How to douse fire in your stomach.

Forty percent of Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and six percent have it every day. According to the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, you don't have to be a victim of this fire. With the following lifestyle modifications and medicines, you may be able to douse the flames permanently or at least reduce the frequency of heartburn:

* Control your weight.

* Eat smaller and more frequent meals.

* Don't lie down after eating.

* Raise the head of your bed six to nine inches.

* Eliminate common heartburn triggers such as fatty or fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onion, caffeine, and nicotine.

* Avoid unnecessary stooping or bending.

* Don't wear clothes that fit tightly around your waist.

Along with lifestyle changes, nonprescription drugs may relieve occasional heartburn. When it occurs only once in a while, an over-the-counter antacid or acid blocker...