Heartburn is something that can ruin any great dining experience, and many people will fight with it at some point in their lives. There are different things that might bring on heartburn, including upset stomach, pregnancy, overeating, or irritating food; however, some people are just prone to heartburn. There are many options available over the counter for heartburn sufferers, but if you suffer from heartburn more than occasionally, you should speak to your doctor about what the best option is for you.
Antacids – Commonly used heartburn medications are Alka-Seltzer, Tums, Maalox, and Pepto-Bismol. They often come in a liquid form or a chewable tablet, and they work immediately. The problem with these medications is that sometimes they take multiple doses to get the issue under control. While there is no harm in taking multiple doses of most of these medications for short periods of time, it is not an ideal solution. Some medications also contain calcium, and too much calcium can be harmful to the body. Many of these medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but as always consult your doctor first.
Acid reducers – There are many blockers reduce the production of acid in the stomach. Well known brands include Pepcid AC and Zantac. There are two versions of most of these medications available, prescription and non-prescription strength. You can take these medications for a longer time, but only if they are effective, and if you work with your doctor.
Long-term heartburn can cause ulcers and severe irritation in your digestive track and throat, so it is important to find a medication that works. While non-prescription medications can work well for people who suffer form occasional heartburn, you may need something stronger if your problem is ongoing, and it is only moderately helped by the medications listed above.
You should work with your doctor to figure out the underlying cause of your heartburn. A combination of dietary changes and medication can really make your life more comfortable.
Other tips include:
Increasing dairy intake – Drink a glass of milk at the end of each meal or before you go to bed. This can help stabilize your stomach and keep contents down.
Don’t go to bed on a full stomach – Eat your last meal a few hours before you go to bed to allow your food time to digest.
Eat smaller meals – Instead of eating three large meals, try to eat smaller portions spread out throughout the day.
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