Ways to Help Heartburn

Most people suffer from heartburn at some point in their lives. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a painful burning sensation in the chest or throat. Heartburn can be diagnosed as gastsroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), if it happens more than twice a week. There are many different ways to help heartburn.

Medication

• Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for the treatment of heartburn. Antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids, neutralize stomach acid and are available over the counter. Antacids can provide almost immediate relief, but don't work to prevent heartburn. H-2-receptor blockers are medications that reduce acid production, such as Pepcid AC or Zantac. H-2-receptor blockers don't work quite as fast as antacids, but generally provide longer relief. Proton pump inhibitors block acid production, allowing the esophagus time to heal. Examples of proton pump inhibitors include Prevacid or Prilosec.

Diet

• Certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn. Start a food journal and log what you eat when the symptoms start. Watch for trends. High-risk foods include alcohol, black pepper, chocolate, coffee, fatty or fried food, ketchup, mustard, orange juice, peppermint, soft drinks, oranges, lemons and tomato sauce. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to allow the stomach time to digest. Though some people recommend milk to help heartburn, it actually stimulates acid secretion in the stomach. Avoid eating at least two and a half hours before bedtime and avoid lying down directly after eating.

Lifestyle

• Certain lifestyle changes can make a big difference in helping heartburn. Elevating the head of your bed six to nine inches helps keep stomach acid down. You can place a wooden or cement block under the feet of your bed. Wedges are available for purchase from many drugstores.

  Keep stress at a manageable level. Stress can increase stomach acid production, worsening or causing heartburn. Listen to relaxing music or practice yoga. Make time for yourself and things you enjoy in life to balance work and stress.

  Avoid stimulants. Tobacco smoke, even secondhand, relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and increases acid production. Caffeine will irritate an inflamed esophagus, as well as relax the sphincter.

  Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can put pressure on the abdomen, which will push stomach acid up the esophagus. Exercise on a regular basis, preferable five hours per week. Consume less calories if you need to lose weight.

  Bend at the knees when doing heavy lifting. If you bend forward, it will force acid upward, aggravating the heartburn.

Herbal

• Ginger absorbs acid, as well as calms the nerves. Take two capsules right after eating meals. Increase the dosage as needed.

  Combine one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with half a glass of water. Sip the water while eating your meal. Even though vinegar is an acid, it's beneficial to combat heartburn.

  Bitters are a class of herbs used primarily in Europe. Examples include goldenseal and gentian root. Take in capsule or liquid form right before meals.