Tips and Advice

• Stop Smoking
  
  
• Avoid becoming overweight
  
  
• Eat foods that are less likely to cause heartburn
  
  
• Don't sleep immediately after your meal
  
  
• Watch your posture, avoid bending over from the waist or stooping just after meals
  
  
• Avoid tight belts and underclothes
  
  
• Some medications may aggravate heartburn - for example, some anti-inflammatory medications used to treat arthritis. Ask your doctor about any medications you are taking.
  
  
• Raise the head of your bed by 20 cm or use a wedge pillow to keep your head higher than your stomach.
  
  
• Try to reduce stress as much as possible.
  
  
• Sleep on your left side -- This may help your stomach empty better.
  
  
• Sipping on water, milk, carbonated water or small amounts of yogurt
  
  
• Sleep with the head of your bed elevated
  
  
• Avoid medicines that cause symptoms. Common over-the-counter and prescription painkillers -- called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) -- such as aspirin, Advil, and Motrin can make your symptoms worse. So can some birth control medicines, drugs for high blood pressure, and other medicines. Talk to your doctor about whether your medications might be worsening your symptoms. If so, see if there's a substitute you could use.
  
  
• H2 Blockers, available in over-the-counter and prescription strengths, block the effects of histamine, a chemical that triggers acid production in your stomach. Some brand names include Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac.
  
  
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) also reduce the stomach's acid production. PPIs are widely considered the strongest medicine against heartburn, and they also last the longest. Brand names include Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix. Most are only available by prescription, although Prilosec OTC is available over-the counter.
  
  

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
  
  
• Particular foods can make reflux and heartburn worse. These foods may differ from person to person. Try to identify and avoid the foods that make your symptoms worse.
  
  
• Eating late at night can aggravate heartburn. Avoid eating for three hours before going to bed. Try having your main meal at lunch time and a lighter meal in the evening.
  
  
• Avoid lying down soon after meals.
  
  
• Try our Heartburn-friendly recipes which have been specifically developed for people with sensitive digestion
  
  

Next, try changing your eating habits:

• 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.
  
  
• Avoid bending over or exercising just after eating.
  
  
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially when taking medications.
  
  

If you still do not have full relief, you can try an over-the-counter remedy:

• 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.