How to Fight Heartburn
That burning sensation in the middle of your chest – it’s an awful feeling! Unfortunately, heartburn (aka acid indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux) is also fairly common. wanna feel better Here are some steps you should take right now and ways to prevent this from happening again.
What Causes Heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when acidic digestive juices in your stomach squirt up into your esophagus, the passage between your throat and stomach. Your stomach has a special lining that protects it from these acids, but your esophagus does not. This can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest and possibly a sour taste in the mouth.
In some people, this happens because the valve between the esophagus and stomach (called the lower esophageal sphincter) isn’t working properly. Normally this valve seals after opening. But it can relax and no longer close tightly, allowing juices to leak from your stomach and seep into your esophagus.
Are some people more prone to heartburn?
Yes. Some things can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. These include being overweight or obese, smoking and pregnancy (due to hormonal changes). A hiatal hernia also puts you at a higher risk of heartburn. Some medications also increase your chances, like NSAIDs, some asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants.
What Foods Make Heartburn Worse?
Some foods and drinks trigger the formation of more of these acidic juices. These include caffeinated and aerated drinks, alcohol, spicy or fatty foods, chocolate, mint, tomatoes and tomato products, and citrus fruits.
What can I do to prevent heartburn?
If you have heartburn, there are a few things to try:
- Avoid overeating. Instead, eat smaller, more frequent meals (every 2-3 hours). An overfull stomach can cause this sphincter to become more relaxed.
- After eating, go for a walk. This can help keep the juices in your stomach where they belong.
- Don’t eat dinner right before bed (or take a nap after lunch). When you sleep, try to raise your head. Let gravity help keep those stomach juices from spurting up.
Can I take medication for heartburn?
Yes. Antacids and other medicines can help relieve your symptoms. However, some can interact with other medications you may be taking. So talk to your doctor first.
Is heartburn dangerous?
Not necessarily. While it can be painful, occasional garden-type heartburn isn’t harmful. However, if your heartburn persists, it can be a sign of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. So talk to your doctor who can run tests for damage.
Also, keep in mind that heartburn can be a symptom of other problems, including a stomach ulcer and even a heart attack.
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