5 simple tips to keep heartburn at bay

(BPT) - Heartburn can come on unexpectedly. That uncomfortable burning sensation in the center of your chest can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to keep heartburn at bay. Try these simple steps to help reduce heartburn occurrence and symptoms:

Step 1: Keep stress levels in check

Stress can cause mental and physical tension that impacts the body in many ways, including being a possible trigger for heartburn. Do your best to recognize signs of stress and be proactive about managing them. Some people find yoga and meditation to be helpful, while others prefer to take a walk, exercise, shower or read in order to find a calm, balanced state of mind. Figure out what works for you and make it a part of your routine.

Step 2: Opt for beverages without alcohol and caffeine

Staying hydrated is important, but what you drink can impact your system in a positive or negative manner. Alcohol and caffeine can be triggers for heartburn, so if you're struggling with symptoms, limit beverages containing these. It can be hard to eliminate these beverages altogether so if you do indulge, consider drinking only one serving and eating foods that may help counteract them, such as high-fiber foods like oatmeal or alkaline produce like bananas, and keeping an antacid like TUMS on hand.

Step 3: Move your body

Exercise provides countless health benefits and reducing heartburn is one of them. Fortunately, you don't have to go to a gym or do an intensive workout to reap the benefits. You simply need to move your body to increase your blood flow. Something as simple as going for a walk on your lunch break can do the trick, so add that task into your calendar so you don't forget. Once you make a daily walk a habit, you'll find it's something you look forward to for mental and physical benefits.

Step 4: Limit foods that fuel heartburn

If you're like many people, some of your favorite foods are also some of the most notorious for causing heartburn, including those that are acidic, salty, spicy or greasy. Everyone deserves to be able to occasionally indulge in comfort foods, so when you do, plan to keep TUMS Naturals on standby. TUMS Naturals are free from artificial dyes and flavors and go to work in seconds to deliver fast and powerful heartburn relief, so you can enjoy the sweet, spicy and savory foods you love without having to pay for it with heartburn.

Step 5: Avoid eating too close to bedtime

When you lay down for bed and your body starts to relax, it changes the way your digestion works. That's why you may have noticed when you eat close to bedtime, you get heartburn. To feel your best so you can sleep your best, avoid eating too close to when you plan to go to bed. If you do need to eat, enjoy a light snack and focus on foods you know aren't typically triggers for you.

With a few proactive steps you can reduce or even eliminate the occurrence of heartburn without having to sacrifice the simple pleasures in life. To learn more about heartburn and how to prevent it, visit www.tums.com.