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

Heartburn News:




Man has hiccups for two years
A man from Lincoln says he's keeping his sense of humour despite not being able to stop hiccupping for nearly two years...

National Catholic Reporter - Catholic identity: more than a mandatum
November 14, 2008 -- Almost two decades after Pope John Paul II demanded that Catholic colleges stand "at the heart of the church," observers say that despite...

Register for FREE - Wall Street Journal
Please register to gain free access to WSJ tools. An account already exists for the email address entered. New York Times columnist David Brooks took a nice stroll today through the Wall Street and corporate donors to Barack Obamas campaign. Then ...

Yellow mustard, soy sauce can be used to soothe kitchen burn - Jackson Clarion Ledger

Yellow mustard, soy sauce can be used to soothe kitchen burn
Jackson Clarion Ledger, MS - 11 hours ago
Q: I was on omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux for several years until I saw a PBS program on heartburn and acid-reflux problems. .
..

Babies' Excessive Crying May Signal Later Problems - ADVANCE

Babies' Excessive Crying May Signal Later Problems
ADVANCE, PA - 2 hours ago
As such, Rao said, parents should not simply "dismiss" their child's crying as being due to gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn or colic, .
..

Oakland Tribune - Fears takeover
November 23, 2008 -- Fears takeover Congress (at least most of the Democrats) now wants to take over and manage the Big Three U.S. auto makers. That gives me some...

Heartburn / acid reflux - symptoms and remedies: Reflux Natural .
Heartburn / acid reflux - symptoms and remedies: Reflux Natural Treatment - Cure Your Heartburn with 5 Easy Remedies. information related to acid reflux heartburn heartburns for interested people...

Two FGH employees see life from patient's perspective
John Meyers and John Sumner have much more in common than sharing a first name and a place of employment...

Business Wire - XenoPort Reports Results from a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of XP19986 as a Treatment for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
December 2, 2008 -- XP19986 Monotherapy Generally Well Tolerated and Effective in Reducing Heartburn in GERD Subjects Previously Treated with Proton Pump Inhibitors...

$4 million Estero Parkway Extension change approved
The newest option to drive from one side of Interstate 75 to the other will cost about $4 million more in consulting fees because of design and landscaping changes to the project...

Sleep-driving a danger with the drug Ambien - Online Athens

Sleep-driving a danger with the drug Ambien
Online Athens, GA - 13 hours ago
I was on omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux for several years until I saw a PBS program on heartburn and acid-reflux problems. The expert said the worst .
..

Technorati Tags: , ,