Heartburn's no Fun

If you suffer from occasional or persistent heartburn, you may need to pay more attention to what you eat-- and when you eat it.  Heartburn, which actually doesn't involve the heart, only the esophagus and the valve leading into the stomach, can cause anything from mild discomfort to real pain, coughing, hoarseness and headache, to possible changes in the esophageal lining that may in some cases lead to cancer.

Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can help, and there's surgeries that can cure or at least alleviate the problem.  But these are treatments better used as last resorts.   If your symptoms are mild or occasional, doctors and researchers know of several methods that may help you to keep your heartburn at bay.   Your eating habits are the first place to start.  See Ten Sneaky Commandments for Controlling Heartburn.

Here's some resources on heartburn (Please take into consideration that some are commercial sites selling heartburn medications):

• Steering Clear of GERD?  (Dr. Weil)
  
  
• Easing Heartburn Without Antacids  (Third Age)
  
  
• What Really Triggers Your Heartburn?  (OnHealth)
  
• All About GERD   (Dr. Koop)
  
  
• Welcome to Heartburn-Help  (Videoscopic Heartburn Center)
  

Have you suffered from frequent heartburn?  Tell us what worked for you?