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1 PILL EACH MORNING. 24 HOURS. 0 HEARTBURN*.

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Important information about Prilosec OTC.

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Healthcare Professionals

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Introduce your patients to the possibility of zero heartburn.*

One pill each morning. 24 hours. Zero heartburn.*

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WHY PRILOSEC OTC?

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PRILOSEC OTC FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

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 What Makes Prilosec OTC Different

<h2>What Makes Prilosec OTC Different</h2><h3>Comparing Proactive and Reactive Heartburn Treatments</h3>Prilosec OTC is different from many other heartburn treatments. It works by blocking the acid that causes heartburn and lasts 24 hours with one pill each morning.* Treat your frequent heartburn with Prilosec OTC.<iframe 
 width="100%" 
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 allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" 
 allowfullscreen></iframe><h3>OTC Heartburn Remedy Comparison Chart</h3><img class="rt-image" src="//images.ctfassets.net/somcofmuegl3/5ziDbx20rmyjs016iJxrz3/485d4732434171a1a8a7e71880beb709/PRILO_WHY_CHOOSE_660.jpg_h_300_la_en-US_w_660_v_1-201708141200" alt="image" title="image"/><img class="rt-image" src="//images.ctfassets.net/somcofmuegl3/6c24e5tbW8YPRcrhE09j0D/e91601fbbe28cc5abef89f6f2cc1da1d/PRILO_24_HR_TIMELINE_660.jpg_la_en-US_v_1-201708141200" alt="image" title="image"/>

Learn how Prilosec OTC works by blocking frequent heartburn before it begins instead of after it starts.

How Prilosec OTC Works to Stop Heartburn

Comparing Proactive and Reactive Heartburn Treatments

What Makes Prilosec OTC Different

About Prilosec OTC

When you eat, millions of tiny pumps in your stomach lining create acid to break down food. When your LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes, excess acids can flow up, or reflux, into your esophagus. This can create the painful sensation of heartburn.Prilosec OTC works by directly blocking many of the active stomach pumps that produce acid before they start. Prilosec OTC is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The way the active ingredient in Prilosec OTC works to fight heartburn sets it in a whole separate class from other treatments such as histamine blockers or antacids.<h3>Watch Prilosec OTC in Action</h3><iframe 
 width="100%" 
 height="350" 
 src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ph7BNABITm4" 
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 frameborder="0" 
 allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" 
 allowfullscreen></iframe><h3>History of Prilosec OTC</h3><img class="rt-image" src="//images.ctfassets.net/somcofmuegl3/4h1PPHIbIKwMzHia7p5eNS/dc2d24bce8cb96696ee9be63a210f3e9/POTC_Timeline.jpg_h_203_la_en-US_w_660_v_1-201708141159" alt="image" title="image"/><h3>Proven and Trusted Frequent Heartburn Medicine</h3><img class="rt-image" src="//images.ctfassets.net/somcofmuegl3/5mT6trbX69063C5n56Dl4f/82dc1f85c59a93edb0172180bd201ae2/PRILO_ENHANCED_ORIG_660.jpg_la_en-US_v_2-201708141200" alt="image" title="image"/>There's a reason over 27 million heartburn sufferers†† have tried Prilosec OTC to block frequent heartburn before it begins.* Since the beginning, we’ve led the way in OTC frequent heartburn treatments. We were first on the market and have continued to provide relief to frequent heartburn sufferers with our trusted formula.P&G calculation based in part on Buying Households reported by the Nielsen Company through its Homescan Panel in the US market for Prilosec OTC for the period 8/31/03 through 6/28/14.

Learn all about Prilosec OTC and how it can help bring you relief from frequent Heartburn.

About Prilosec OTC Frequent Heartburn Relief

How and Why Prilosec OTC Works

About Prilosec OTC Frequent Heartburn Relief 

Tips & Faqs

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Learn about heartburn and Prilosec OTC from the inside out.

