Tips to Help Prevent Heartburn

Heartburn -- it's an uncomfortable sensation that affects millions of people of all ages. Heartburn is caused by acid reflux. When stomach acid travels up into the esophagus rather than staying in the stomach, that painful burning in the chest happens. Before you can learn how to best prevent heartburn, it helps to understand why it occurs.

Acid reflux can happen when the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, lacks proper tone. Or, the LES may not work properly. Normally, it opens only when you swallow and closes before acid can escape. But, when it does not close as it should, acid gets out and heads to the esophagus. Sometimes, too much acid in the stomach can be to blame. There are a variety of causes of acid reflux, including dietary and lifestyle issues as well as medical conditions like GERD.

For people who experience occasional acid reflux, changing the diet and certain lifestyle habits can help prevent the problem. Avoid spicy, fatty and fried foods. Acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes and cranberries should be avoided also. Chocolate, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol can also aggravate acid reflux problems. Even smoking can make heartburn worse, so if you're a smoker, do your best to quit.

Lying down or bending over can worsen heartburn. Avoid lying down within two to three hours after eating, and when you bend, bend down at the knees rather than over at the waist. Tight clothing can be a factor, so always wear loose, comfortable apparel. Eating too much can lead to an excessive level of stomach acid, so eat smaller meals that are spaced evenly throughout the day.

When heartburn does occur, you might want to try an over the counter remedy to alleviate the discomfort. Antacids are probably the most widely used type of otc remedy. Just be sure to ask your doctor before taking them, because they can interact with certain medicines. Then there's Prilosec OTC, the only proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication available without a prescription. Your doctor can tell you if Prilosec OTC is recommended for you.

For more tips on how to prevent heartburn, see your doctor. He or she can determine why your heartburn is occurring and provide the best treatment options for your needs. You may also want to work with a dietician or nutritionist to come up with a diet plan that is conducive to preventing acid reflux and the heartburn that accompanies it.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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