How to Actually Stop Heartburn Before It Starts

Burn Baby Burn: Here’s something we can probably all agree on: heartburn sucks. It’s not a big deal if that burning feeling (caused by stomach acid flowing back up into your esophagus) only creeps up in your chest once in a while (like after scarfing down spicy takeout and flopping on the couch). But something bigger (like GERD) could be happening if it’s two or more times a week. Luckily, beating heartburn is a very achievable goal.

How To Do It: Start with how you eat. Pay attention to and avoid your personal trigger foods (common ones include citrus, coffee, and rich or fatty meals). Eating smaller meals throughout the day means less acid production overall, and skipping late-night eating and sleeping propped up can help, too. If those steps don’t work, there’s also a full range of OTC and prescription options to discuss with a doctor.

The Benefits: Addressing heartburn can do more than ease discomfort. Left untreated, that repeated exposure can inflame the esophagus and cause scarring and narrowing. In rare cases, it can even lead to Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.