Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with heartburn.

Lose: Lose weight! avoid nexium-like meds in favor of drugs like generic ranitidine, fewer side effects!

Ignore: Take your proton pump inhibitor in the morning 20 mins before breakfast (before brushing your teeth).

Ignore: Don't ignore important symptoms like worsening heartburn or trouble swallowing. Get an EGD.

Ignore: Losing weight can help decrease heartburn symptoms, even just a few pounds.

Ignore: Do: get tested for H. pylori Don't: overdo spicy foods, coffee and chocolate.

Ignore: Sleep with the head of the bed elevated and wait 30 minutes after eating before lying down.

Ignore: Consider the use of enzymes and probiotics.

Ignore: Avoid foods high in acid, fatty foods, caffiene, and alcohol. Avoid lying flat, situps, straining.

Ignore: Sleep on your left side to help reduce nighttime heartburn symptoms.

Ignore: When stopping a PPI, like Prilosec or Nexium, (esomeprazole) your heartburn may temporarily get worse.

Ignore: For bad heartburn, raise the head of the bed using a 2-4 block of wood under the legs, it works.

Ignore: Too fatty, too saucy, not good for heartburn. Eat healthy, eat light and will make you feel better.

Ignore: Chronic GERD lasting over 5 years requires an EGD to evaluate for Barrett's Esophagus.

Ignore: Do see your doctor if heartburn is longstanding or progressive; & Don't risk cancer by ignoring it.

Ignore: Don't eat late at night, don't lay flat after eating, avoid spicy foods, take meds as prescribed.

You: You can significantly reduce Heartburn by: reducing or quitting Smoking and Alcohol consumption.

Antacids: Antacids like Tums (calcium carbonate) and Rolaids work much faster to relieve occasional heartburn than Prilosec/Zantac.

Chewing: Chewing gum for 30-60 minutes after eating helps reduce heartburn.(Avoid spearmint and peppermint).

Prolonged: Prolonged use of PPI's like Prilosec(omeprazole) may cause osteoporosis and Vitamin B12 deficiency.