Heartburn, pain and discomfort caused by the stomach acids getting into the lower esophagus, is very unpleasant and can ruin a nice family dinner or a night out with friends, but is avoidable and treatable. If it is a chronic condition, then there may be a more serious cause for heartburn and a doctor should be consulted.

Heartburn may be caused by eating too fast and/or eating too much.

Eating chocolate, foods high in fat, and drinking beverages that contain alcohol can also cause heartburn; beer, in addition to milk, coffee, and sodas, increase the acidity of the stomach.

Lying down right after eating will probably cause heartburn, and even nausea. The lying down alters the direction of gravity and slows down/alters the digestive process. Standing or sitting up helps digestion. If you need to lie down, wait 2-3 hours after you eat.

Pungent/spicy foods, such as curry, jalapeno, and pizza with crushed red pepper, and acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruit, also tend to cause heartburn.

Most of the time, if you stay away from eating/drinking too much of the foods mentioned, you don’t lie down right after eating, and you don’t over-eat or eat too fast, you will avoid heartburn. Eating healthy (plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, minimal amount of greasy foods) and drinking enough water will also help you avoid heartburn.

If you have heartburn, drinking peppermint tea will help relieve it. Eating a few TUMS is also a popular remedy, but is loaded with food coloring. I prefer the peppermint tea .