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Heartburn Treatment with Lifestyle Changes

By Sharon Gillson, About.com

Updated February 27, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

As part of your acid reflux treatment, your doctor will most likely suggest one or more lifestyle changes first, before considering any medications. If these modifications in your lifestyle habits do not effectively prevent acid reflux (heartburn) symptoms, then your doctor may discuss with you other treatment options, including the use of H2 blockers or Proton Pump Inhibitors.

1. Quick Tips for Preventing Heartburn

Photo by vivre (stock.xchng)Photo by vivre (stock.xchng)
Heartburn symptoms can often be relieved with good heartburn treatment, including a few lifestyle changes. Follow these suggestions to significantly reduce the occurrence of acid reflux symptoms.

2. Preventing Nighttime Heartburn

Photo by filipes (stock.xchng)Photo by filipes (stock.xchng)
Nearly eight in 10 heartburn sufferers experience symptoms at night. But staying up all night to fend off heartburn isn't practical. Here are several tips to help you feel better and get a good night's rest -- free of heartburn.

3. Pregnancy and Heartburn

Photo by bies (stock.xchng)Photo by bies (stock.xchng)
Many women will experience heartburn during their pregnancy. Even for women who have never experienced it before, heartburn may occur for the first time while they are pregnant. That burning sensation in the chest and throat, and sour, acidic taste in the mouth, may become an all too familiar sensation for some of them. Why?

4. Preventing Summertime Heartburn

Photo by eqphotolog (stock.xchng)Photo by eqphotolog (stock.xchng)
Summer is the time for picnics and quick and easy meals. It can also be a time of increased heartburn. Knowing what foods can trigger your heartburn, what you can eat, and how you can prevent heartburn can help you reduce those heartburn episodes.

5. Preventing Heartburn at School

Photo by sykospike (stock.xchng)Photo by sykospike (stock.xchng)
School lunches prepared by a school can often be higher in fat, which can be a heartburn trigger for those children and teens who suffer from chronic heartburn or GERD. The best option, therefore, may be for kids to take home prepared lunches to school.

6. Preventing Heartburn During the Holidays

Photo by falconreid (stock.xchng)Photo by falconreid (stock.xchng)
If you suffer from frequent heartburn, you know that it is likely to pay an unwelcome visit to your holiday feast. To help ensure the heartburn doesn't spoil your celebrations, try the following tips.

7. Preventing Heartburn at Holiday Feasts

Photo by davidlat (stock.xchng)Photo by davidlat (stock.xchng)
The holidays are filled with feasts and festivities -- and sometimes heartburn, too. Here's how to avoid holiday heartburn.

8. Holiday Tips for Children with GERD

Photo by rrss (stock.xchng)Photo by rrss (stock.xchng)
Despite the delights holiday feasts can bring, for many children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this may not be a happy dining experience for them.
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