Easing Nighttime Heartburn
Nearly eight in ten heartburn sufferers experience symptoms at night. Tips to follow to relieve nighttime heartburn.
Know when it's time to see your doctor
If you experience certain heartburn-related symptoms, you should see your doctore.
Be careful how you prepare your food
Did you know that certain cooking techniques could trigger heartburn? Find out how to prepare foods that will leave you heartburn-free, acid reflux free.
Can your medications trigger your heartburn?
It isn't just food that can cause heartburn. Sometimes it's the medications we take to treat other conditions that can be the culprit.
Take a walk after eating to reduce heartburn
It is very important to take your medication every day. If you are prone to forgetting a dose or two, follow these tips.
Take your heartburn medication at the same time every day
It is very important to take your medication every day. If you are prone to forgetting a dose or two, follow these tips.
Keep a heartburn record
Record what triggerd your acid reflux episodes, the severity of each episode, how your body reacts, and what gives you relief.
Avoid Chocolate and mints
These have two affects on heartburn sufferers: They relax the LES, and they increase the amount of acid the stomach produces. What foods can you eat and what should you avoid?
Stop or Reduce Smoking
If you smoke, consider stopping or decreasing the amount you smoke. This is a wise decision for a few reasons.
Heartburn and Exercising
There are a few things persons can do to reduce the chances of a heartburn flare-up during exercises.
Heartburn and Weight
Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can then push stomach contents up into the esophagus. According to some statistics, approximately 35% of overweight persons experience heartburn. The good news is that for many people, as little as a 10% decrease in weight will improve their heartburn symptoms. Read more.
Avoiding Alcohol to reduce and prevent acid reflux
Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. It also increases the production of stomach acid. If you want to consume alcohol, follow these tips.
Avoid caffeine to reduce and prevent acid reflux
Avoid soda, coffee, tea, and other beverages with caffeine. Caffeine relaxes the LES, increasing the risk of acid reflux. Read more.
Avoid fatty foods to reduce and prevent acid reflux
High-fat foods can increase acid secretion, decrease LES pressure, or slow down the emptying of the stomach. Find out what you should and shouldn't eat to avoid acid reflux.
Don't wear tight clothes
Find out what types of clothes can increase the chance of acid reflux and why.
Elevate your head while you sleep
Lying down flat presses the stomach's contents against the LES, which can result in acid reflux. Tips on how you can avoid having acid reflux episodes.
Avoid Lying Down Immediately After Eating
Lying down with a full stomach can cause stomach contents to press harder against the LES, which tends to relax when a person lays down, causing an increased chance of refluxed food. How can you prevent this?
Relax!
Stress increases the production of stomach acid. Learn how to relax.
Avoiding acid reflux
Avoid foods and beverages that can trigger acid reflux. Some foods and beverages increase the risk of reflux by relaxing the LES. These include alcohol; beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola drinks; carbonated beverages; citrus fruits and juices; tomatoes and tomato sauces; chocolate; spicy and fatty foods. Learn what you can eat
Finding Support
Whether you suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or are a loved one of a GERD sufferer, you may find the support and feedback you need from one of the support electronic mailing lists.
Don't Overeat
A full stomach can put extra pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which will increase the chance that some of this food will reflux into the esophagus. Learn more.
Do acidic foods cause heartburn?
Foods don't cause heartburn just because they are acidic. Some acidic foods, such as orange juice, do cause problems for heartburn sufferers, but it isn't because of the acid content. Even nonacidic orange juice causes problems for some people. So, what foods do cause heartburn?
You can help your heartburn
Don't believe the myth that you can't help your heartburn. Treatment can include prescription medication, over the counter remedies, lifestyle and diet changes.
Heartburn and Stress
While stress can worsen heartburn, it is rare for it to be the cause of heartburn. But extreme physical stress, such as that experienced by individuals gravely ill or severely injured, can cause ulcers to develop that's accompanied by heartburn.
Heartburn or Heart Attack?
Although chest pain can be a symptom of acid reflux disease, it can also be a sign of heart disease. If you experience chest pain, see your health care professional immediately.
