For most people heartburn is just an occasional irritation. But for millions of people the heartburn pain requires the sufferers to try to medicate their symptoms. Heartburn is often the pain we experience in the middle of our chest, usually after a meal. This is caused when the stomach acids that help to digest our food is not kept inside the stomach area.

After chewing, the food travels down the esophagus or the food pipe to the lower esophagus sphincter commonly referred to as the LES. This is really the opening of the stomach. The LES is designed to open to allow for the food to enter but to then stay shut or closed to contain the stomach acids. If the stomach acids is overproduced or if the LES is not working properly, the acids will travel up or reflux back into the esophagus. If the stomach muscles or not working properly or if an over production of the stomach acid occurs on a regular basics, the heartburn will also occur more often. This can be a symptom of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease commonly referred to as GERD. If your experience the heartburn symptoms more then two times a week, and your treatment does not seem to work, you may need to see your family doctor.

GERD can and will lower your quality of life. From the symptoms of belching, heartburn, chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or even difficulty with swallowing. Bad breath or sour taste, to inflammation of the gums and erosion of tooth enamel has been noted. Including the lack of sleep and the loss of money on the over the counter medication does not work can be part of the symptoms.

Try changing your lifestyle and diet. While your diet does not cause the GERD, what you eat will aggravate the most common symptom of the GERD which is the heartburn. Do not over eat and eat slowly may help. Avoiding certain foods that increase the acids in the stomach can also help. Some of the foods may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter allowing the acids to reflux. Limit of avoid tea and coffee, carbonated drinks with or without caffeine, acidic foods such as citrus and tomatoes can be helpful. Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, fatty foods, fried foods will also help. Onions, peppermint and chocolate may cause irritation.

Try keeping a heartburn journal to help determine what causes or irritates your heartburn. This is one of the best ways to learn what your heartburn triggers are and thereby help you to limit or avoid them. Do not lay down for two or three hours after a meal and elevate your head and chest so it is higher then your feet. Wear loose fitting clothes and losing weight if you need to can also help. But wait at least two hours after eating before exercising, drinking plenty of water before, during and after exercise is very important. Keeping the heartburn journal is a great way for you to determine what foods, situations or activities trigger your heartburn. This will be a great tool for your doctor to use if needed.