(HealthDay seo services News) — If you suffer from heartburn, there are prescription and over-the-counter medications that can help alleviate your symptoms. But how is your heartburn triggered in the first place?

The National Heartburn Alliance recommends dietary changes to lower your risk. Acidic foods and drinks, like coffee, soda or citrus fruit, can aggravate the stomach. So can fattening and spicy foods, as can garlic, onions, pepper, caffeine and alcoholic or carbonated drinks.

Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, can reduce bouts of heartburn. Also, avoid lying down or bending over after meals, and try to avoid eating right before bedtime.