Is There a Way to Prevent Heartburn?
Updated April 27, 2015.
Question: Is There a Way to Prevent Heartburn?
Answer:
You can relieve and, in many cases, prevent heartburn with a few self-care remedies. This involves making a few lifestyle and diet changes.
Eat frequent smaller meals instead of three larger ones
There is less food in your stomach at one time, and doing so helps prevent excessive production of stomach acid.
Eat slowly
One way to help you slow down while eating is to put your fork or spoon down between bites.
Don't go to bed with a full stomach
Stay up at least three hours after eating your last meal or large snack before going to bed. This gives acid levels a chance to decrease before your body is in a position where heartburn is more likely to occur.
Raise the head of your bed several inches
With your head elevated, it will help prevent reflux during the night.
Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn
Examples of foods and beverages that can trigger heartburn are coffee (including decaf), alcohol, fatty foods, caffeine-containing beverages and foods, onions, peppermint, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, and tomatoes.
Stop smoking
Nicotine can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach and prevents the acid-containing contents of the stomach from entering the esophagus.
Wear looser-fitting clothes
Tight clothing squeezes the midsection and tends to push stomach contents upward.
Lose weight
If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve your symptoms.
Sources:
"Heartburn and GERD FAQ." American College of Gastroenterology. 19 May 2009.
"Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)." NIH Publication No. 07–0882 May 2007. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). 19 May 2009.
Howard Hampel, MD, PhD; Neena S. Abraham, MD, MSc(Epi); and Hashem B. El-Serag, MD, MPH, "Obesity and the Risk for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Complications." 2 August 2005 | Volume 143 Issue 3 | Pages 199-211. Annals of Internal Medicine - The American College of Physicians. 19 May 2009.
Question: Is There a Way to Prevent Heartburn?
Answer:
You can relieve and, in many cases, prevent heartburn with a few self-care remedies. This involves making a few lifestyle and diet changes.
Eat frequent smaller meals instead of three larger ones
There is less food in your stomach at one time, and doing so helps prevent excessive production of stomach acid.
Eat slowly
One way to help you slow down while eating is to put your fork or spoon down between bites.
Don't go to bed with a full stomach
Stay up at least three hours after eating your last meal or large snack before going to bed. This gives acid levels a chance to decrease before your body is in a position where heartburn is more likely to occur.
Raise the head of your bed several inches
With your head elevated, it will help prevent reflux during the night.
Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn
Examples of foods and beverages that can trigger heartburn are coffee (including decaf), alcohol, fatty foods, caffeine-containing beverages and foods, onions, peppermint, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, and tomatoes.
Stop smoking
Nicotine can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach and prevents the acid-containing contents of the stomach from entering the esophagus.
Wear looser-fitting clothes
Tight clothing squeezes the midsection and tends to push stomach contents upward.
Lose weight
If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve your symptoms.
Sources:
"Heartburn and GERD FAQ." American College of Gastroenterology. 19 May 2009.
"Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)." NIH Publication No. 07–0882 May 2007. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). 19 May 2009.
Howard Hampel, MD, PhD; Neena S. Abraham, MD, MSc(Epi); and Hashem B. El-Serag, MD, MPH, "Obesity and the Risk for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Complications." 2 August 2005 | Volume 143 Issue 3 | Pages 199-211. Annals of Internal Medicine - The American College of Physicians. 19 May 2009.