Stop Heartburn With These Tips

Here are some of registered dietitian and author Pat Baird’s tips for preventing heartburn and other digestive problems:

Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus.

Spices that can irritate your stomach include pepper, garlic, mint, cloves, chili powder, nutmeg and mustard seeds.

Avoid alcohol, chocolate, peppermint and nicotine, which can cause the muscle between the stomach and esophagus to relax and let food pass back into the esophagus.

Avoid lying down within two to three hours of eating; otherwise gravity can cause food to return to the esophagus.

Chew foods thoroughly and eat more slowly so the stomach has less work to do.

Eat six small meals instead of three large ones.

Drink six to eight glasses of water each day.

Eat a variety of foods in moderation; for example, instead of always having a banana for breakfast, try a mango or papaya.

Gradually increase your fiber intake and decrease the amount of fat in your diet.

Avoid swallowing air as you eat (don’t talk with your mouth full or use a straw to sip drinks).

If you make these changes and they don’t help your digestive problems within three to four weeks, it’s time to see your doctor.

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