How to Counter Heartburn

Heartburn occurs for a variety reasons, including a diet high in acidic foods, stress and eating too much. Usually our stomach acids stay in the stomach. However, sometimes the lower part of our esophagus, called the esophageal sphincter, does not close completely. When this occurs, stomach acid travels back up the digestive system. Known as acid-reflux, this reversal of stomach acid flow is more commonly referred to as heartburn. To combat heartburn, you have a variety of options. These include minimizing the acid in your diet, not lying down after a meal and taking medicine.

Instructions

Preventing Heartburn

• 1

  Avoid acidic foods. Foods such as lemon juice and other citruses, pasta sauce, and coffee are high in acid content. Eliminate these foods from your diet until your heartburn subsides.

• 2

  Eat slowly. Eating too fast disrupts your normal digestive process and allows more stomach acid to move upward.

• 3

  Refrain from overeating. When you eat too much, you add excess acid to your digestive system. Furthermore, if your stomach is too full, the food will place pressure on the esophageal sphincter and push the stomach acid upward, resulting in heartburn.

• 4

  Refrain from lying down after a meal. Lying down can cause your esophageal sphincter to open slightly. As stomach acid escapes, you'll feel that familiar burning sensation in your chest.

• 5

  Take heartburn medication such as antacids or Zantac as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions from over-the-counter remedies.

• 6

  Visit a doctor for further analysis if your heartburn does not improve with lifestyle and dietary changes.