The Most Effective Ways To Prevent Heartburn

Monitor Your Drinks

Many different beverages can trigger or worsen cases of heartburn, including those containing high amounts of caffeine as well as acidic juices and carbonated drinks. Soda especially is known for being a trigger as it is high in acid, which is what causes the burning in an affected individual's throat. Alcohol is a trigger for heartburn as well, as it hinders how well the body stops the stomach acid from moving back up. It can be quite beneficial for individuals who deal with heartburn to cut back or otherwise adjust their intake of these kinds of beverages. For instance, someone who finds beverages like coffee and black tea trigger their heartburn may want to reduce their caffeine intake and, if they cannot cut it entirely, should try lower caffeine alternatives, such as green tea.

Avoid Lying Down After Eating

One of the best ways to prevent heartburn is to avoid lying down after eating. Heartburn is the result of a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter that causes it not to close completely, or that causes it to relax inappropriately. This malfunction can happen due to the stomach producing an excess amount of stomach acid, or another mechanism can induce it. When an individual lays down in a horizontal position, the contents inside of their stomach are not under the same force of gravity direction they are when they are upright. The change in the direction of gravity in relation to the position of the stomach allows the food to press on the lower esophageal sphincter with more force.

More pressure due to a full stomach and a change to a horizontal position increases the likelihood that food will reflux. It is generally best for individuals affected by heartburn to wait to go to bed or lay down for at least two to three hours following the consumption of a meal. It is best for individuals who want to avoid heartburn to not make a habit of snacking late at night. Another good tip for preventing heartburn is to consume larger meals toward lunchtime rather than dinnertime.