Heartburn is a very common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in your chest or throat.

The most common symptoms of heartburn include burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Although heartburn can be quite uncomfortable, it is generally not a serious condition. There are many effective method for treating heartburn, including lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

1. Avoid Trigger Foods

One of the most effective ways to prevent heartburn is to avoid trigger foods. Certain foods and beverages can trigger the symptoms of heartburn, including alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and onions.

If you are prone to heartburn, it’s best to avoid these trigger foods whenever possible.

2. Eat Smaller Meals

Eating smaller, more frequent meals can reduce your risk of experiencing heartburn. Large meals can put pressure on your stomach and cause acid to be pushed into your esophagus.

Instead of eating three large meals each day, try eating five or six smaller meals throughout the day.

3. Raise the Head of Your Bed

If you experience heartburn at night, raising the head of your bed can help. Elevating the head of your bed by six to eight inches can prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus while you sleep.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking can aggravate the symptoms of heartburn. When you smoke, you are more likely to swallow air, which can cause your stomach to distend and increase pressure on your esophageal sphincter.

This can cause acid to flow back into your esophagus and trigger heartburn. If you smoke, quitting can help prevent heartburn.

5. Wear Loose Clothing

Tight clothing can put pressure on your abdomen and worsen symptoms of heartburn. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can help prevent heartburn.

6. Manage Stress

Stress can increase the production of stomach acid and worsen symptoms of heartburn.

Implementing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation techniques can help manage stress and reduce the frequency of heartburn.

7. Over-the-counter Medications

There are many over-the-counter medications that can help relieve heartburn symptoms, including antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid, while H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors work by reducing the production of stomach acid.

8. Prescription Medications

If over-the-counter medications are not effective, your doctor might prescribe medication to help relieve symptoms of heartburn. These medications include prescription strength antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

Your doctor will determine the best medication for you based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

9. Surgery

If heartburn is severe and persistent, surgery may be an option. A surgical procedure called fundoplication can be used to reinforce your lower esophageal sphincter, preventing stomach acid from refluxing back into your esophagus.

This surgery is typically considered a last resort and is only used when other treatments have failed.

10. Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies that can help relieve symptoms of heartburn, including ginger, slippery elm, chewing gum, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

These remedies work by soothing the stomach lining and reducing inflammation, which can help relieve heartburn symptoms.