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Chapter: HEALTH CARE TIPS FOR DIGESTIVE AND URINARY TRACTS

Avoiding heartburn

Avoiding heartburn
HEALTH CARE TIPS FOR DIGESTIVE AND URINARY TRACTS




Heartburn results from a backup of acid-containing stomach contents into your esophagus. Here are tips for prevention:

  Eat smaller meals

Too much food expands your stomach and puts pressure on a band of muscle (the lower esophageal sphincter) that helps keep food and acid from backing up into your esophagus.

  Avoid alcohol, fatty foods, chocolate, spearmint and peppermint

These foods can relax your lower esophageal sphincter and promote upward flow of stomach contents.

  Consider using an antacid or H-2 blocker

Antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, Tums and others help neutralize stomach acids temporarily. Over-the-counter histamine (H-2) blockers such as Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, Zantac 75 and others reduce stomach acid production, which may relieve or prevent symptoms when taken before a meal. But overuse of antacids or H-2 blockers can cause side effects.

  Don't eat before sleeping

Wait two to three hours after eating before lying down. This allows enough time for increased stomach acid produced after a meal to taper off and for the stomach to empty from that meal.

  Stop smoking

The nicotine from cigarettes can relax your lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to flow back into your esophagus.

  Lose excess weight

Slimming down if you're overweight helps reduce the pressure your abdomen puts on your stomach when you're lying down.

  Wear loose clothes

A tight belt or waistband can put pressure on your stomach and push acid into your esophagus, causing discomfort.

   Elevate the head of your bed

Raise the head of your bed four to six inches. This helps keep stomach acid in your stomach, where it belongs. 

 

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HEALTH CARE TIPS FOR DIGESTIVE AND URINARY TRACTS : Avoiding heartburn |


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