Heartburn is a pain that most of us suffer from time to time, after eating of drinking a little to much. There are plenty of over the counter heartburn medications, but there has been an interest in some of the heartburn home remedies. The pain of heartburn is caused by the acid that helps to digest our foods is not kept in the stomach and starts to flow back or reflux back up the esophagus and will burn. There is a valve or a lid called the lower esophageal sphincter or commonly called the LES.. Its job is to open when we swallow food and drink and then stay closed. The problem is sometimes the stomach produces to much acids or the sphincter relaxes and allows the acid to reflux into the esophagus and burn.

Over eating is a cause of the common heartburn. So slow down and eat less. Acids can be forced up into the esophagus when it is too full and in turn produce more acids. Over the counter antacids are generally helpful and effective. Most of the common over the counter antacids will contain a mixture of magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. While one will cause diarrhea one will constipate and when combined they counteract each other. While the over the counter antacids may have very few side effects, if taken for a long period of time, they may be masking a more serious condition.

After eating, do not lay down for two hours. It is best to also have the head and chest raised higher then the feet. Gravity will help to do the rest. Try placing blocks under the head of the bed or placing a wedge under the head of the mattress, but extra pillows do not tend to work.

Do not take milk or mints for heartburn. This one of the heartburn home remedies could make a bad situation worse. The mints or just one of the several foods that will relax the lower esophageal sphincter or the LES that is the value used to stop the reflux. Some other foods that relax the sphincter is wine, beer, other alcoholic beverages and tomatoes. The fats, proteins and calcium of the milk can stimulate the stomach to produce and secrete more acid. While it will help the throat going down, in the stomach it has a different effect.

Caffeine drinks, such as tea, coffee and sodas might irritate a already inflamed esophagus and relax the sphincter. Chocolate has a double effect with the fats and caffeine. White chocolate has as much fat but little caffeine.

Avoid tobacco smoke. While it relaxes the sphincter, it also increases acid production. Carbonated drinks can extend the stomach and will have the same effects as overeating. Greasy, fried, and fatty foods will sit in the stomach longer and produce surplus acid production. Being over weight, the extra fat will squeeze the stomach. Wear loose fitting clothes, nothing tight and binding on the waistline. Bending your knees instead of bending the waist can help. Some prescription drugs such as antidepressants and sedatives can aggravate heartburn pain. Check and discuss with your doctor.

Not all people are effected by the spicy chili peppers are the acidic foods like oranges and lemons, but some people are. It is suggested for you to keep a heartburn journal to help determine what does and does not bother you. If problems continue more then two months or happens over two times a week, try checking with you doctor. The journal will help the doctor to determine a course of action.