• Eating "safe" foods will reduce heartburn symptons.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Dan Foy
  
  

Foods to Avoid

• Pineapple reduces the effect of stomach acid.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of darwin Bell
  
  Avoid fatty, fried, spicy, acidic, and sour foods, including citrus fruits and fruit juices, and tomatoes and tomato-based food products. Avoid chocolate. Limit the intake of caffeine beverages to one serving per day.
  
  

Digestion-Friendly Foods

• Acocados are healthful and easy to digest.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of liz west
  
  Bananas, avocados, and pineapple are healthy fruits that do not create heartburn. Broiled, grilled or baked chicken, lean beef and fish are excellent sources of protein. Vegetables, with the exception of tomatoes, onions and peppers, are safe choices, as are low fat dairy products.
  
  

Portion Control

• Small meals are easier to digest.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of arincrumley
  
  Avoid overeating. Consuming too much food at one sitting is an invitation to heartburn. Eat five or six small meals throughout the day to reduce the likelihood of reflux. Drink a glass of water before each meal to help you feel full and avoid overeating.
  
  

Eat Slowly

• Eat at a leisurely pace.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of worak
  
  Taking small bites, pausing between bites, and chewing your food well lessens the amount of acid your stomach produces. Also, eating too quickly results in swallowing more air, which makes it harder for the stomach to digest food.
  
  

Preventing GERD

• Don't lie flat for an hour after eating.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Betsy Fletcher
  
  Remain sitting up after eating. Wait at least an hour after eating before exercising or going to bed. Exercising or going to bed too soon after eating may lead to heartburn. If you must lie down, elevate your head. Avoid wearing tight clothes.