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<h3>What is heartburn?</h3>Heartburn occurs when stomach acids reflux, or flow up, into the esophagus. Prilosec OTC® is only indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn. If you think you may have any of the symptoms described below, please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.<h3>What is the difference between heartburn and frequent heartburn?</h3>Frequent heartburn is defined as heartburn occurring two or more days a week. Prilosec OTC is formulated for frequent heartburn.<h3>Why do stomach juices irritate the esophagus?</h3>These juices, which are produced by the stomach to help the body break down food, contain a powerful acid called hydrochloric acid. While the stomach is naturally protected from this potent acid, the esophagus does not share the same protective qualities as the stomach. So, if acidic stomach contents come into contact with the esophagus, the esophagus’ skin-like lining can be irritated or injured and result in the sensation known as heartburn.<h3>What causes heartburn?</h3>Heartburn is caused when stomach acid enters the esophagus. When functioning normally, the LES [Lower Esophageal Sphincter] opens like a one-way valve that allows food into the stomach, but does not let it out the same way. However, at times the LES relaxes and allows stomach juices to flow upward into the esophagus. This relaxation exposes the esophagus to harsh acid from the stomach. Physicians refer to this as gastroesophageal reflux.<h3>What is GERD?</h3>GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is chronic, persistent heartburn, and results from the improper working of the ring of muscle that normally keeps food and acids inside the stomach. When this muscle doesn't work correctly, it allows acids to back up into the esophagus. Other signs of GERD include: regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, coughing, hoarseness, and a lump feeling in your throat. In some instances, these ailments surface even when heartburn's usual symptoms are absent. This can lead patients to misunderstand these conditions because people with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) complaints often do not have heartburn symptoms. Prilosec OTC is only indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn. If you think you may have GERD, please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about having a diagnostic screening test.<h3>What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux?</h3>Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition that causes a person’s liquid stomach contents—stomach acids, pepsin, and bile—to back up into the esophagus. Heartburn is the result of this action, but heartburn may also be a sign that some other trigger is at work. Just because you have heartburn, it does not necessarily mean that you have acid reflux. Acid reflux is a chronic condition characterized by irritation or inflammation of the esophagus. Some of the common symptoms of acid reflux include: chronic, persistent heartburn; regurgitation; drastic weight loss; discomfort and difficulty swallowing; coughing often; severe hoarseness or wheezing; a feeling of a lump in the throat; and interference with lifestyle or daily activities. If you think you may have this condition, speak with your healthcare professional about a diagnostic screening test. If left untreated, acid reflux can cause or contribute to a range of more serious health issues, such as ulcers of the esophagus and chronic coughing.<h3>What is esophagitis?</h3>When stomach acids repeatedly back up into the esophagus, they can injure the esophagus’ sensitive lining. That injury can lead to uncomfortable inflammation called esophagitis. Eventually, the acid wears away at the esophagus, causing bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy enough, blood can pass into the digestive tract and show up as dark, tarry stools. Esophagitis can cause ulcers—sensitive, open sores on the lining of the esophagus. In a small percentage of people, long-term acid exposure from GERD leads to a condition called Barrett's esophagus (BE). In BE, new cells form to take the place of those damaged by acid reflux.<h3>Are heartburn at day and heartburn at night different conditions?</h3>Both heartburn at day and heartburn at night result from stomach acid reflux. However, lying horizontally to sleep at night makes it more likely you will experience more stomach acid reflux than when sitting up or standing.<h3>What are some common treatments for heartburn?</h3>Antacids: Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach. Antacids are commonly taken after you eat or when pain begins. Antacids provide immediate, temporary relief.H2 Blockers: H2 blockers relieve heartburn symptoms by reducing acid production. They begin working within an hour and can last for 12 hours. H2 blockers begin working relatively quickly, but may not block heartburn as long with a single pill when compared to PPIs.Proton Pump Inhibitors: When you eat, millions of tiny pumps in your stomach produce acid to break down food. Heartburn occurs when these excess acids reflux into your esophagus. PPIs (such as Prilosec OTC) work by directly blocking many of these pumps. A PPI may take one to four days for full effect, but it can effectively block frequent heartburn for 24 hours with just one pill a day for 14 days.<h3>Are there certain foods that cause heartburn?</h3>Yes, there are common foods and lifestyle factors that cause heartburn to flare up, and these are known as heartburn triggers. Paying attention to your body and how it reacts to these triggers helps you make smart choices:<ul><li>Citrus fruits</li><li>Spicy foods</li><li>Chocolate</li><li>Garlic</li><li>Onions</li><li>Fatty foods</li><li>Tomatoes or tomato-based products</li><li>Peppermints</li><li>Black pepper</li><li>Vinegar</li><li>Caffeinated or carbonated beverages</li><li>Alcoholic beverages</li></ul><h3>Are there steps I can take to fight frequent heartburn?</h3>Yes. There are several lifestyle choices, all of which contribute to reduce the chance of frequent heartburn.Reduce stress: Stress can contribute to heartburn and make you more likely to overeat. Make time for yourself, prioritize responsibilities, and try to keep things in perspective to reduce stress in your life. Exercise regularly: It will help you manage stress and keep you healthier overall. Exercising also helps you sleep better. Talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program. Control portions: Decrease the size of portions at mealtimes. Your stomach won't need to produce as much acid as with a big meal, and less acid means less chance of acid reflux. Stop smoking: Smoking relaxes the valve at the top of your stomach, allowing excess stomach acid to reflux into your esophagus.<h3>Do I have to give up everything I love to control my heartburn?</h3>With good advice from your healthcare professional, you should be able to develop a healthy plan to help control your heartburn. A healthy plan will let you keep eating the foods you love and continue doing your usual activities. Given the many recent advancements in our understanding and treatment of heartburn, even the most severe heartburn sufferers generally find that they can control their heartburn through heartburn medications and some simple lifestyle changes.<h3>What does heartburn have to do with heat?</h3>Many heartburn sufferers experience the burning sensation known as heartburn and associate the discomfort with intense heat. However, the discomfort is not caused by temperature but by the irritation resulting from the presence of acid in the esophagus.<h3>How does stress contribute to heartburn?</h3>Gastrointestinal symptoms have long been associated with stress, fear, and anxiety. The perception of heartburn can increase during stress. Numerous clinical studies confirm the correlation between stress and heartburn.Stress also can contribute to reflux by causing heartburn sufferers to engage in behaviors that trigger acid production (i.e., turning to high-fat comfort foods, smoking, drinking caffeine, or eating late at night). Stressful life events (anxiety, tension, and stress) can increase sensitivity to refluxed acid, reducing the threshold for pain and increasing the frequency and/or severity of heartburn symptoms. In addition, stress may increase a person's sensitivity to the pain caused by a heartburn episode.

Learn the latest Heartburn facts, information, and answers to your most common Heartburn related questions.

Heartburn Causes, Tips, & FAQS

What causes it and how you can help prevent it.

FAQS About Heartburn

<h3>What does “OTC” stand for?</h3>“OTC” stands for “over-the-counter.” Prilosec OTC became available over the counter in 2003.<h3>Is prescription Prilosec® the same as Prilosec OTC?</h3>Prilosec and Prilosec OTC are different in indication and dose form. Prilosec OTC is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs two or more days per week). Prilosec is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of many other acid-related conditions. However, the omeprazole active ingredient in Prilosec became available over-the-counter in 2003 in the form of Prilosec OTC. Omeprazole magnesium, the active ingredient in Prilosec OTC, is equivalent to the active ingredient in Prilosec to treat frequent heartburn. Please follow the dosing instructions on the package or as directed by your physician.<h3>How does Prilosec OTC work?</h3>Prilosec OTC blocks frequent heartburn by shutting down many of the pumps in your stomach that produce excess acid.<h3>Is Prilosec OTC strong enough to help me?</h3>Prilosec OTC is in the strongest class of frequent heartburn medicines available over-the-counter. It blocks frequent heartburn before it begins with one pill a day for 14 days.*<h3>Will Prilosec OTC allow me to eat my favorite foods?</h3>Yes. Prilosec OTC blocks frequent heartburn before it begins so you can enjoy the foods you love.*<h3>Is taking Prilosec OTC safe?</h3>For more than two decades, doctors have prescribed Prilosec to safely treat acid-related conditions in millions of people.Prilosec OTC has been tried by more than 27 million consumers1.If you have any questions about Prilosec OTC, please call our consumer relations line at 1-800-289-9181.<h3>Does Prilosec OTC interact negatively with other drugs?</h3>It's possible. Before taking Prilosec OTC, let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any of the following: warfarin, clopidogrel or cilostazol (blood-thinning medicines), prescription antifungal or anti-yeast medicines, diazepam (anxiety medicine), digoxin (heart medicine), or tacrolimus or mycophenolate mofetil (immune system medicines), prescription antiretrovirals (medicines for HIV infection) and methotrexate (arthritis medicine).For more information on drug interaction with Prilosec OTC, visit this .<h3>How often should I take Prilosec OTC?</h3>Prilosec OTC is a 14-day regimen that is indicated for three courses per year, but not more often than every 4 months. If you need to use Prilosec OTC for more than the three indicated 14-day courses of treatment, you should first consult your doctor. Here’s why: By talking with your doctor first, you and your doctor will ensure you’re not missing a bigger health problem, such as GERD, and that Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you. Your doctor will confirm that Prilosec OTC should still be taken for your heartburn.<h3>How long can I take Prilosec OTC?</h3>Prilosec OTC is a 14-day regimen that is indicated for three courses per year. While Prilosec OTC is safe to treat frequent heartburn, it is also strong enough to mask more serious conditions. If you want to take more than the three indicated courses, first meet with your doctor, who will make sure that you don’t have a serious underlying condition, and that Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you.<h3>What if I miss a day of heartburn treatment?</h3>If you miss a day, just continue your treatment on the next day.<h3>How do I open the package?</h3>See how to open a Prilosec OTC package in .<h3>What do I do after 14 days?</h3>If your frequent heartburn continues or returns after 14 days of treatment, discuss with your doctor your options for ongoing treatment using Prilosec OTC. Your doctor will take steps to ensure Prilosec OTC is not masking any potentially serious underlying conditions behind your frequent heartburn, and that Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you.<h3>Can I take Prilosec OTC if I’m pregnant?</h3>If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a healthcare professional before use.<h3>If I am taking Prilosec OTC, can I eat the foods that used to give me frequent heartburn?</h3>Yes. Prilosec OTC blocks heartburn before it begins so you can enjoy the foods you love.*<h3>Does Prilosec OTC work right away?</h3>Prilosec OTC starts to work on the very first day of treatment, but may take 1 to 4 days for full effect (although some people get complete relief within 24 hours). Even though you may feel heartburn relief in the first few days, make sure to take the entire 14 days of dosing to treat your frequent heartburn. Prilosec OTC is not meant for immediate relief. Taking Prilosec OTC every day for 14 days helps to ensure that acid production is consistently controlled.<h3>What happens if I take Prilosec OTC after I started to feel heartburn coming on?</h3>If you are a frequent heartburn sufferer, you don't have to wait until you have heartburn symptoms to take Prilosec OTC. It begins working on the very first day of treatment, and with one pill each morning for 14 days you can get zero heartburn.*<h3>If Prilosec OTC is available over-the-counter, why do I need to talk to my doctor?</h3>As with any OTC drug, it is important to read and follow all label directions. If you have questions regarding the label or use of Prilosec OTC, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.<h3>Can I take Prilosec OTC more than once a day?</h3>No. As part of a course of therapy, take only one pill a day to treat frequent heartburn for 24 hours.* Take one pill a day with a glass of water before eating in the morning for 14 days. You may repeat this 14-day treatment every four months, or as directed by your doctor.1P&G calculation based in part on Buying Households reported by the Nielsen Company through its Homescan Panel in the US market for Prilosec OTC for the period 8/31/03 through 6/28/14.

