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Welcome to Your Health Online
September 2010
Heartburn
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A guide to alternative relief
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Let’s face it! You’re only human, and you’re not always going to do what’s best for you. So when someone tells you the best way to avoid heartburn is to keep away from those foods you love, or keep your weight down, or reduce stress, you may know they’re right. But you’re not always going to listen!!!

So the question is what’s the best way to survive heartburn? What’s new? And how do you keep those burning pains under control?

Know what’s causing the trouble

Heartburn is a digestive problem that actually has nothing to do with the heart. You’ll feel it as a “burning” pain behind the breastbone. Heartburn occurs when acid moves up from your stomach and into the esophagus or food pipe. And it is usually related to certain meals, beverages or posture.

Know your heartburn triggers

What triggers your bouts with heartburn? Here are some of the most common:

  • Hot and spicy foods
  • Coffee, soft drinks and other beverages with caffeine
  • Citrus foods and juices
  • Tomato products, such as salsa
  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Stress

If you’re not sure, keep a personal log. If you know what’s triggering your heartburn, you can avoid the triggers altogether. Or be quick with treatment!

The treatments

Until now, most Canadians treated everyday heartburn with either an antacid or an acid reducer. Or both.

  • An antacid works at neutralizing the existing stomach acid. The biggest benefit of an antacid is that it goes to work, fast. But it’s biggest problem is acid continues to be produced. So you’ll probably find yourself re-dosing again and again.

  • An acid reducer (or acid controller), such as PEPCIDŽ AC controls the production of acid for as much as 12 hours. It can also be effective, when taken in advance to prevent heartburn altogether. For instance, before you’re going out for a spicy dinner. Some people say, however, that acid reducers may take a bit longer to initially relieve the discomfort of heartburn.

There are quite a few people will take both antacids and an acid to treat the same bout of heartburn. However, there’s now an alternative.

Good news, an alternative to double dosing!

If you want the benefit of fast heartburn relief, but you don’t want to keep re-dosing, you’ll probably find a brand new heartburn remedy most effective.

PEPCIDŽ COMPLETE is the first and only heartburn treatment that combines the speed of an antacid with the 12-hour acid control of an acid controller. This means you only have to take one dose medicine. So it’s a good alternative to taking both antacids and acid reducers.

PEPCIDŽ COMPLETE is also good for the occasional heartburn flare-ups that can happen if you’re on a heartburn medication.

More strategies for survival

If you want to minimize the effect of heartburn, there are simple habit changes you can make, too. For instance:

  • Slow down when eating.
  • Don’t lie down after meals.
  • Elevate the head of your bed.
  • Wear loose fitting clothing.
  • Don’t smoke, or at least cut back.

Caution for all medication use

It is important to remember that if your heartburn doesn’t go away, you may have a more serious problem. If you find you need heartburn medications for more than two consecutive weeks, talk to your doctor. And, always read the information included with any non-prescription medications before use.

Further Reading

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Don't let your regular routine get sidetracked!

Why Do I Have Trouble Digesting Dairy?
Our most frequently asked questions about lactose intolerance.

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