Compounding confusion is a fact that hydrochloric acid from stomach comes back up esophagus because of problem with cardiac sphincter, valve which misleadingly contains word "cardiac" normally referring to cardia as part of stomach and is not through to heart. By raising head of bed relief is often found, sleeping sitter up raising upper body with pillows, it does little for the heartburn and places a continuous strain on neck. Eating big meal also causes the excess stomach acid production; attacks can also be decreased by eating the small frequent meals instead of some large meals, for dinner especially. For minimizing such attacks, suffer may also benefit from avoiding such foods that simulate the excess acid secretion and relax opening between esophagus and stomach.

A glass of pure milk can provide fast and immediate relief, milk contains protein and calcium, these eventually stimulate even the acid production in stomach. Antacids work by the neutralizing excess of stomach acid, although the stomach acid will splash still into esophagus that will be neutralized and leading to a decreased or the absent symptoms of heartburn. Suffer may benefit by avoiding such foods that stimulate the excess acid secretion or relax opening between esophagus and stomach. Juice, acid fruit, pretzels, fatty foods, tea, coffee, peppermints, onions high spiced foods or chocolate are also to be avoided, shortly before the bedtime.