How to prevent heartburn

If you feel a burning sensation in your chest which travels all the way up to your throat then it is likely that you are suffering from heartburn. It is caused by the irritation resulting from the stomach acids coming into contact with the lining of the esophagus. Most people suffer from mild heartburn, but if you suffer from it regularly it can cause a lot of discomfort. These are some hints on how you can prevent heartburn:

Eat smaller meals frequently

A full stomach will produce more stomach acid and put pressure on the esophageal sphincter which will cause acid to reflux to the esophagus.

Eat 2-3 hours before going to bed

This allows the acidity in the stomach to decrease before lying down when heartburn is more likely to happen.

Elevate the head a few inches when sleeping

This will prevent pressure on the esophagus which will prevent reflux in the night when sleeping.

Identify and avoid heartburn triggers

Keep a food diary and identify the foods that do not agree with you. The usual heartburn triggers include oily and spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, chocolates and citrus fruits.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight is another cause for heartburn.

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