Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It can be uncomfortable and even painful. Luckily, there are many ways to prevent heartburn from occurring. Follow these tips to keep heartburn at bay:.

Eat smaller meals

Large meals can lead to heartburn, so try to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. This will ensure that your stomach isn’t too full, which can cause acid reflux.

Avoid trigger foods

Certain foods can trigger heartburn, such as spicy foods, onions, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Pay attention to what foods trigger your heartburn and avoid them.

Don’t lie down after eating

After eating, wait at least two hours before lying down or going to bed. This will give your stomach time to digest the food, preventing acid reflux.

Elevate your head while sleeping

If you suffer from nighttime heartburn, elevate your head while sleeping. This will help keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

Avoid tight clothing

Tight clothing can put pressure on your stomach, causing acid reflux. Wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent heartburn.

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Lose weight

If you’re overweight, losing weight can help prevent heartburn. Extra weight puts pressure on the stomach, which can cause acid reflux.

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Alcohol and smoking can both trigger heartburn. Avoid or limit your intake of alcohol, and quit smoking to prevent heartburn.

Chew gum

Chewing gum can help neutralize stomach acid and prevent heartburn. Choose sugar-free gum to avoid sugar-related heartburn.

Avoid eating before bedtime

Don’t eat within two to three hours before bedtime. This will ensure that your stomach is empty and not producing excess stomach acid.

Consider medication

If you suffer from chronic heartburn, speak to your doctor about medication options. Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can all help prevent heartburn.