For battling heartburn, doctors not only prescribe medications, but they also ask for certain lifestyle changes. But first, we must know what happens inside our body when we experience heartburn.



Esophagus connects our mouth with our stomach. The common man knows the esophagus as food pipe. At the bottom of the esophagus, there is a muscular flap which separates it from the stomach. This is the esophageal sphincter.

When the stomach acids keep rising up continually, they damage the sphincter. The disorder at this juncture must be treated properly. Otherwise, it may lead to a lot of serious health consequences, some of them being Barrett's esophagus, esophageal ulcers and esophageal cancer.

Suitable antacids and H-2-receptor blockers like Zantac and Pepcid, as per prescription strength, are prescribed by doctors. The proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec, Aciphex and Prevacid help by slowing down or stopping the production of the acids. The Prokinetics tone and strengthen the sphincter. Drugs are also used to effectively coat the irritated esophageal linings.

However, medication is not enough to stop heartburn. The lifestyle changes involve losing excess weight, giving up smoking and alcohol and following a strict diet plan.

Anything fried and full of fats must be avoided. Peppermint, spearmint, whole milk, saturated oils and fats, chocolates, creamed soups and foods, citrus fruits and juices like oranges, pineapples, grapefruit, etc., and all fast foods must be kept at arms length. These are heartburn trigger foods.

All vegetables, except tomatoes, all cereals, breads and grains with low fat content and skimmed low-fat milk lower the acid production inside the stomach. Hence, these are recommended by doctors and nutritionists. Out of all fruits, apples, berries, bananas, melons, peaches and pears can be preferred over the rest.

The good news is that there is no need to give up on meat, fish, chicken or turkeys. If your meat is lean and low on fat, you can have it. This means that chicken skin and fat, sausages, bacon, cold cuts, etc, must be avoided. Low-fat desserts and soups and un-caffeinated beverages are safe. Coffee and tea must be stopped immediately.

Certain other heartburn remedies such as avoiding the bed after dinner, eating slowly and in small portions, aloe vera juice and marshmallows can also bring in the desired effect in the long run. You can also try relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, etc. Sleeping on a wedge pillow is another good idea as it keeps the head at a higher level in bed. Source: http://www.simpleheartburnguide.com.