Learn more about Prilosec OTC. Here you can find some common questions and answers about Prilosec OTC.

Prilosec OTC Frequently Asked Questions

 How one pill a day can treat your frequent hearburn.*

FAQS About Prilosec OTC

The different heartburn classifications can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between heartburn, frequent heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD to best diagnose symptoms and seek prevention.<h2>Heartburn</h2>Heartburn refers to a burning discomfort that’s generally felt from the chest just behind the breast bone. This sensation results when harsh stomach acid comes in contact with and irritates the lining of the esophagus – the tube-like structure that connects the mouth to the stomach.There are varying degrees of heartburn one can experience. Experts tend to use three categories to describe heartburn frequency: episodic, frequent, and persistent. On the less severe end of the spectrum is episodic or occasional heartburn, which refers to infrequent flare-ups that are fairly predictable.Heartburn that occurs two or more days a week is referred to as frequent heartburn. If you’re experiencing symptoms this regularly, you may want to consider a more proactive approach to treating the problem rather than treating your symptoms each time they occur.There are a number of heartburn medications available to treat frequent heartburn. A proton pump inhibitor, or PPI, like Prilosec OTC, works by directly blocking many of the stomach’s acid producing pumps. PPIs may take 1-4 days for full effect, but they could provide zero heartburn* for 24 hours with just one pill a day.<h2>Acid Reflux</h2>Another commonly confused and highly searched term is acid reflux. This is the term used to describe the action of the stomach’s acidic contents being pushed up into the esophagus. Therefore, acid reflux is the action that causes the symptom.<h2>GERD</h2>Separate and often confused with other categories of heartburn is gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This digestive disorder is caused by acid contents of the stomach regularly backing up into the esophagus. The added presence of regurgitation, refluxing, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, hoarseness, or a feeling of a lump in the throat differentiates this digestive symptom-set from heartburn, frequent heartburn, or even persistent heartburn conditions. The difference is that GERD is a disease, and heartburn is its most common symptom. If you think you might have GERD, contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms.

Find out the differences between frequent heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD from the experts at Prilosec OTC.

Differences in Heartburn, Acid Reflux &amp; GERD

What are the Differences Between Frequent Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD?

Heartburn can come in many forms and be triggered by a number of causes. Understanding heartburn symptoms can not only treat heartburn, but it can help prevent it as well.  Although each individual experiences heartburn in his or her own way, there are common symptoms most people can recognize. For most people, it’s a burning feeling in the chest just behind the breast bone. This sensation is caused by acid refluxing into the esophagus and typically occurs after eating, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to hours.The pain can worsen by bending over, lifting, or lying down, particularly on the back. Some people experience a burning in the throat or a sensation of a hot, sour acidic or salty taste in the back of the throat. Other symptoms that might be associated with heartburn are difficulty swallowing, the sticking feeling in chest or throat, or a chronic cough sore throat or hoarseness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor. They might be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which needs to be diagnosed.To better understand what might be triggering your heartburn, begin keeping a diary of your symptoms. Use a diary to take notes on the following details:<ul><li>Timing– When did the heartburn symptoms start and how long did they last?</li><li>Food intake– What did you eat or drink just before the symptoms occurred?</li><li>Symptoms– What were the symptoms and where did they appear?</li><li>Severity– How severe were the symptoms?</li><li>Effect – How did the symptoms affect you?</li><li>Action– What did you do to alleviate the symptoms?</li><li>Medication– What, if any, medications did you take to treat the symptoms?</li></ul>If you decide to contact a doctor, the heartburn symptom diary will help them better understand why you experience heartburn and the kinds of treatment that will most likely ease your symptoms.While reporting your symptoms might be enough to make the diagnosis in some cases, the doctor might decide to perform different tests to determine the severity of your condition.

Heartburn can come in many forms and be triggered by a number of causes. Learn about the symptoms of heartburn at Prilosec OTC now.

What Are the Symptoms of Heartburn

What Are the Symptoms of Heartburn?

About one in every six adults – nearly 60 million Americans – experience symptoms of heartburn at least once a month. It’s important to really understand what heartburn is, what causes it, and how to avoid it.Heartburn is usually felt in the chest just behind the breastbone. It’s the pain you feel when harsh stomach contents come into contact with the delicate lining of your esophagus, causing irritation.It’s important to know that heartburn affects everyone differently. For some, it feels like a burning pain that begins in the chest and moves up towards the throat. For others, it feels like food is coming back up into the mouth, or it’s an acidic or bitter taste in the back of the throat.  Heartburn pain usually starts soon after you eat and it can increase in severity if you lie down or bend over.<h2>What Causes Heartburn</h2>Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the natural valve that allows food into the stomach and not out, relaxes or stops functioning properly. When that happens, acidic stomach juices reflux, or flow backward into the esophagus. Other factors that can contribute to heartburn include eating acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus foods, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or asthma.In addition, excessive pressure on the abdomen can put pressure on the LES, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus or even the mouth. For that reason, if you’re pregnant or overweight, you might be especially prone to heartburn. Even tight fitting clothes can cause pressure that leads to frequent heartburn, as well as lying down or having too full a stomach.<h2>Types of Heartburn</h2>Generally, heartburn experts tend to use three categories to describe heartburn frequency: episodic, frequent, or persistent.Episodic or occasional heartburn refers to infrequent flare-ups that are fairly predictable and occur less than once a week. For example, you could get episodic heartburn after overdoing it at an all-you-can-eat buffet. This kind of heartburn is usually treated with antacids.At the other end of the spectrum is severe or persistent heartburn. These are painful, long-lasting episodes of heartburn that may occur most days if not all the time. Persistent heartburn should be treated by a medical doctor.Frequent heartburn is the middle category problem. This means that you’re experiencing heartburn symptoms two or more days a week. If you’re having symptoms that often, you may want to take a proactive approach by reducing excess acid production that’s causing frequent heartburn, rather than waiting and treating your symptoms every time they occur.<h2>How to Treat Frequent Heartburn</h2>There are a number of heartburn medications to choose from that work differently. Antacids neutralize stomach acid on contact and they’re great for relieving symptoms immediately, but the relief is only temporary.H2 blockers work by reducing excess stomach acid. H2 blockers begin working within an hour and last up to 12 hours, but they don’t provide the immediate relief of an antacid. Although preventative, H2 blockers might not avert heartburn as long with a single pill compared to a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI.A PPI like Prilosec OTC is the most frequently recommended therapy to block heartburn for 24 hours with just one pill a day*.<h2>How PPIs Work</h2>When you eat, millions of tiny pumps in your stomach produce acid to break down food. H2 blockers inhibit a portion of the receptors and they last about 12 hours, while PPIs actually shut down some of the pumps, reducing the excess acid that causes heartburn while leaving enough behind to digest your food. PPIs don’t provide immediate relief but they can block heartburn before it starts, and they do it for a full 24 hours with just one pill a day*.Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional if you think any other medications you’re taking might be contributing to your heartburn. Also ask about alternatives, but never stop taking any prescription medication before checking with your doctor.

