Although indigestion is not life-threatening, it is still among the most annoying health problems. In some cases, the symptoms can be similar to an actual heart attack. Here are five ways to reduce indigestion and heartburn.

Consume Plenty of Water
For good reason, medical professionals urge people to consume plenty of fresh water. Water helps your colon to remain lubricated, which is one of the primary organs responsible for removing waste. To enhance your body’s ability to digest food, try to drink water throughout the day. Remember, your urine can reveal a lot about your body’s level of hydration. Dark-colored urine is an indication that you need to consume more fluids.

Avoid Skipping Meals
Before leaving home in the morning, start off your day by eating a nutritious breakfast. However, you don’t have to eat a giant-sized meal. Cereal and fresh fruit are good options. Hunger can trigger an unnecessary buildup of stomach acid. If you happen to suffer from heartburn, it is especially important to avoid skipping meals.

Remove Negative Stress from Your Life
When it comes to preventing indigestion, stress is a big no-no. Studies have shown that stress can reduce the amount of blood flowing to your abdomen. Suffering from anxiety can also hinder your body’s ability to produce digestive enzymes. Among the best ways to boost your mood is to exercise. Taking a jog around the park and playing a game of tennis can have an immediate calming effect.

Sodium Bicarbonate
Heartburn relief is one of the most common uses for sodium bicarbonate. For years, it has been hailed as a natural alternative to some of the pharmaceutical industry’s powerful drugs. Unlike some prescribed medications, sodium bicarbonate does not cause any potentially dangerous side effects. It simply decreases the degree of acidity in your stomach. By taking a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate with a full glass of water, you can quickly relieve your symptoms.

Fully Chew Your Food
Chewing your food is the very first step in the digestion process. Even when extremely hungry, always take the time to thoroughly chew everything. Gobbling down your meal puts an extra load on the digestive system. You don't want foods such as beef remaining in your body for long periods of time.

Don’t allow heartburn to wreck your life. These five simple strategies can help keep this aggravating health condition under control.