We all love food. Not only is it an essential part of our lives, it also brings us together for family gatherings and seasonal celebrations, like Christmas, where everyone meets and enjoys a special meal. The same happens at Thanksgiving, Hanukah and many other celebrations in all countries and faiths. Basically, any time we get together it's likely to involve food of some kind or another.

Unfortunately, these hearty meals can also cause problems like heartburn, indigestion or sometimes both; recognizing the sings of heartburn can be a great help in preventing it before it causes too much discomfort.

The Main Cause of Heartburn

Heartburn is most often caused by foods that are not easily digested in our stomach and digestive system. The common signs of heartburn are: a burning sensation in the chest and stomach area, vomiting, sometimes shortness of breath and an ache in the chest area.

When you have any of these signs of heartburn, the best thing is to take some fast-acting heartburn and indigestion pills - water-soluble or chewable tables - which will provide relief within 10-15 minutes. If possible, try and lie down for this period of time until you start feeling the healing effects.

Other Ways of Avoiding Heartburn

You can avoid heartburn even before it starts and here's how: before any big meal, or when you have identified particular types of food that cause you heartburn, take a tablet (or two, as required) before you have the meal to prevent it before it starts.

Many heartburn medications do not need any prescription and so are readily available over the counter in all drug and grocery stores. Find out which heartburn medicine is right for you and always carry some with you - you never know when you'll crave that greasy burger or hotdog and the signs of heartburn will start to show.

Another very effective way to prevent heartburn is to eat sensibly, which in other words means not to over-eat. There are times when a particular dish is so tasty you'll want to keep on eating, not realizing that you are overloading your stomach with the usual inevitable results - chest pain, acid regurgitation and all the rest. Was it really worth it? Perhaps the old adage, "A little of what you fancy" is the best advice, with the emphasis on the "little".

Helpful Tip

We all over eat from time to time - that's just human nature - but, if you keep in mind the discomfort you will soon be going through, perhaps you'll find it best to regulate your food intake to a level just before the pain begins. Not only will you avoid the heartburn but your waist size will benefit as well.