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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