The food at the barbecue was so terrific that Perry W. didn't notice how much he was packing away--two burgers, three hot dogs, beans in a spicy sauce, loads of chips, several beers, topped off with ice cream for dessert. Shortly after going home, tired from all that eating, he lay down. And then the pain started.

At first Perry felt nicely full, but the fullness seemed to grow. Then he felt pain in his abdomen, and later in the evening, heartburn, as some of his stomach contents backed up into his esophagus.

Fortunately, Perry found relief with an over-the-counter antacid product. Antacids raise the pH of the stomach within minutes. They usually include a compound containing either sodium, calcium, magnesium, or aluminum. Another ingredient in some products is simethicone, which breaks up gas bubbles in the digestive tract. If antacids do not bring some relief within a few minutes, or they are used for longer than two weeks, a doctor should be consulted. The problem may be more serious than overeating.

Avoiding acid indigestion and heartburn is a more healthful approach than gorging and then reaching for the antacid bottle. Some tips:

Avoid large meals. The more food, the more stomach acid is produced.

Eat slowly, so that stomach acid secretion is more gradual.

Do not lie down immediately after eating. In an upright stance, gravity helps food along the alimentary canal.

If you are prone to indigestion or heartburn, avoid caffeine, which increases stomach acid secretion.

Cigarettes and alcohol irritate the stomach lining and lower the pressure at the junction between the stomach and the esophagus. This makes it easier for food to return to the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Do not eat acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, unless it is at least three hours before bedtime.

Use a pillow that elevates the head six to eight inches above the stomach.