People with heartburn should avoid chocolate as it can worsen heartburn. They should also avoid other reflux-inducing foods (fatty foods, peppermint and excessive alcohol, which may reduce lower esophageal sphincter pressure). Certain beverages have a very acidic pH, such as colas, red wine and orange juice (pH 2.5 to 3.9), and can exacerbate symptoms. Promotion of salivation by either chewing gum or use of oral lozenges may also be helpful in mild heartburn. Salivation tends to neutralize the refluxed acid, and can thus increase the rate of esophageal acid clearance.
Restriction of alcohol use and elimination of smoking helps. Smoking is deleterious in part because it diminishes salivation.