Eating right to help manage your heartburn
If you've been suffering from heartburn for a while, you know that it is very important to watch what you eat. But it's not always the hot and spicy dishes that are responsible for making your heartburn worse. In fact, you may be surprised at some of the foods that can trigger heartburn.

Foods to avoid
Certain foods, often called "triggers," can bring on heartburn. Some of these foods already contain large amounts of acid.


Bigger isn't better
Keep in mind that how much you eat can cause symptoms as easily as what you eat. So try to keep your portions to a reasonable size. In fact, many people with acid reflux disease find it helpful to eat smaller portions. Larger portions tend to cause heartburn.

Lying down after eating may allow acid to flow out of the stomach and into the esophagus. So help yourself out and avoid eating within 3 hours before bedtime.

Tips for dining out
When you eat at restaurants, there are temptations and pitfalls on the menu that can bring on heartburn. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay the course while dining out:

• Pick restaurants that offer variety. It's easier to avoid trigger foods when you have more choices
• Speak up. If you're not sure what's in a dish, ask your server. See if dishes can be made without your trigger foods or in a low-fat version, even if they're not on the menu
• Watch "weighty" words. When the menu reads supersize, jumbo, deep-fried, or extra, it usually means it's high in fat
• Share and share alike. Larger meals can bring on heartburn. Split dishes with friends to enjoy your favorite foods without overdoing it
• Don't stuff yourself. Put extra food in a doggie bag and take it home for later. How much you eat doesn't have to depend on how much is on your plate
• Limit alcohol consumption. Eating out can make you feel festive, but remember that alcoholic beverages can bring on a bout of reflux
• Eat slowly. You'll be more likely to feel full before you've eaten too much
• Ask for sauces on the side. It lets you test the waters before you dive in. Some sauces and dressings can be acidic or too rich
• "All-you-can-eat" may be too much. You'll be less likely to overeat if you go a la carte rather than buffet

This is not a substitute for medical advice. Only your doctor can determine if you have acid reflux disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.



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