What is a substitute for Eno? Exploring Over-the-Counter and Home Remedies

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Indigestion and heartburn affect millions worldwide, driving the demand for quick relief. If Eno is unavailable, several effective alternatives can soothe symptoms of acidity, gas, and discomfort. From simple home remedies to powerful over-the-counter medications, knowing what is a substitute for Eno is essential for managing unexpected flare-ups.

Quick Summary

Explore effective substitutes for the effervescent antacid Eno, including quick-acting over-the-counter medications, readily available kitchen remedies like baking soda, and long-term pharmacological solutions. This guide details various options for managing indigestion, bloating, and heartburn.

Key Points

Homemade Alternative: A mixture of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and lemon juice in water can mimic Eno's effervescent antacid action for quick relief.
Over-the-Counter Options: Look for standard antacids like Tums or Mylanta for fast, temporary relief, or consider longer-acting H2 blockers (like Pepcid) for extended control of acid production.
Long-Term Solutions: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole are not immediate fixes but offer the most potent and prolonged acid reduction for chronic conditions like GERD.
Natural Aids: Ginger, fennel seeds, chamomile tea, and bananas can provide gentle, natural relief from indigestion, bloating, and stomach discomfort.
High Sodium Content: The primary homemade remedy of baking soda and water is high in sodium and should be used sparingly, especially by individuals with high blood pressure or kidney issues.
Preventative Measures: Long-term relief is best achieved through lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and managing stress, rather than relying solely on medication.

Understanding Eno's Action

Before exploring substitutes, it's helpful to understand how Eno works. Eno is a well-known effervescent fruit salt primarily composed of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid, and sodium carbonate. When mixed with water, these ingredients react to produce carbon dioxide gas. The primary mechanism of relief is twofold:

Neutralizing Stomach Acid: The sodium bicarbonate acts as a fast-acting antacid, neutralizing excess stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) to alleviate heartburn and acidity.
Relieving Gas and Bloating: The fizzing action produces carbon dioxide, which can help induce belching and relieve the sensation of fullness and bloating.

Over-the-Counter Medication Substitutes

When looking for an immediate Eno replacement, the nearest pharmacy offers a range of options that work in different ways to combat acidity.

Standard Antacids

These medications act similarly to Eno by neutralizing existing stomach acid for rapid, though short-lived, relief. They are a direct functional substitute for occasional heartburn and indigestion.

Tums, Rolaids (Calcium Carbonate): These chewable tablets are a popular choice. They neutralize stomach acid and can also supplement calcium, but they can cause constipation if overused.
Maalox, Mylanta (Magnesium/Aluminum Hydroxide): These liquid or chewable antacids combine different ingredients. Magnesium-based antacids can cause diarrhea, while aluminum-based ones can cause constipation, so the combination aims to balance these side effects.
Alka-Seltzer: Similar to Eno, this product uses sodium bicarbonate and citric acid to create an effervescent antacid. Some versions also contain aspirin, so it's important to read the label carefully, especially for those with heart conditions or on a sodium-restricted diet.

H2 Blockers

For longer-lasting relief than traditional antacids, H2 blockers work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. They are not as fast-acting as Eno but provide extended relief.

Famotidine (Pepcid AC): This is a common H2 blocker available over-the-counter that can treat and prevent heartburn for longer periods.
Cimetidine (Tagamet): Another H2 blocker that reduces acid secretion.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

For persistent or more severe symptoms, PPIs offer the most powerful, long-lasting reduction of stomach acid. They are not for immediate relief but are used for chronic conditions like GERD.

Omeprazole (Prilosec OTC): A long-term solution that blocks the 'proton pumps' in your stomach from releasing acid. It is not an antacid and takes longer to work, making it unsuitable for immediate, occasional relief.

Natural and Home Remedy Alternatives

For those who prefer a more natural approach or need a quick fix with kitchen ingredients, several options are available.

The Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Mix

The most direct home alternative to Eno involves mixing baking soda with lemon juice or citric acid. A basic recipe is to mix baking soda with lemon juice in a glass of water. This creates a fizzy, neutralizing drink. However, this is high in sodium and should be used infrequently.

Herbal Teas and Spices

Ginger: This anti-inflammatory spice helps soothe the digestive system and can be consumed as tea or chewed as a fresh piece.
Fennel Seeds (Saunf): Chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after a meal is a traditional remedy for indigestion and bloating.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile can help relax stomach muscles and reduce discomfort.

Alkaline Foods

Bananas: Naturally alkaline and high in fiber, ripe bananas can help neutralize stomach acid and promote better digestion.
Coconut Water: This natural beverage has an alkalizing effect that can soothe acidic stomach juices.

Comparison of Eno, Tums, and Baking Soda Remedy


Feature	Eno (Fruit Salt)	Tums (Calcium Carbonate)	Baking Soda + Lemon Juice
Active Ingredient	Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid	Calcium Carbonate	Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid
Onset of Action	Very fast (effervescent)	Fast (chewable)	Fast (effervescent)
Duration of Relief	Short-lived	Short-lived	Short-lived
Side Effects	High sodium, potential electrolyte imbalance with overuse	Constipation, high blood calcium with overuse	High sodium, risk of overdose, GI issues if done incorrectly
Cost & Availability	Varies by region, generally affordable	Widely available and affordable	Highly affordable, uses common kitchen items

Lifestyle Modifications for Long-Term Relief

Rather than relying on medication or remedies, addressing the root causes of indigestion is key for long-term health. Consider these lifestyle changes:

Identify Trigger Foods: Keep a food journal to track and avoid items that cause indigestion, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Large meals put more pressure on the stomach and the valve to the esophagus, increasing the risk of reflux.
Avoid Lying Down After Eating: Stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after a meal to allow gravity to help with digestion.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put pressure on your abdomen and contribute to acid reflux.
Quit Smoking: Nicotine can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
Reduce Stress: Stress can exacerbate digestive issues. Practicing relaxation techniques can be beneficial.

Conclusion

For those seeking a substitute for Eno, both over-the-counter and home-based options offer effective solutions for occasional indigestion, acidity, and bloating. While standard antacids like Tums provide similar rapid relief, H2 blockers and PPIs offer longer-lasting effects for more frequent issues. Simple home remedies like a baking soda and lemon juice mix, or herbal teas with ginger or chamomile, can also provide comfort. However, it's crucial to use remedies like baking soda cautiously due to their high sodium content. For persistent or severe symptoms, or if considering long-term medication, consulting a healthcare professional is essential to address any underlying medical conditions. For more information on antacids and heartburn management, read this special health report from Harvard Medical School.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with water for a homemade, effervescent antacid. However, this should only be for occasional use due to its high sodium content.

For longer-lasting relief, H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) or cimetidine reduce stomach acid production over an extended period. For frequent or severe symptoms, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole may be necessary, but these are not for immediate relief.

Yes, natural options include eating a ripe banana, chewing fennel seeds after a meal, or drinking teas made from ginger or chamomile to soothe an upset stomach.

You should see a doctor if your indigestion is persistent (lasts more than two weeks), severe, or accompanied by symptoms like difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, black/bloody stools, or frequent vomiting.

Eno is a short-acting antacid that neutralizes existing stomach acid for quick relief. Omeprazole (a PPI) is a long-acting medication that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces over time, making it unsuitable for immediate, occasional relief.

Yes, Alka-Seltzer works similarly to Eno by using sodium bicarbonate and citric acid as effervescent antacids. Be sure to choose a version without aspirin if you are avoiding that ingredient.

Regular or overuse of baking soda can lead to a dangerously high sodium load, potentially causing electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, and heart or kidney problems. It is not recommended for frequent, long-term use.

Yes, adopting certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the frequency of indigestion. Key changes include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, not lying down after eating, and managing stress.