Reducing the burden of Heartburn & Indigestion

The way you eat:

• Eating large meals can cause your stomach to produce too much acid. Physically 'overfilling' the stomach can create pressure and cause acid to escape.
• Eating irregularly or too quickly can mean that acid levels in the stomach don't have time to regulate.
• Eating on the run or just before bedtime can make it easier for acid to escape back up into the oesophagus (food pipe).

The types of food you eat:

• Fatty foods tend to stay in your stomach for longer because fats are slower to digest.
• Foods such as chocolate and mint may have a relaxant effect on the sphincter (ring of muscle) at the entrance to the stomach enabling acid to escape back up.
• Spicy foods, onions and tomato products.

The types of drinks you drink:

• Caffeinated drinks and alcohol tend to increase acidity in your stomach.
• Very hot drinks and citrus juices may also be triggers.

Pregnancy:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy.
• The baby physically putting pressure on the woman's digestive tract.

Other known triggers:

• Stress.
• Some medicines, such as those for heart problems, asthma and high blood pressure.
• Being overweight.
• Wearing tight clothes which can put pressure on your stomach.
• Smoking can encourage acid production and cause the sphincter to relax.