Lifestyle changes can reduce heartburn

ROCHESTER, Minn., April 27 (UPI) -- Several lifestyle changes can help reduce heartburn, a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, say U.S. researchers.

The May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers tips to reduce or eliminate symptoms:

-- Eat smaller meals: Smaller meals reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a ring of muscles that normally keeps digestive acid in the stomach, helping prevent acid reflux;

-- Avoid triggers: Most people have specific heartburn triggers such as fatty or fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onion, tomato-based foods, spicy foods, citrus foods, caffeine or nicotine;

-- Loosen your belt: Tightness around the waist pressures the lower abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter;

-- Don't lie down after a meal: Wait at least three hours after eating before going to bed or lying down;

-- Try to lose weight: Being overweight is one of the greatest risk factors for heartburn.