Got heartburn after meals? Or upset stomach that keeps coming back? Digestive trouble is annoying, but small changes often help a lot. This page gives clear, practical steps you can try right now, plus quick notes on common medications and when to get medical help.
Start with what you eat and how you eat. Eat smaller portions, slow down, and avoid heavy meals late at night. Cut back on coffee, alcohol, greasy foods, and acidic drinks like soda or citrus if they trigger you. Try a simple food swap: baked or grilled proteins instead of fried, and plain rice or toast when your stomach feels off.
Hydration and fiber matter. Drink water through the day and add fiber slowly—whole oats, bananas, and cooked veggies help regularity without upsetting the stomach. Avoid sudden large increases in fiber; add it over a week so your gut can adapt.
Sleep position helps reflux. If acid comes up at night, raise the head of your bed a few inches or use a wedge pillow. Lying flat right after eating often makes symptoms worse.
For heartburn and acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like lansoprazole (Prevacid) can work well. They lower stomach acid and help heal esophagus irritation. Short-term use is usually safe, but long-term PPI use can raise risks like lower magnesium or vitamin B12 levels and, rarely, bone weakness. Talk to your doctor about the shortest effective course.
Antacids and H2 blockers offer quicker relief for occasional symptoms. Antacids neutralize acid right away; H2 blockers reduce acid production for several hours. Use whichever works best for your situation, and check interactions with other meds.
Some pain relievers, especially NSAIDs like naproxen, can irritate the stomach. If you need regular pain control, consider alternatives or topical options—ask a clinician which option fits you. If you have a history of ulcers, avoid NSAIDs unless your doctor okays it.
If you’re buying medicines online or comparing options, read trusted guides about safe purchase and dosing. Our Prevacid article explains lansoprazole basics and safe use. If you have pets, note that antibiotics like metronidazole can cause different side effects in dogs—always consult a vet before giving human meds to animals.
When should you see a doctor? See help if you have trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, repeated vomiting, black or bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain. Those are signs that need prompt attention.
Small, consistent habits go a long way: adjust meals, manage stress, move after eating, and pick meds with care. If self-care doesn’t cut it, get a proper checkup so you can treat the cause, not just the symptoms.
