How Can I Get Rid of Heartburn?

Do Away With Heartburn

From the Zone Diet

Heartburn, that fiery sensation that can happen in the chest after a meal, is never pleasant. According to Dr. Sears, "Heartburn is common, and an occasional episode is generally nothing to worry about. However, frequent heartburn can be a serious problem, and it deserves medical attention." He goes on to explain that heartburn is a symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While GERD is typically treated with medicine, dietary and lifestyle changes can help cool the burn, too.

Here is Dr. Sears' advice for minimizing the burn:

• Nighttime heartburn is common when food is consumed too close to bedtime. "If you're eating dinner just two hours before bedtime, I suggest skipping your bedtime snack, especially if it's causing heartburn pain," he says. "A better idea, however, may be to eat a smaller dinner and a regular Zone snack two or three hours later."
• Avoid irritating foods. "Meals that are too high in protein and saturated fat can become difficult to digest, particularly if you don't drink enough water throughout the day," says Dr. Sears. Other common heartburn irritants include caffeinated beverages, spicy food, alcohol (especially red wine), peppermint, and chocolate.
• Lie right. You can also help prevent nighttime heartburn by reclining with your head slightly propped up on some pillows — to keep it above your stomach — when you first go to bed.
• If your heartburn becomes severe, be sure to consult your physician.

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