What exactly is heartburn? Learn about the causes of frequent heartburn and how to find the relief you need at Prilosec OTC today.

What Causes Frequent Heartburn

What Causes Frequent Heartburn?

There are many simple things one can do to help manage the levels of stomach acid and reduce heartburn. Heartburn triggers vary from person to person so the following suggestions are not universal. Experiment with these suggestions and make a conscious effort to assess how your body feels.Using a diary to track what works and what doesn’t can help you figure out the best diet for you. For example:<ul><li>Drink water between meals rather than with them. If you consume too much liquid with a meal, it actually increases the volume of stomach content, which increases your chance of heartburn.</li><li>Be careful with peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate. They all contain compounds that cause the lower esophageal sphincter – the muscle that acts as a valve to let food into the stomach – to loosen and relax. When that happens, acid in the stomach can flow back up into the esophagus.</li><li>Highly acidic foods like oranges, orange juice, tomatoes, and grapefruits are classic heartburn foods, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. Consider experimenting with stomach-cooling juices like papaya, mango, guava, and pear.</li><li>Certain spices like ginger, curry, and parsley all provoke heartburn. Garlic, raw onions, or anything loaded with pepper also provoke heartburn, so try consuming just a little bit at a time.</li><li>Alcoholic beverages like wine or beer can trigger heartburn.</li><li>Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and cola all raise the level of acidity in the stomach. This causes stomach juices to become more irritated if they make their way up into the esophagus.</li></ul>A great way to avoid the wrong foods or drinks is to keep a stash of safe snacks in your home or office. Having healthy foods on hand like raw vegetables, raisins, or graham crackers makes reaching for those less safe snacks and beverages less likely.When it comes to dessert, always try to go light. Heavy desserts tend to be higher in fat and can induce heartburn. Try sucking on hard candy instead. This triggers the production of saliva, which is a natural barrier to acid. However, try to avoid mint candies.How we eat is just as important as what we eat. Practice portion control, because the stomach responds to large portions by producing large amounts of acid.Eating slowly and chewing foods thoroughly will not only make you feel fuller but it gives your stomach time to digest, which could decrease the probability of heartburn.Finally, finish eating your last meal of the day at least 2-3 hours before going to bed. That time will give your acid levels a chance to decrease before you lie down – a position in which heartburn is likely to occur.The best heartburn protection comes from a combination of diet, health, and lifestyle changes. If you’re still suffering from heartburn two or more days a week, you should talk to your doctor about supplementing your diet with a medication.

Learn how to reduce heartburn with your diet and other remedies from the professionals at Prilosec OTC.

How to Reduce Heartburn with Your Diet

Diet can play a big factor in causing heartburn, so it’s important to avoid foods that trigger heartburn and its symptoms.The following suggestions are not universal. Heartburn triggers vary person to person, so experiment with these options and make a conscious effort to assess how your body feels.Just as with any diet, the foods to avoid are less tempting when there’s a supply of safe foods in your kitchen cabinets. That’s why a well-stocked pantry with heartburn-friendly foods can be the key to avoiding heartburn.<h2>Pasta and Grain Products</h2>Grain products, like ready-to-eat whole grain cereals and brown rice, are easy to find and they’re heartburn friendly. The general rule of thumb with all grain is to always choose whole grain products over more processed or white starches. Pasta is also great because it’s easy on the digestive system. Just be sure to prepare it with a light broth-based sauce instead of one made with tomato, cream, or cheese.If you have time, try making your own muffins or quick bread from scratch. That way, you can monitor the fat content and avoid troublesome ingredients.Another way to introduce whole grains into your diet is with the breads you choose. You can make your own breads easily with a bread machine. Whole grain breads are made more simply with bread machines.<h2>Beans, Peas, and Lentils</h2>Beans, peas, and lentils provide a great source of vegetable protein, B-vitamins, and minerals like calcium and iron. They’re also an excellent source of fiber. Keep both dried and canned varieties on your shelf and toss them into soup, salads, and casserole dishes.<h2>Oils</h2>Large amounts of oil in cooking tend not to be heartburn-friendly. Of course you can’t avoid cooking with at least some oil, so the trick is to use it in moderation. Darker oils like sesame have a wonderful flavor and go a long way in adding taste and enjoyment to dishes. Experiment with extra virgin olive oil, because the taste of olive oils varies from mild to very flavorful. Other oils like walnut, peanut, or canola oils are heartburn-friendly in moderation. Don’t forget to keep cooking oil sprays in your cupboard. These sprays provide a handy way to cut extra fat, keep food from sticking to pans, and add a little flavor.<h2>Cooking Methods</h2>Baking can be a great way to prepare healthy food as well as avoid heartburn. Roasting, broiling, poaching, and steaming also decrease the amount of fat but maintain the dish’s flavor. If you’re looking to cook food quickly with little or no added fat, use a microwave, pressure cooker, or wok.<h2>Vinegars</h2>Vinegar’s high acidic content can be a problem for heartburn sufferers, however, many people often tolerate cider and rice vinegar better and both add flavor to food.<h2>Condiments</h2>Most heartburn sufferers can eat mustard and handle ketchup or mayo in small amounts. The best thing to do is to experiment and use small amounts and see how you feel. Many heartburn sufferers report having one teaspoon of yellow mustard during an episode helps calm their stomachs, although this isn’t scientifically proven.<h2>Dried Spices and Herbs</h2>Dried spices and herbs are less likely to promote heartburn, although each individual system will respond differently. Dried or dehydrated forms of onion or garlic are also more heartburn friendly than their fresh versions.<h2>Spices</h2>Cinnamon, ginger, sage, and cardamom can help you manage your stomach acid levels. For example, brew a cup of cinnamon tea with hot water and a cinnamon stick. Be sure to check the label, because some brands of tea contain black tea, which can cause heartburn. Also try sprinkling cinnamon on your toast. Cardamom, an old-time digestive aid, may help mitigate the symptoms of heartburn. Add it to baked goods or cereals to avoid unnecessary discomfort.

