Smoking and certain medications can also trigger heartburn as well as stress as this is known to increase acid production and slows down the emptying of the stomach. Mild heartburn may be considered to be more of a nuisance than a condition. But, if you are suffering from chronic heartburn, you have to remember that this is a serious condition, which can cause scarring of the esophagus. You also have to avoid wearing tight fitting clothes as this can produce pressure on your midsection forcing stomach contents, such as stomach acid, upwards to your esophagus. After eating, avoid lying down. Use gravity to your advantage. Sit, stand up or walk around for at least 3 hours after a big meal. People are more prone to experience heartburn during the night when they lie down. This is because when we lie down, it s easier for the acid to reach our esophagus because gravity will no longer be of any help when we are lying down. And, when we lie down, there will be a much more prolonged contact between the esophagus and the acid, which can easily lead to the deterioration of the esophagus lining, which will cause a more serious complication as mentioned earlier. Heartburn is basically a digestive illness that can be prevented or least lessened in its frequency through lifestyle modifications. Heartburn happens when our stomach acid refluxes and comes in to contact with our esophagus. This irritates our esophagus and causes us to feel a burning sensation starting from the diaphragm all the way behind our breastbone. You have to remember that citrus fruits and juices are acidic in nature. You need to keep in mind that your goal is to stop acid from reaching your esophagus and by eating citrus fruits, which are acidic in nature, you are worsening the problem. This means that you may need to avoid fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits. The first is to eat more meals a day but in smaller servings rather than having 3 large meals a day. This will help in preventing the body to produce excessive stomach acid, which is one of the main causes of heartburn. Eating slowly will also help in managing heartburn. Try to put your eating utensils down between bites and chew your food at least 14 times.