Heartburn & Acid Reflux Remedies



  1. Decrease your stress level
  2. Don’t eat 3 to 4 hours before bed: This allows the stomach to empty so food is less likely to back up into the throat when lying down.
  3. Elevate the head of your bed: If the head of the bed is elevated, stomach contents are less likely to back up into the throat. This can be accomplished with a wedge placed between the mattress and box spring.
  4. Sit up 30 minutes to an hour after eating:After a meal, the pressure of a full stomach can cause food to back up into the esophagus if the sphincter is weak. Laying down would add to that pressure.
  5. Avoid tight pants or belts: This increases pressure on the stomach and valve.
  6. Lose weight: Excess weight increases pressure on the stomach and valve.
  7. Avoid large fatty meals: An over full stomach places pressure on the valve between the stomach and esophagus resulting in reflux. Fatty foods extend the time it takes to empty to stomach. The result is you are full for more time. The solution is to eat small healthy meals 5 to 6 times per day.
  8. If you smoke, stop!: Nicotine relaxes the valve between the stomach and esophagus making it easier for food to back up into the throat. Smoking also makes the stomach acid more acidic.
  9. Avoid foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn: Certain foods and drinks either relax the lower esophageal sphincter or increase the acidity of the stomach acid.

As mentioned above, certain food can trigger heartburn symptoms. It is important to know the common culprits as well as the foods and beverages that may affect you and not others. Below are a few of the common adgitators of heartburn:

  • Mint
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Fried fatty foods
  • Tomato based foods
  • citrus juice and fruits
  • Heavily seasoned or spicy foods

By avoiding or limiting your intake of these types of foods, you greatly decrease your chances of suffering the effects of heartbun and acid reflux.

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