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Controlling Heartburn With Lifestyle Changes
By Sharon Gillson, About.com Guide
Updated September 18, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
When you lie down within three hours of eating, the stomach acid that is working to digest your food may flow up into your esophagus causing heartburn. Gravity helps to keep the stomach juices from backing up into the esophagus and assists the flow of food and digestive juices from the stomach to the intestines. Plan for an early dinner and avoid late night snacks.
Prev
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Limit your intake of acid-stimulating foods and beverages
- Don't lie down for about three hours after you eat
- Elevate your head a few inches while you sleep
- Maintain a reasonable weight
- Don't smoke
- Don't drink alcohol
- Relax
- Don't wear belts or clothes that are tight fitting around the waist
- Keep a heartburn record
Explore Heartburn / GERD
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