According to a recent survey, Americans and other westerners suffer from heartburn symptoms more often than people from Asian and eastern countries. Every day people buy hundreds of antacids and other over the counter remedies to stop heartburn. It may not be easy to try to change habits that lead to heartburn symptoms, but it could be worth the effort. Heartburn symptoms experienced once or more per week may need to be evaluated by a physician, particularly if you try to make changes in your eating habits and the heartburn persists.

You may be able to stop heartburn symptoms by eating smaller meals more frequently. This technique is also recommended for those who have problems with their weight. Regular exercise is also a good idea. Obese and overweight people have more heartburn symptoms than those who are not overweight. The extra pounds put more pressure on the stomach, causing the stomach acid to leak up into the esophagus. It is this flowing back of the stomach acid that is referred to in medical terminology as acid reflux. Stomach acid in the esophagus causes the burning sensation, which is one of the primary heartburn symptoms. The acid can eventually erode the lining of the esophagus. Efforts to stop heartburn or relieve heartburn symptoms include neutralizing the stomach acid, soothing the throat and/or relieving the gas. But, it is important to make efforts to stop heartburn from happening in the first place.

Anxiety and stress lead to heartburn symptoms in many people. Some people experience heartburn symptoms for the first time during an unusually stressful period in their lives. The stomach produces more acid during these times. Some people have been able to stop heartburn by addressing the anxiety and stress. Meditation, deep muscle relaxation, as well as anti-anxiety medications have reduced the number of heartburn symptoms experienced in some cases. Anxiety can be serious and is sometimes accompanied by depression, which can be very serious. It is best not to ignore frequent symptoms of anxiety, just as it is important not to ignore frequent heartburn symptoms.

It may be possible to stop heartburn symptoms naturally by watching what you eat or making lifestyle changes. Spicy and fried foods often lead to heartburn. But most people experience heartburn occasionally. Big holiday meals are common culprits. If you don’t like the chalky taste of antacids, there are drops available that include fennel and mint oils and provide relief from occasional heartburn symptoms.