This is why you have to try and eat smaller meals at least 6 times a day instead of eating 3 large meals a day. This will lessen your stomach s production of acid, which will help in managing heartburn. You should also try to avoid foods that weaken the sphincter. You have to keep in mind that the sphincter acts as a valve that keeps the stomach acid in the stomach. The LES acts as a valve which is primarily responsible for keeping stomach acid inside the stomach and prevent it from reaching your esophagus. You should also avoid drinking too much alcohol. Wine and beer triggers heartburn because they tend to increase stomach acid production. By cutting down on alcohol, you will be able to improve your condition and reduce the frequency of heartburn you experience. This kind of damage to the esophagus can increase your risk in developing cancer of the esophagus, which is very hard to detect and very hard to treat. If you experience moderate to severe heartburn, you may want to keep these heartburn management tips in mind. Doing so will enable you to lessen the frequency of heartburn and also provide you with partial or temporary relief. The LES acts as a valve to keep stomach acid from pouring in to your esophagus. When it is relaxed, stomach acid can freely bypass the LES and reach your esophagus, which in turn causes heartburn. Fatty foods should also be avoided. This is because they are hard to digest. And, when the stomach is having a hard time digesting food, it will produce more acid, which is what you don t want your body to do if you are suffering from heartburn. Instead of eating 3 large meals a day, you may want to eat 6 smaller meals a day. This will keep stomach acid production on a minimum and eventually prevent heartburn. You should also avoid foods and beverages that reduce pressure on the LES or the lower esophageal sphincter. This means that you have to avoid chocolate, caffeine containing food and beverages, peppermint, and fried or fatty foods. Mild cases of heartburn are considered more of a nuisance than a real condition that can have a large impact on people s life. It can be managed and controlled through self-care. But, if you have chronic heartburn, you may need to seek professional medical help as self-care at home may only provide temporary or partial relief.