Live Well and Suffer Less

Heartburn happens. But there are more than a few things you can do to keep the burn at bay. Some simple changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference in how often you get heartburn — and how severe it is.

Here are a few quick tips to avoid heartburn or keep it from getting worse:

• Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating
• Do not eat late at night, or just before bedtime
• Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause heartburn symptoms, such as rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, even some fruits and vegetables
• Eat slowly and do not eat big meals
• Do not exercise right after eating
• If you are overweight, lose weight
• If you smoke, quit smoking
• Raise the head of your bed 4 to 8 inches
• Wear loose-fitting clothing around your stomach