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Excess weight puts pressure on your stomach and diaphragm, forcing open the lower esophageal sphincter and allowing stomach acids to back up. Exercise and weight reduction can decrease your risk of heartburn. |
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Tight belts and clothes that bind can also put pressure on your stomach and worsen your heartburn. Loosen up! Make sure you're not wearing anything that puts extra pressure on your stomach and diaphragm. |
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There's fire, and we mean the fiery sensation of heartburn that can be triggered by smoking. Cigarette smoking inhibits saliva, which is one of our protective barriers against damage to the esophagus. If you smoke, you might want to consider stopping or decreasing your cigarette use. |
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Lying flat may allow stomach acids to creep up into the throat. You might try to raise the head of your bed four to eight inches. Raising the bed works better than just propping up pillows. Avoid eating right before you go to bed, and remember that Tagamet HB 200® offers heartburn relief for up to 8 hours. |
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Alcohol has been known to be a "heartburn trigger." Alcohol weakens the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acids to travel up to the esophagus. Try not to drink close to bedtime, or try many of the non-alcoholic drinks available. |
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