out on the bloating relief from the gas and pressure burp that they create.
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![Step 4 Take Eno only 2 times daily for a maximum of 14 days.]()
Take Eno only 2 times daily for a maximum of 14 days. For persistent heartburn, sour stomach, upset stomach, and acid indigestion take your Eno 1 to 2 times daily to relieve symptoms. If your symptoms persist after 14 days, stop taking Eno immediately and consult your doctor.- Remember that Eno doesn't prevent acidity, it just provides relief for it. If your symptoms persist, ask your doctor about ways to prevent acidity for the best results.
- If you take Eno more than 2 times daily you risk changing your blood pH. This can result in alkalosis due to the alkaline nature of the ingredients.
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![Step 1 Consult your doctor before taking Eno if you have medical conditions.]()
Consult your doctor before taking Eno if you have medical conditions. If you're suffering from a medical condition, taking any kind of medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before taking Eno. Bring the Eno package to your doctor just in case so they can take a look at the ingredients.- If you don't have Eno yet, write down its ingredients—sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, also known as Svarjiksara or Nimbukamlam, respectively—to show to your doctor.
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![Step 2 Don't take Eno powder if you have the listed medical conditions.]()
Don't take Eno powder if you have the listed medical conditions. Each Eno power bottle comes listed with specific medical conditions that conflict with it. Be sure to never take Eno powder if you have:- Heart, liver, or kidney problems
- High blood pressure
- A low-sodium diet
- Allergies to Svarjiksara or Nimbukamlam
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![Step 3 Never drink Eno if you're less than 12 years old.]()
Never drink Eno if you're less than 12 years old. Eno is not indicated for children under the age of 12. If your child is younger than 12 and experiencing heartburn and indigestion, head to your family doctor and consult them for alternative solutions.- Try getting rid of heartburn naturally if you aren't old enough to drink Eno.
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![Step 4 Store your ENO somewhere below 86 °F (30 °C).]()
Store your ENO somewhere below 86 °F (30 °C). Find somewhere at room temperature with minimal fluctuations. Always keep your Eno powder inside its sachet or bottle with the cap tightly on. If you're unsure of the storage room's temperature, use an ambient thermometer.- Keep your Eno powder somewhere safe from pets and children.
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![Step 1 Eat slowly and stop when you're full.]()
Eat slowly and stop when you're full. If you're the kind of person who likes to eat fast, make a conscious effort to go slower. Remember that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the signal that your body is full! Keep your eating slow and take note of how you feel after 20 minutes to better track and address your heartburn.[1]- Always take a 5-minute break before having a second serving and take note of any acid buildup. If you're feeling symptoms, stop eating.
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![Step 2 Stop eating foods that exacerbate stomach acidity.]()
Stop eating foods that exacerbate stomach acidity. Tomatoes, marinara, garlic, onion, chocolate, citric fruits, peppermint, soda, carbonated drinks, alcohol, gluten, and high-fat and fried foods are all culprits. Cut these out of your diet and you'll get much more effect out of your Eno.[2]- Try keeping a chart that logs each meal you eat as well as any acidity that you feel throughout the day. Use this to find which foods are most often followed by acidity problems.
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![Step 3 Avoid drinking coffee and tea.]()
Avoid drinking coffee and tea. A fresh cup of coffee or tea might be good for a morning boost, but both increase stomach acidity—especially on an empty stomach—which can lead to indigestion and heartburn. Try to cut them out of your diet to get the most out of your Eno.- Try decaffeinated tea or coffee if you have to have a cup.
- Purchase low-acid coffee to minimize acid buildup.
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![Step 4 Drink 0.062 gallons (0.23 L) of water daily outside of meals.]()
Drink 0.062 gallons (0.23 L) of water daily outside of meals. Some experts believe that heartburn stems from a water shortage, particularly in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. Regardless, it's recommended that men drink at least 9 cups (a little over 2L) of fluid each day. Women should drink 9 cups (a little over 2 liters) of fluid each day. [3]- Decrease your water intake during mealtime, as excessive amounts of water can dilute your stomach acid while eating.
- If you can't remember how many glasses to have, remember the "8x8 rule!"
Expert Q&A
Tips
Warnings
- Talk to your doctor before taking Eno if you have medical conditions.Thanks
- Never take Eno powder if you have the listed medical conditions.Thanks
- Don't drink Eno if you're less than 12 years old.Thanks
- Never take Eno powder more than 2 times per day or for more than 14 days in a row.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dietary supplements, check out our in-depth interview with Nimisha Gandhi.
References
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Eno is an over-the-counter antacid which can be very effective at reducing heartburn if it’s taken correctly. Most importantly, always drink Eno after meals if you experience heartburn or acid reflux, rather than beforehand as a preventative measure. This is because Eno is most effective for reducing heartburn and acid reflux symptoms when they are already present. Wait for at least 2 - 3 hours before taking another dose of Eno if your symptoms persist. If you no longer have heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, you won’t need to take another Eno again until you do. Only take Eno 1 - 2 times per day for a maximum of 14 days. If you find that you still require Eno after 14 days, seek medical advice from your doctor. For more advice on how to drink Eno, such as lifestyle tips to prevent acidity, read on.