A lot of heartburn discussion focuses on so called & "trigger foods". Learn more about how to eat to avoid heartburn. Go to Prilosec OTC today.

How to Avoid Heartburn with Foods You Eat

How to Avoid Heartburn with the Foods you Eat

There are many types of treatments to take depending on your heartburn symptoms. Before determining which treatment is best, it’s important to understand what’s going on inside your body when heartburn occurs.<h2>How Heartburn Occurs</h2>Heartburn involves a ring of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. It acts like a valve allowing food into the stomach but not out. When the LES stops functioning properly, harsh stomach acid refluxes or backs up into the esophagus, irritating its sensitive lining, causing you to feel pain.<h2>Types of Heartburn</h2>Episodic or occasional heartburn refers to infrequent flare-ups that are fairly predictable. For example, after that all-you-can-eat buffet, this kind of heartburn is usually treated with antacids. Treatment with antacids alone is purely symptomatic though – they’re justified for minor symptoms. By neutralizing the acid in your stomach, antacids can provide fast short-term relief.At the other end of the spectrum is severe or persistent heartburn. This describes painful, long-lasting episodes of heartburn and may occur most days if not all the time. Persistent heartburn should be assessed and treated by a doctor.For many people, it’s frequent heartburn that’s the problem. This means you’re experiencing heartburn symptoms at least two or more days a week. If you’re having symptoms that often, you should consider preventing that problem rather than treating heartburn symptoms every time they occur.<h2>H2s vs. PPIs</h2>There are a number of heartburn medications available to treat frequent heartburn. H2 blockers reduce the volume of acid produced by the millions of tiny pumps in your stomach. They take an hour or so to begin working and they can be temporarily effective for up to 12 hours. This used to be the best treatment for frequent heartburn until proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, were discovered.PPIs like Prilosec OTC work differently. They actually shut down some of the pumps, preventing the stomach from producing excess stomach in the first place. PPIs like Prilosec OTC are the most commonly recommended product for frequent heartburn. They may take 1-4 days to reach full effect, but one pill a day* will prevent the acid that causes frequent heartburn for a full 24 hours.Medication is just one of the important parts of heartburn treatment. You can also help yourself by reducing stress, not smoking, exercising regularly, eating smaller portions earlier rather than later in the evening, and avoiding certain foods you know will cause heartburn.

Are you suffering from frequent heartburn? Learn about how to treat your heartburn symptoms from the experts at Prilosec OTC.

How to Treat Your Heartburn

There is a lot of misleading information about heartburn, what it could mean, and how to treat it. To better understand heartburn, read below to learn about what’s fact and what’s fiction.<h3>Is a Glass of Milk a Good Remedy for Heartburn?</h3><ul><li>MYTH: Your mother or grandmother might have recommended taking a glass of milk to cure your heartburn, but scientific studies have established that heavy milk or cream reduces heartburn symptoms temporarily only to later increase acid production in the stomach. More acid, more heartburn.</li></ul><h3>Elevating Your Head While You Sleep Helps Reduce Heartburn.</h3><ul><li>FACT: Elevating the head of your bed can be an effective therapy to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn. Try using plastic or wooden bed-risers to support the bedposts, changing the incline of the head of your bed. You can also buy a therapeutic bed wedge pillow that slips under your head, that also increases your upper body angle. Make sure that the height of the elevation is at least 6-8 inches or it will not be effective.</li></ul><h3>Do After-Dinner Mints Offer a Soothing Way to Drift Off to Sleep?</h3><ul><li>MYTH: Bedtime mints combine three common heartburn triggers: chocolate, mint, and lying down, which are more likely to cause heartburn than to suppress it.</li></ul><h3>Is Heartburn a Result of a Heart Condition?</h3><ul><li>MYTH: Heartburn is caused by the acidic fluid in the stomach washing up into the esophagus. It is not caused by a heart condition. If you have any chest pains that last for more than a few minutes, or any warning signs of a heart attack like pain spreading to the arms, neck, or shoulders, shortness of breath, sweating, or lightheadedness, call your doctor immediately.</li></ul><h3>Is Heartburn a Fact of Life I Have to Learn to Live With?</h3><ul><li>MYTH: People with heartburn don’t have to suffer in silence. Changes in diet and lifestyle as well as a fast growing range of heartburn medications can provide relief to most people with heartburn. In fact, some over-the-counter medications can actually prevent heartburn. H2 blockers reduce acid for up to 12 hours, whereas Proton Pump Inhibitors like Prilosec OTC shut down many acid pumps to provide 24 hours of symptom relief. Zero heartburn* with just one pill a day, but it may take 1-4 days for full effect.</li></ul>

Check out these top five tips, facts, myths and heartburn treatments from the professionals at Prilosec OTC.

Tips, Facts, Myths &amp; Heartburn Treatments

Top Five Tips, Facts, Myths and Heartburn Treatments

Is frequent heartburn interrupting your fun time with family and friends? Below are some lifestyle changes that can help decrease the impact heartburn has on your life.There are ways you can begin to take control of your life, by not smoking, reducing stress, watching what you’re eating, and exercising regularly a minimum of 30 minutes, five days a week.<h2>Stop Smoking</h2>found that cigarette smoking slows the production of saliva, which is one of your body’s defenses against damage to the esophagus. Saliva production is critical to the stomach because saliva contains acid-reducing chemicals called bicarbonates. Not only does smoking decrease the acidity level of your stomach, but it also increases your body’s esophagus protection system that’s needed to fight acid backsplash that’s coming up from the stomach.<h2>Reduce Stress</h2>Many have also found that reducing stress can be a helpful means to avoid heartburn. While stress hasn’t been linked directly to heartburn, it is known that stress can lead to behaviors that elicit heartburn. During times of increased stress, people’s eating, exercise, and medication routines all become disrupted. Working late may cause you to eat late, which doesn’t give your stomach time to digest before you lie down.<h2>Watch What You Eat</h2>Eating slower can also make a big difference to heartburn sufferers. It’s been shown that people do not completely sense how full they are until 15-20 minutes after eating.<h2>Elevate Your Head at Night</h2>Elevating the head of your bed 6-8 inches can also help decrease the flow of stomach contents into places where they shouldn’t be. Try using plastic or wooden bed rises to support the bedposts or legs, or buy a therapeutic wedge pillow. It’s also important to avoid lying flat or bending over after eating. Staying upright increases the chances of stomach contents staying put – that’s why it’s important not to go to bed right after eating.<h2>Loosen Your Belt After Big Meals</h2>A tight belt tends to push your stomach contents into the esophagus where they don’t belong.<h2>Exercise Frequently</h2>Maintaining a healthy weight is a critical part of managing heartburn. For some people, physical activity actually aggravates the symptoms of heartburn. In fact, often the more intense the exercise, the worse the heartburn symptoms.Experiment which workout is best for your body:<ul><li>Try low impact exercises like riding a bike or walking. Running or jogging can actually increase the chances of acid reflux.</li><li>Pursue aerobic exercises like swimming, cycling, or dancing instead of resistance exercises like weightlifting.</li><li>Try going easy on your abs. Crunches and sit-ups add pressure on the abdominal muscles, which can aggravate acid reflux.</li><li>Use gravity – any position that reverses the natural gravity of digestion like handstands or other inverted stretches can trigger heartburn.</li></ul>If these changes aren’t enough to keep your heartburn at bay, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and possible treatment options.

