It is no secret that many people suffer from heartburn and need remedies.  In fact, Nexium has been promoted so heavily that it is now the second most popular prescription drug in the US.  Another popular drug for heartburn is Prilosec.

However, researchers are now telling people that these drugs can cause detrimental side effects.  In fact, the Archives of Internal Medicine is reporting that these drugs can suppress the body’s natural stomach acid.  This can increase a risk of infection with intestinal bacterial.  Some research has also shown that heartburn medicine can lead to pneumonia.

In many cases, people take medication for their heartburn when it isn’t really necessary.  In fact, natural remedies can often cure heartburn.  Mitchell Katz, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health stated in regards to these heartburn drugs, "Beyond symptom relief, there's no long-term benefit to taking them, while there are some long-term risks.”

U.S. News and World Reports recently published natural suggestions for avoiding heartburn.  Many of these tips are just simple lifestyle changes that anyone can easily make.

1. Stay away from foods that trigger heartburn

Those who get heartburn should stay away from foods that are common triggers such as orange juice, chocolate, spicy foods, tomato sauces, and fried greasy foods.  If you skip these foods, you are less likely to get heartburn.

2. Don’t lie down after eating

Once you eat, it is a good idea to sit up to support digestion.  Gravity helps stomach acid from coming up your esophagus.

3. Don’t exercise right after you eat

If you work out intensely after eating, reflux is more likely.  This is due to the fact that your digestive process has been slowed.

4. Choose smaller portions

It is better to eat smaller “mini meals” instead of large meals.  Of course, eating large meals right before bedtime is the worst.

5. Less caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can relax the esophageal sphincter muscles; normally, this muscle keeps stomach acid from reaching the esophagus.  This fact also is true for cigarettes.  Obviously, cigarettes should be avoided by everyone.

6. Eat more slowly

Make sure that you chew slowly.  It is also suggested to set your fork down between bites.

7. Don’t wear tight clothing

Often people trigger acid reflux by wearing tight clothing.  Changing what you wear easily solves this problem.

8. Relax more

People who are stress free are less likely to experience heartburn.  If you feel you are stressed, try techniques like yoga and meditation.  Frequent exercise also relieves stress.

9. Lose weight

Excess weight around the abdomen makes it more likely that stomach acid will hit the esophagus.

10. Chew more gum

The act of chewing gum produces more saliva and can neutralize stomach acid.  If possible, try to avoid gum with aspartame and other artificial ingredients.  Try "Spry" gum, which is my gum of choice. Instead of aspartame, it contains all-natural Xylitol.

11. Use your knees when bending

This can lessen heartburn symptoms as opposed to bending over at your waist, which can encourage heartburn symptoms.

12. Raise your bed head

When you are in bed, try elevating your head 6 inches.  Some people put blocks under their bedpost.  If your chest is elevated during sleep, you are less likely to have reflux at night.

Sources
health.usnews.com