What Causes Heartburn?
Heartburn is caused when stomach acid refluxes--backs up--into the
esophagus. This can occur for a number of reasons:
When the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES), the valve that keeps stomach acid in the
stomach, is weakened or relaxed and doesn't do its job properly.
This is the most common symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD).
Certain foods, such as
chocolate, fried and fatty foods, peppermint, coffee, alcohol,
sugars, can weaken or relax the LES.
Eating large meals or shortly
before bedtime."
A hiatal hernia.
Pressure on the stomach,
including frequent bending over, tight clothes, lifting,
obesity.
Certain medications.
Smoking.
Stress can increase acid
production and slow down the emptying of the stomach.
Is
Heartburn Serious?
People who suffer from mild heartburn may consider it more of a
nuisance than a condition that can cause any serious
complications. But for those who suffer from chronic heartburn,
episodes occurring from several times a week to several times a
day, if it's left untreated can lead to severe complications.
For people who suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD),
heartburn can be chronic, and severe. This can cause scarring of
the esophagus, which narrows the esophagus and makes it difficult
to swallow. It can also lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition
where cells similar to those of the stomach lining develop in the
lower esophagus. This severe damage to the esophagus increases
your risk of developing cancer of the esophagus.
Managing Your Heartburn
You can find relief from your heartburn with a few self-care
remedies. This involves making a few lifestyle and diet changes.
Here are a few suggestions:
Eat frequent smaller meals
instead of three larger ones. This will help prevent excessive production of stomach acid.
Eat slowly. One way to help you slow down while eating is to put your
fork or spoon down between bites.
Don't go to bed with a full
stomach. Stay up at least three hours after eating your last meal or
large snack before going to bed. This gives acid levels a chance
to decrease before your body is in a position where heartburn is
more likely to occur.
Raise the head of your bed
several inches. With your head elevated, it will help prevent reflux during
the night.
Avoid your heartburn
triggers. Examples of foods and beverages that can trigger heartburn
are coffee (including decaf), alcohol, fatty foods,
caffeine-containing beverages and foods, onions, peppermint,
chocolate, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes.
Stop smoking.
Nicotine can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle
that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach and
prevents the acid-containing contents of the stomach from
entering the esophagus.
Wear looser-fitting
clothes. Tight clothing squeezes the midsection and tends to push
stomach contents upward.
Lose weight. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve your
symptoms.
Chew gum. Chewing gum can provide short-term heartburn relief by
stimulating the production of saliva, which dilutes and flushes
out stomach acid.
Drink warm liquids.
Drinking a glass of lukewarm water or herbal tea after a meal
can dilute and flush out stomach acid
Growing Stronger, Growing
Better
Global Health
Healthcare Provider
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