Light foods and thorough chewing help prevent heartburn

Hectic meals and fatty, heavily spiced or fried foods can trigger heartburn, the BDI says. Other risk factors include sweet and sour foods, alcoholic drinks, coffee, black tea and smoking.

Heartburn is caused by improper functioning of the lower oesophageal sphincter, a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of the oesophagus, allowing stomach acid to back up into the oesophagus and irritate the mucous membrane there.

To help prevent stomach-acid reflux, the BDI advises heartburn sufferers to keep their upper body raised when in a lying position, for example by inserting a wedge between the bed’s mattress and box spring or by using an extra pillow.

Loose-fitting clothing, proper body weight and regular exercise are also beneficial, the BDI says. Exercise immediately after a meal, however, could result in heartburn.