HEARTBURN PREVENTION

Given the lack of completely satisfactory treatments for heartburn or its consequences and the lack of a cure for esophageal cancer, prevention is of the utmost importance. Proponents of traditional and alternative medicine agree that people disposed to heartburn should:

Avoid eating large meals.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, fried foods, hot or spicy foods, chocolate, peppermint, and nicotine.
Avoid drugs known to contribute to heartburn, such as nitrates (heart medications like Isonate and Nitrocap), calcium channel blockers (e.g., Cardizem and Procardia), and anticholinergic drugs (e.g., Pro-banthine and Bentyl), and check with their doctors about any drugs they are taking.
Avoid clothing that fits tightly around the abdomen.
Control body weight.
Wait about three hours after eating before going to bed or lying down.
Elevate the head of their bed six to nine inches to alleviate heartburn at night. This can be done with bricks under the bed or with a wedge designed for this purpose.