Heartburn is very common, it begins with a burning sensation that starts in the abdomen and move to the chest. It often goes to the back of the throat and sometimes up to the jaw, arms, and back. It is caused by stomach acid washing up into the esophagus. The heart actually has nothing to do with heart burn; it is just the name it got from the sensations it creates.

Heartburn occurs mostly after eating a large meal or a meal with fatty or acid foods in it. Heartburn can also result after taking aspirin, drinking alcohol, smoking, and eating chocolate. Pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and stress can also create heartburn. People who have GERD often get heartburn frequently.

Antacids are the most common treatment of heartburn. They can be found in tablets, liquid, or foams and in extra strength or regular formulas. They can provide practically instant relief from heartburn. They do not reduce any acid build up or feelings of fullness in the stomach. They have ingredients like aluminum hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, or calcium carbonate. Calcium can actually cause more stomach acid to build up so taking antacids with calcium is not going to provide relief for long. Sometimes antacids cannot be taken with other medications so check with you doctor. Some of those medications are iron supplements, aspirin, and steroids.

Most people lie to use milk to relief their heartburn. This is not a good antidote. Drinking a glass of milk can provide immediate relief as it is going down but the milk has calcium and protein in it. Calcium and protein can actually create even more acid production in the stomach. So in as little as a half an hour your heart burn has returned and it is more severe than when you drank the milk.

If you get heartburn frequently avoiding certain things can help to prevent it from reoccurring. Smoking, alcohol, coffee, and carbonated drinks can worsen heartburn and create it. Things like onions, tomato products, and citrus fruits can cause heartburn as well. Lying down to much can cause heartburn, even lying down after eating. Eating chocolate, mints, and peppermints can all cause heartburn. Anything spicy can cause heart burn, same with fatty foods. Losing weight if you are obese can make heartburn go away that was brought on by obesity. Medications like sedatives and aspirins can cause heartburn as well.

Some other things you can do to help your heart burn is place blocks under the head of your bed about 6 inches tall so that it makes an incline and you're not lying flat. Eat 2 to 3 hours before you lie down, and don't over eat. Avoid wearing belts and tight clothes.

Avoid drinks that are to hot or too cold. Find ways to reduce stress.

Another thing you can try is taking an herbal supplement. Heartburn Prevention by Renewal Life an advanced digestive enzyme supplement made for prevention of heartburn. It has betaine hydrochloride from beets and 3 different plant based digestive enzymes. The 3 digestive enzymes are protease, amylase, and lipase; they promote the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The hydrochloric acid helps to prevent indigestion. This product can be found at Alternative Health Supplements and is all natural and safe for even vegans to use.