If you experience heartburn, nausea, bloating, gas or stomach discomfort after eating, excess stomach acid may be the issue. Over-the-counter pills, tablets and liquids can help, but eating raw cucumber might be a more natural way to reduce acidity.
Buy fresh cucumbers with dark-green skin without yellow or black spots. The flesh should be firm from end to end. Leave the skin on and the seeds in to preserve freshness, nutrients and fiber. Cut the cucumber into slices about 1/4-inch thick. Eat two slices every two hours to cure acidity. You may eat the cucumber slices more or less often, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
No need to eat them plain unless you want to. Feel free to dress up the cucumber with other ingredients that ease stomach acidity, including plain yogurt, cottage cheese, carrots, mint or raw garlic. Add sliced or grated cucumber to salads, but don't use too much vinegar in the dressing, as it cancels out the cucumber's anti-acid effect. You could also make an easy version of Greek cucumber sauce (tzatziki): combine 1 cup yogurt and half a grated cucumber with salt, pepper and fresh garlic to taste. Use this sauce on salads, meats or sandwiches to prevent acid-related stomach problems.
Tip
Squeeze out and save excess water from grated cucumber and combine it with carrot juice for a natural anti-acid beverage.
If you have trouble digesting cucumbers, sprinkle the slices with a thin layer of salt. Let them stand for an hour before you eat them.
Warning
Do not use pickles, which are likely to make your stomach acidity worse.
Do not cook cucumbers—they're only effective when eaten them raw.