Suffering from a frequent Heartburn? Here’s how to handle it
The best way to avoid heartburn is not to lie down at least for 2 hours after meals. It’s good to do a light walk after a meal, as it helps digestion.
While most Antacids can ease the heartburn immediately. The following tips will help you get some relief from heartburn.
1. Change your diet
Stay away from beverages and foods that commonly cause heartburn. Common foods that can trigger heartburn include tea, coffee, tomatoes, garlic, fatty foods & oily, spicy foods, milk, chocolate, and peppermint.
2. Avoid overeating
Overeating can trigger heartburn. Big meals put pressure on the muscle that helps keep stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus.
The more food you eat, the longer it takes for your stomach to empty, which contributes to acid reflux. Try eating 6 small meals a day to keep reflux at bay.
3. Avoid alcohol
4. Chew sugar-free gum after meals
5. Stop smoking
6. Antacids
7. Contact your doctor
Your doctor may suggest antacids for occasional heartburn. Sometimes, more powerful prescription medications such as pump inhibitors or blockers and are needed to treat chronic heartburn.
If everything else fails, surgery may be required. Seek immediate help if Heartburn occurs more than twice a week. If the following symptoms persist do seek an appointment with Dr. Samrat Jankar, a practicing gastroenterologist in Pune.
Do not overlook symptoms like :
- Symptoms persist despite the use of antacids
- You have difficulty swallowing.
- You have persistent nausea or vomiting.
- You have weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating.