The following tips will help you avoid that occasional bout of heartburn. If these measures don't work, however, or your heartburn keeps returning, occurring two or more times a week, talk to your doctor. You may have a more serious condition than just heartburn.
First, avoid the foods and beverages that can trigger heartburn, such as:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine, carbonated beverages
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Tomatoes and tomato sauces
- Spicy or fatty foods, full-fat dairy products
- Peppermint and spearmint
- Eat smaller meals. A full stomach puts extra pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the chance that food will reflux.
- Avoid eating or lying down within 2-3 hours of bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach results in stomach contents pressing harder against the LES.
- Avoid bending over or exercising just after eating.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially when taking medications.
- Antacids, like Maalox or Mylanta, work by neutralizing stomach acid.
- H2 blockers, like Pepcid AC, Tagamet, and Zantac, reduce stomach acid production.
- Proton pump inhibitors, like Prilosec OTC, nearly stop all stomach acid production.
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