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Many medications are available today to help with the reduction and relief of heartburn. Although most are chalky tasting, a whole new generation of pills are also available to help stop the production of stomach acid. However, for some people, these are an uncomfortable choice. Nonmedical alternatives are obtainable, convenient, and successful to help relieve the burning sensation known as heartburn.
Certain substances increase the production of stomach acids so these should be avoided as much as possible. These include tobacco, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, caffeinated drinks, calcium, citrus fruits, tomatoes, fried foods, and fatty foods.
Do NOT drink milk or baking soda water - common misconceptions that will only make your heartburn worse.
Tight clothing - especially around the waist and stomach can force stomach acid into your esophagus. Being overweight can have the same effect. Wear lose clothing, and achieve and maintain and ideal weight.
Eat small frequent meals as opposed to few large meals. Smaller meals are digested more easily and require less acid for digestion. This helps keep acid production down.
Do not eat for at least two hours before exercising or laying down. This gives the digestive process time to work. When suffering from nighttime heartburn, elevate the head of your bed, or use pillows to elevate your upper body.
Sleep on your left side.
Avoid wine and beer - these stimulate stomach acid production.
Drink a large glass of cold water - this helps dilute the acid in your stomach.
Sucking on hard candy increases the production of saliva which helps neutralize acids.
Ginger helps settle your stomach, aids in the digestive process and neutralizes acid. Boil a ginger root in two cups of water and drink as a tea, chew a piece of the root or of crystallized ginger, or take it in pill or powder form.
As with most ailments, heartburn may be a sign of a more serious problem. If you cannot find relief on your own, see your health care provider.
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