Learn Prilosec OTC frequent heartburn relief  and how lifestyle changes can help you avoid heartburn.

How Lifestyle Changes Help Avoid Heartburn

How Lifestyle Changes Can Help you Avoid Heartburn

If you suffer from heartburn, eating out can be a challenge. Having to worry about what ingredients were used, how the meal was prepared, and asking for your meal to be cooked differently can make the experience loathsome. Here are some things you can do to alleviate, if not eliminate, your chances of heartburn after eating in a restaurant.<h2>Ask Questions</h2>Restaurant menus can be deceiving at first, so ask questions to help avoid heartburn and don’t be shy – knowledge is your belly’s friend. Your server should be able to give you key information about your meal so you can make smart, well-informed choices.One of the best questions a heartburn sufferer can ask is, “How is this dish prepared?” This is critical because some menu items are prepared differently than how you’d think. For example, some steakhouses broil their steaks in butter. Even though it’s broiled, it’s still likely to trigger heartburn. It’s best to order your dishes grilled or broiled without butter rather than fried or sautéed. If your dish comes with a high fat gravy or sauce, ask for it to be served on the side.<h2>Complement Your Meal with Soda Crackers</h2>Soda crackers, preferably unsalted, are bland, they digest easily, and they absorb stomach acid as well. They also contain bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar, which neutralize the acid.<h2>Watch Your Portions</h2>Restaurant portions tend to be much larger than recommended serving sizes. The typical restaurant dish is twice the size of a proper serving. Any extra bites increase pressure on the stomach and cause acidic juices to splash back up into the esophagus.If portion control isn’t your strong suit, ask to split your entrée with a friend or try only eating half of what you ordered and take the other half home. You might even want to ask your waiter to portion off half before the meal gets to your table.<h2>Plan Ahead</h2>Most menus can be viewed online, so don’t leave your decision until the last minute. You have a greater likelihood of making a smarter decision when you’re not under pressure.<h2>Order Heartburn-Friendly Foods</h2>Here are some suggested foods for someone with heartburn to safely order:<ul><li>Leaner cuts of red meat, like sirloin or filet mignon, can help avoid heartburn, as opposed to T-bone or prime rib.</li><li>White wine instead of red wine.</li><li>Lighter desserts like angel food cake.</li><li>Herbal tea after dinner instead of caffeine or heavy dessert. Sage is a wonderful belly-soothing remedy that can relieve stomach weakness and allows acid to be released back into down the esophagus. Drinking chamomile tea after meals can also relieve esophageal irritation.</li></ul>Pay special attention to what you order. Ask questions, watch portions, and plan ahead. If, however, you’re doing all the right things and you’re still experiencing heartburn two or more days a week, you may have frequent heartburn, in which case you should talk to your doctor.

Learn how to reduce the causes of heartburn when dining out from the experts at Prilosec OTC.

How to Reduce Heartburn When Dining Out

How to Reduce the Causes of Heartburn When Dining Out

Frequent heartburn - defined as occurring two or more days a week – is a burning discomfort in the chest or throat that occurs when harsh stomach acid comes into contact with the delicate lining of the esophagus, irritating it.Heartburn affects different people in different ways. But the symptoms of heartburn are generally described as:<ul><li>A burning pain that begins in the chest or at the breastbone and moves up toward the throat</li><li>A feeling that food is coming back into the mouth</li><li>An acidic or bitter taste at the back of the throat</li><li>An increase in severity of pain when you’re lying down or bending over</li><li>Pain that usually comes after meals</li></ul>Important note: There are some similarities between heartburn and heart attack symptoms. If you have any chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes or any warning signs of a heart attack (for example, pain spreading to arms, neck or shoulders with shortness of breath; sweating; light-headedness), seek immediate medical attention.<h3>What causes heartburn?</h3>Your stomach produces juices to help your body break down food. These juices contain hydrochloric acid. While your stomach is naturally protected from this potent acid, your esophagus is not. Heartburn’s fiery sensation can occur when this stomach acid refluxes—or flows backward—into the esophagus.Normally, a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) keeps stomach acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus. When functioning properly, the LES acts as a door, allowing food to go down into the stomach but not for stomach acids to come back up. If the LES is “relaxing”—or failing to function properly—reflux and heartburn can occur.<h3>Why do you get heartburn?</h3>There may be many reasons why you get heartburn—some of which you can control and some of which you cannot. Dietary and lifestyle habits can increase your risk of developing heartburn, as can certain medications. Individually or in combination, these factors can cause the LES to relax, increase the amount of acid produced in the stomach, raise stomach pressure and/or make the esophagus more sensitive to acid.Sound complicated? It can be—but a thoughtful review of your diet, lifestyle and medication regimen can help you get to the bottom of the problem. Follow the links below to learn about common factors that contribute to heartburn.<ul><li>What and how much you eatSpicy and greasy foods are common culprits. So are coffee, citrus juices and alcoholic beverages. Eating too much and too quickly are heartburn factors, as is being overweight.</li></ul><ul><li>SmokingSmoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes inhibits saliva, one of the body’s natural protective barriers against damage to the esophagus. Smoking may also weaken the LES and stimulate acid production.</li></ul>Note: Talk to your healthcare professional if you think your medications may be contributing to your heartburn. Ask about alternatives, but never stop taking any prescription medication before checking with your doctor.

Heartburn is a burning discomfort in the chest that occurs when harsh stomach acid comes into contact with the delicate lining of the esophagus. Learn more

Heartburn Symptoms: Do I Have Heartburn?

Here’s how—and why—heartburn happens.

How Do I Know If I Have Heartburn?

