Heartburn is very uncomfortable and may actually be a symptom of GERT, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a chronic digestive disease.
GERT can have severe effects, which are beyond the scope of this article.
Antacids and other over the counter drugs can offer temporary relief, and there are also prescription drugs and even surgeries that can help.
I personally control my GERT and heartburn through lifestyle adjustments and many other people do too.
Here are a few things you can do.
Weight has a major effect.
When I'm relatively heavy, I need antacids and other medications on a daily basis.
When I'm lighter, I can skip medications entirely.
It makes sense as the more fat you have around your belly the more pressure you have on you belly and the more reflux.
Of course losing weight and keeping it off isn't easy, but it also has other great benefits, both medical, cosmetic, and related to your self esteem.
Stress also has a major effect as well.
Stress always causes more reflux in me and most others as well.
Stress management can be difficult, especially when overloaded like most of us are.
Three simple things I do to help control my stress are drink very little alcohol regularly, cut down on caffeine, and try to arrive early as being late drives my stress levels through the roof.
Others have found enormous stress relieve though meditation and other techniques as well.
Not eating before laying down to sleep is also recommended.
My doctor recommends I don't eat anything for four hours before bedtime, admittedly very tough as I come home from work late often and staying up late is often ill advised or impossible as I'm tired.
Skipping that midnight pizza should be easy though.
Spicy foods may be an issue.
They affect some people but not others.
They have no affect on me, other than making me happy.
You'll need to find which foods bother you.
As a general rule, fatty foods are bad for GERD and reflux.
As for me personally, I'm also bothered greatly by chocolate and green peppers.
Your mileage will vary here.
Drinks are yet another minefield.
Classically you're told that coffee and alcohol are bad.
Well, coffee rarely bothers me, and alcohol quite rarely.
I do avoid having alcohol regularly though because it increases stress levels.
One last thing you can do.
Prop the head of your bed up so you sleep at an angle.
It can work wonders.
If you suspect GERT or simply have bad heartburn regularly, by all means do talk to your doctor about it.
These tips work but are no replacement for a medical professional's advice.