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Control Heartburn

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

More than 60 million American adults experience GERD and heartburn or acid indigestion at least once a month, and about 25 million adults suffer daily from heartburn.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes
Here's How:
  1. Avoid foods and beverages that affect LES pressure or irritate the esophagus lining, including fried and fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruit and juices, and tomato products.
  2. Lose weight if overweight.
  3. Stop smoking.
  4. Elevate the head of your bed 6 inches.
  5. Avoid lying down 2 to 3 hours after eating.
  6. Take an over-the-counter antacid. If that doesn't help, ask your doctor for a prescription product such as Nexium.
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