“I feel like my heart is on fire“. I hear patients complain of heart burn and ask for help a lot. well, I understand that those burritos heaped with hot salsa sure look good. But they’ll leave you with a heartburn “hangover.” Fortunately, this condition doesn’t have to take over your life. Treatments range from natural remedies and over-the-counter pills to surgeries, depending on your case.

Food  and Beverages to Avoid

A slice of your favorite pizza could keep you up all night because of your heart burn. You need to watch what you eat to avoid your Acid Reflux (GERD). Tomatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, peppermint, fatty foods, and citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit, spicy foods are a trigger, try milder versions rather than giving up your favorite foods altogether. It is also better if you eat 3 to 4 hours before your bedtime.You may also need to avoid some drinks. these include coffee, tea, sodas, alcohol, tomato juice, and orange juice. However, unless these are causing you acid reflux symptoms, you don’t have to avoid them.

Do You Exercise?

Some types of exercise can increase abdominal pressure, increasing the risk of acid reflux. Others could help by reversing the natural flow of digestion. Headstands and inverted yoga poses, such as downward dog, are good examples. Abdominal crunches can be a problem, because the motion may thrust stomach acids into the esophagus.

Raise The Head of Your Bed

If you experience nighttime heartburn, try placing blocks under the legs of your bed to raise the head about 6 inches, or sleep with your upper body on a wedge pillow. This strategy uses gravity to keep stomach acids where they belong. It could help you avoid the aggressive nighttime heartburn.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes

It may sounds odd, but this could serve as another way to ease heartburn. It helps take pressure off the abdomen. Lose excess weight and wear loose-fitting clothes and belts.

Treatment Options

Anatacids are available over-the-counter and are not as strong as other GERD medications.That being said, when used properly, antacids can be useful in relieving the occasional heartburn and indigestion. Still, it is much better if you prevent the heartburn from occurring in the first place, rather than treating the heartburn after it happens. If you still can’t find relief, then you may need to consult with your provider for a better option.

Is it Really a Heartburn or a Heart Attack?

Heartburn, angina and heart attack may feel very much alike. Even experienced doctors can’t always tell the difference from your medical history and a physical exam. That’s why if you go to the emergency room because of chest pain, you’ll immediately have tests to rule out a heart attack.The pain doesn’t have to last a long time to be a warning sign. Call  911 if you experience if you experience a persistent pain that won’t go away.

Don’t forget to consult with your provider before taking any medicine. A provider has to evaluate your case before recommending a treatment option that would help you.