Lifestyle Changes:

For many people, the following changes to lifestyle habits are the first step to preventing heartburn and acid reflux:


  • Avoid foods and beverages such as chocolate, tomato-based foods, fried or fatty foods, nuts, citrus, alcohol, tea, coffee, and cola which can aggravate heartburn
  • Eat smaller meals to reduce stomach pressure
  • Take a moderately paced walk after eating to help digestion
  • Avoid going to bed or lying down within two hours after eating
  • Use pillows to keep your upper body elevated while you sleep
  • Avoid tight clothing around the waist or chest.
  • Develop effective ways to handle stress
  • Stop smoking - Smoking causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, encouraging acid to splash up into the esophagus
  • Shed a few pounds if you're overweight
Medication:

Your doctor may suggest medications to reduce heartburn and/or acid reflux.


  • Antacids - neutralize excess stomach acid. Brands include TUMS®, Maalox® and Rolaids®.

  • H2 Blockers – taken as oral dose pills, work systemically (absorbed into the bloodstream) to reduce the amount of acid that is released into the stomach. Available OTC or by prescription. OTC brands include Pepcid® and Zantac®.

  • Alginates – work non-systemically (not in the bloodstream) to form a protective barrier in the stomach that helps block acid from splashing up into your esophagus. Because of the way in which they work, alginates are particularly effective for relief from acid reflux. The protective barrier gets rid of painful heartburn fast and helps block acid reflux for hours. Alginates provide faster relief than H2 blockers and longer-lasting relief than antacids. Gaviscon® is an example of an alginate.

  • PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) - taken as oral dose pills, work systemically (absorbed into the bloodstream) to reduce the amount of acid that is released into the stomach. Available by prescription only. Brands include Nexium® and Prevacid®.