<h2 class="heading-1">Ways to Treat Heartburn</h2>Because heartburn can vary among individuals, the appropriate treatment for one person may not be right for another. Some people may even benefit from basic lifestyle changes. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you make the right decisions. The three main heartburn remedies are antacids, H2 blockers, and PPIs. PPIs, such as Prilosec OTC®, are specifically designed to treat frequent heartburn.<h2>Why Prilosec OTC® Is Different</h2>Prilosec OTC is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). As the first over-the-counter proton pump inhibitor, Prilosec OTC is different from many other heartburn treatments and medications. Here’s how PPIs compare to antacids and H2 blockers:When you eat, millions of tiny pumps in your stomach produce acid to break down food—and heartburn can occur when excess acid refluxes into your esophagus. A PPI treatment, such as Prilosec OTC, works by turning off many of these pumps to reduce the amount of acid produced, but leaving enough acid for digestion. Prilosec OTC effectively treats frequent heartburn for 24 hours with one pill a day for 14 days. Prilosec OTC starts working on day one, and some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours. It may take one to four days for full effect.Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach. Antacids go to work on your heartburn immediately. Unlike a PPI, antacids are commonly taken after you eat or when discomfort begins. While no heartburn treatments cure the condition, antacids provide only temporary relief.H2 blockers relieve heartburn symptoms by blocking histamine type 2 receptors, one of the three triggers of acid production. H2 blockers can begin working within an hour, so they act faster than a PPI, but they do not provide the immediate relief of an antacid. H2 blockers then continue to work in the body for up to 12 hours. H2 blockers can work preventatively against heartburn, but they do not last a full 24 hours from just one pill.Citrus and coffee are just two of many triggers. Learn about the most common causes of heartburn. And note that the trigger for any given heartburn episode may be multifactorial—that is, attributable to multiple factors, such as the glass of OJ you drank while exercising and the big dinner you ate just before bedtime.<h2>How Triggers Cause Heartburn</h2>Triggers can cause heartburn in a variety of ways. Chocolate and mint, for instance, appear to relax your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that keeps stomach acids where they belong, thereby allowing those juices to rise up to the esophagus and irritate it. Other substances, such as coffee and beer, increase the amount of acid your stomach produces. And some activities—bending over, wearing a tight belt and clenching your abs, for example—simply put pressure on your stomach, forcing up its contents.<h2>Tracking Your Heartburn Triggers</h2>To track your triggers, download our <a href="//assets.ctfassets.net/somcofmuegl3/37tohSlcxbYcOLZUPtmdRt/5e3e983aec56c00136a0ef1d5a807442/trigger_tracker.pdf" className="rt-hyperlink")>Prilosec OTC Trigger Tracker</a> as an Adobe® Acrobat® Portable Document Format (PDF) file. Use it to take notes on the foods and drinks you consumed prior to the episode; the medications you were on; and your activities, including sleep and exercise. In addition, record any treatment you took to ease heartburn and whether it worked.If you decide to consult a healthcare practitioner, your Reflux Record will also help that professional better understand why you experience heartburn—and the kinds of treatment most likely to ease your symptoms.

Learn how to treat Heartburn and the different Heartburn medication options available for frequent Heartburn sufferers. Visit Prilosec OTC today.

Heartburn Treatment

See how to treat frequent heartburn.

Treat Heartburn

<h2>How to eat well at home and dine out sensibly.</h2>You don't have to give up all of your favorite foods to avoid heartburn. A well-stocked pantry with heartburn-friendly foods is key. So is making the right choices at restaurants. Heartburn foods that trigger symptoms, such as fats, oils, chocolate, or citrus products can be less tempting when there's a supply of "safe" ingredients in your kitchen cabinets. The added benefit of a good heartburn diet is healthier eating for the entire family.<h3>Heartburn-Reducing Foods to Keep at Home</h3>Grains: Try to purchase whole grains versus refined grains whenever possible. Be sure to store in an airtight container after opening.Pasta: Be sure to prepare these with a light broth-type sauce (not tomato-based or high-fat). Perk up the dish with herbs like basil and tarragon.Beans, Peas, and Lentils: All of these items provide a good source of vegetable protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and iron. They are also an excellent source of fiber for your heartburn diet. Keep both dried and canned varieties on your shelf, and toss them into soups, salads, and pasta and casserole dishes.Oils: Use oils in moderation. Darker oils (such as sesame) have a wonderful flavor, and a little goes a long way in adding good taste and enjoyment to dishes.Vinegars: These can be problem items for heartburn sufferers because of the acid content. However, cider vinegar and rice vinegar are often tolerated better by many people, and both add nice flavor to food. Use other vinegars in moderation if there hasn't been a problem with them in the past.Condiments and Canned Goods: Most people with heartburn can eat mustard, and some can handle ketchup (in small amounts) fairly well. These are handy items to perk up recipes, and quick add-ons to a meal.Spices and Herbs: Keep lots of dried spices and herbs on the shelf. They are generally less likely to promote heartburn, though each individual's system will respond differently. Dried/dehydrated forms of onion and garlic are more user-friendly than fresh.Note: There are several spices that are generally irritating to the gastric (stomach) lining and are especially troublesome for heartburn sufferers and their heartburn diet. These include black pepper, mint, crushed red pepper flakes, curry powder, cloves, mustard seeds, hot sauce, chili powder, nutmeg and fresh garlic. They may be troublesome for some sufferers, but no problem for others. The best advice is to listen to your own body.Baking Supplies:  Muffins and quick breads made from scratch can be made with less fat and without other troublesome ingredients such as pepper or spice. Whole-grain breads are made more simply with a bread machine. Here are some of the basic ingredients:<h3>Smart Heartburn Food Choices at Restaurants</h3>Just as at home, some foods served at restaurants, such as high-fat dishes, certain spices, citrus products like tomatoes or oranges, caffeinated beverages, and chocolate can bring on heartburn.Restaurant meals can also bring on heartburn because they tend to be higher in fat. Fat takes longer to digest, so food stays in the stomach longer and has a greater likelihood of causing problems. Restaurant portions also tend to be larger than recommended serving sizes. This increases pressure in the stomach and can cause acidic stomach contents to backsplash into the esophagus.<h4>Heartburn foods to avoid:</h4><ul><li>Foods that are fried, sautéed, or prepared in butter or oil</li><li>High-fat side dishes such as onion rings or French fries</li><li>High-fat sauces, gravies, and salad dressings</li><li>Tomato-based foods and juices</li><li>Caffeinated beverages such as cola and iced tea</li><li>Citrus drinks such as lemonade or orange juice</li><li>Alcoholic beverages</li><li>Chocolate</li><li>After-dinner mints (peppermint can exacerbate heartburn)</li></ul><h4>Heartburn foods to look for:</h4><ul><li>White meat, which is lower in fat than dark meat</li><li>Leaner cuts of red meat</li><li>Smaller portion sizes</li><li>White wine instead of red</li><li>Lighter desserts, such as angel food cake</li></ul> <h2>10 Tips for Eating Well — While Managing  Heartburn</h2>No, you don’t have to give up all your favorite foods. Try these tips  for managing frequent heartburn (occurring two or more days a week).<ol><li>Stay away from foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, tomatoes or tomato-based products, raw onions and garlic.</li><li>Avoid fatty or greasy foods as much as possible. They tend to slow down digestion, which means that both the foods and the acid your body produces to break them down remain in the stomach a long time. This gives the acid a greater opportunity to move backward up into the esophagus.</li><li>Be careful using spices. Monitor the effect the following spices have on your heartburn and avoid those you identify as triggers: ground cinnamon, ground mace, ground ginger, coriander, dill, parsley, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), basil, thyme, tarragon, onion powder and dried onion pieces, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, Tabasco sauce, chili powder, curry powder, cloves, mustard seeds, nutmeg. </li><li>Choose vinegars wisely. Some are gentler than others: For example, cider vinegar and rice vinegar are tolerated better by many people.</li><li>Cut back on drinking coffee; citrus juices; and caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Beer and caffeinated beverages—such as coffee, tea and cola make stomach acids even more irritating if they make their way up the esophagus. </li><li>Practice portion control. Your stomach responds to large portions by producing large amounts of acid. More stomach acid means a greater chance of acid reflux.</li><li>Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. Doing so will make you feel fuller—as food has had time to digest—and decrease the likelihood of heartburn. </li><li>Finish eating your final meal of the day at least two to three hours before going to bed. The added time will give your food and acid levels a chance to clear before lying down—the position in which heartburn is most likely to occur.</li><li>Keep a stash of safe snacks. Do you reach for high-fat snacks or chocolate when hunger hits? Have on hand healthy foods that you enjoy, such as cutup vegetables, raisins or graham crackers.</li><li>After a meal, try sucking on hard candy. This triggers the production of saliva, which acts as a natural barrier to acid. But be sure to avoid mint candies.</li></ol>

Find information on recommended Heartburn diet and food tips from our experts to help avoid frequent Heartburn. Visit Prilosec OTC today.

