How to Prevent Heartburn (Acid Reflux) Symptoms

Reflux Disease

The medical term for heartburn is Acid Reflux. Acid Reflux is caused when pressure on the valve between your stomach and lower esophagus (the tube that brings food into stomach) causes it to open when it shouldn't. This allows food and digestive fluids to move back into the esophagus. The following are symptoms of Reflux:
• heartburn
• chest discomfort
• bitter fluid flowing up into the mouth
• hoarseness, cough

You can reduce the symptoms of Reflux though your diet and by reducing the amount of food you eat at one time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make the following changes:
   1. Stop using tobacco in all forms.
   2. Avoid chewing gum and hard candy.
   3. Eat small, frequent portions of food and snack if needed.

2. These things will also help reduce the symptoms:
   
   4. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening meals and snacks.
   5. Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
   6. Lose weight if overweight. Obesity may lead to increased reflux.
   7. Elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping or use a wedge. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.

3. The following foods aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided:
   • fatty or fried foods
   • peppermint and spearmint
   • whole milk
   • oils
   • chocolate
   • creamed foods or soups
   • most fast foods
   • citrus fruits and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
   • coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
   • caffeinated soft drinks
   • tea
   • All caffeinated beverages
   • Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some people with acid reflux

Tips & Warnings

• Acid Reflux is not something to take lightly. If you have continuous problems see your doctor. There are medications that can help you.
• Pay attention to what causes your symptoms and stop eating those foods.
• If you have been using over-the-counter medicine for acid reflux for more than a month, go to the doctor.
• Long-term, untreated acid reflux increases your risk for cancer.