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. How You Can Break Free From Chronic Heartburn Millions of people suffer from chronic heartburn. This is a very serious gastric disorder that can disable from living your life normally. Most people think that heartburn is mainly caused by the foods they eat. However, this is not really the cause. You have to remember that heartburn occurs when the stomach acid travels up or refluxes in to the esophagus. To make things worse, women who are pregnant are more susceptible to heartburn. It can really be frustrating experiencing this condition especially when the weather is hot or warm. If you are pregnant, you have to be prepared to experience heartburn as this will be very common. Now, you need to keep in mind that although this condition is painful and extremely uncomfortable to experience, it is a condition that will not harm the baby inside your tummy. The nicotine you inhale will increase the production of stomach acid and it will also weaken the LES or the lower esophageal sphincter. 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. This means that you have to avoid ingesting coffee, fatty foods, alcohol, and acidic fruits, such as oranges and other citrus fruits. Chocolates should also be avoided as well as peppermint and onions. Wearing loose-fitting clothes can also help prevent heartburn. Tight clothing can squeeze the midsection of your body, which will push the stomach content upward. Usually, they are taken twice a day and they provide relief from heartburn within 30 minutes of taking it. You have to remember that although it can be purchased over the counter, you still need a doctor s prescription for higher doses. If you still continue to experience heartburn, the doctor may recommend adding a drug, such as metoclopramide.