Heartburn Diet and Heartburn Foods

You don't have to give up all of your favorite foods to avoid heartburn.

Heartburn Diet and Tips

If you have any chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes or any warning signs of a heart attack (for example, pain spreading to the arms, neck, or shoulders with shortness of breath, sweating, or lightheadedness), seek immediate medical attention.Heartburn affects different people in different ways, but the symptoms of heartburn are generally described as:<ul><li>A burning chest pain that begins at the breastbone and may move up toward the throat</li><li>A feeling that food is coming back into the mouth</li><li>An acidic or bitter taste at the back of the throat</li><li>An increase in severity of pain when you are lying down or bending over</li></ul>The pain associated with a heart attack can also be felt in the chest. And although only a doctor can determine whether you’ve suffered a heart attack, common heart attack or angina symptoms include:<ul><li>A feeling of fullness, tightness, or dull pressure or pain, generally in the center of the chest</li><li>Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, or arms</li><li>A cold sweat</li><li>Lightheadedness, weakness, or dizziness</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Nausea and possible vomiting</li></ul>Additional key differences between heartburn and a heart attack:<ul><li>Heartburn pain generally doesn’t radiate to the shoulders, neck, or arms, though it can</li><li>Heartburn pain usually comes after meals</li><li>Heartburn symptoms usually respond quickly to antacids</li><li>Heartburn is rarely accompanied by a cold sweat, lightheadedness, or dizziness</li></ul>

Learn to recognize the symptoms of Heartburn in order to determine the treatment that’s best for you. Visit Prilosec OTC today.

Symptoms of Heartburn or Heart Attack

 Know the key differences between heartburn and a heart attack.

Is It Heartburn or a Heart Attack?

There's a lot of misleading information out there about heartburn, what it could mean, and how to treat it. Prilosec OTC® is here to separate heartburn fact from myth.<h3>Elevate the head of your bed to reduce the chance of heartburn at night.</h3>True! Elevating the head of the bed can be an effective therapy, as shown in some studies.The head of the bed can be elevated by plastic or wooden bed risers that support bedposts or legs, or a therapeutic bed wedge pillow. The height of the elevation is critical and must be at least 6 to 8 inches to be at least minimally effective to stop the backflow of gastric fluids. Some innerspring mattresses do not work well when inclined and can cause back problems; some people prefer foam mattresses. Some practitioners use higher degrees of incline than provided by the commonly suggested 6 to 8 inches and claim greater success. Sleeping on the left side also has been shown to reduce nighttime reflux episodes.<h3>Drink cream or milk for a heartburn remedy.</h3>Myth. Your mother or grandmother might have recommended this remedy, but they weren't privy to the latest scientific findings. Doctors do not recommend drinking milk to reduce heartburn, as it has been proven that milk temporarily reduces the symptoms only to later increase acid production by the stomach, which causes more heartburn.<h3>After-dinner mints offer a soothing way to drift off to sleep.</h3>Myth. Mints on the pillow are generally not a good way to ensure a peaceful night for heartburn sufferers. In fact, bedtime mints combine three common heartburn triggers—chocolate, mint, and lying down—making them more likely to bring on heartburn than pleasant dreams for some sufferers.<h3>My heartburn is my fault.</h3>Myth. Too many heartburn sufferers believe they are entirely to blame for this painful malady. While it is true that certain lifestyle habits and the foods and beverages you eat and drink can aggravate your heartburn symptoms, many people make significant lifestyle changes to fight heartburn but still experience heartburn. Heartburn is a medical condition with real biological causes, and heartburn sufferers need not compound their discomfort with shame and guilt.<h3>Heartburn is a fact of life that I can&#39;t completely control.</h3>True, but people with heartburn don't need to suffer in silence. Changes in diet and lifestyle as well as a fast-growing range of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can provide relief for most sufferers. Surgery or newer nonsurgical techniques may be appropriate heartburn treatment options for some.<h3>Heartburn is just a minor, trivial complaint.</h3>Myth. Heartburn is common, but it is not trivial! In fact, frequent heartburn can severely impact the productivity, daily activities, and quality of life of those who experience it. In addition, persistent heartburn could be a symptom of a more serious condition called GERD, which, if left untreated, can cause or contribute to a wide range of problems such as ulcers of the esophagus, asthma, and chronic cough. These complications may be avoided with proper monitoring from a physician. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be experiencing any of these conditions.<h3>Heartburn is a heart condition.</h3>Myth. Heartburn is caused by acidic fluid from the stomach washing up into the esophagus, or the swallowing tube. It is not caused by a heart condition. The discomfort of heartburn is often a burning sensation directly beneath the breastbone, causing some people to immediately think it’s related to the heart, although it is not. The discomfort is often accompanied by burping, or symptoms of bloating or gas. Sometimes an acid taste occurs in the mouth. Heartburn symptoms often are worse after eating a large meal, using tobacco, or consuming alcohol or caffeine, and tend to improve after taking antacids. These symptoms are not indicative of or consistent with a heart condition.<h3>I have to live with my heartburn.</h3>Myth. Many people don't believe that heartburn can actually be blocked, but some OTC medications can actually stop heartburn, as well as provide complete symptom relief. H2 blockers reduce acid for up to 12 hours. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), like Prilosec OTC, more effectively inhibit acid production and, for many, effectively treat frequent heartburn symptoms for 24 hours with one daily pill.*<h3>If I take a drug to suppress acid, I won&#39;t be able to digest my food.</h3>Myth. Our bodies produce acid that helps break down food in the stomach and kills harmful bacteria. Acid works together with other substances in the stomach called enzymes to break down food. Even OTC proton pump inhibitors, which work directly on active acid pumps to significantly inhibit acid production, allow enough acid to be produced so that normal food digestion occurs.

Learn about the different heartburn facts and myths that are out there to better understand frequent heartburn. Visit Prilosec OTC now.

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<h3>Frequent heartburn sufferer? Check the Facts.</h3><img class="rt-image" src="//images.ctfassets.net/somcofmuegl3/4IioI6cLouwZ9F9LgQUwzI/d364dff9d5b69a4c483e107ef340e8fa/PRILO_ENHANCED_SEAL_660.jpg_h_300_la_en-US_w_660_v_2-201708141200" alt="image" title="image"/>

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