Take one bite of that hot, gooey pepperoni pizza and your digestive system kicks into action. Acid flows into your stomach, ready to break down your meal. In many people, a faulty valve-like structure lets these acids flow out of control, triggering a burning sensation in your chest. Heartburn is an extremely common symptom. More than 60 million Americans have heartburn at least once a month.
To understand what causes heartburn, let's trace the path of that pepperoni pizza. Once you swallow a bite, it travels through the esophagus to the stomach. A flap-like ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter opens to let food in. It's then supposed to close again to prevent stomach acid from slipping into the esophagus.
In some people, the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus doesn't work properly. This allows acid to seep into the esophagus (called acid reflux), causing pain and irritation. Not everyone with acid reflux has heartburn, and some people with "heartburn" symptoms don't actually have acid reflux but may have some other condition that's causing the pain.
Heartburn isn't usually a serious threat to your health. However, severe, frequent, and persistent acid reflux can have complications. If you have severe heartburn or heartburn two or more times a week, you may have a condition called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and you should see your doctor. Without treatment, chronic GERD can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and scarring. GERD can also cause changes in the cells lining the esophagus. These changes, known as Barrett's esophagus, can increase your risk of esophageal cancer.
Heartburn can happen to anyone, but certain lifestyle factors can affect how well the sphincter works, and how much acid the stomach produces. People who are overweight, eat large meals, wear tight clothing, or smoke tend to be more vulnerable.
You can manage mild heartburn by making some changes to your daily routine. Start by eating smaller, more frequent meals. Eat dinner at least three to four hours before bedtime, and avoid late-night snacks. (Having food in your stomach when you lie down can trigger acid reflux symptoms like heartburn.)
Some foods are known to cause heartburn by bringing extra acid into the stomach or by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Stay away from foods that may give you problems. Your symptoms may improve if you avoid tomatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, mint, fatty foods, and citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruits. If you find spicy foods to be a trigger, try milder versions rather than giving up your favorite foods entirely.
Certain beverages can also cause heartburn. These include coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, tomato juice, and orange juice. However, unless these are causing you to experience acid reflux symptoms, you don't have to avoid them.
For occasional heartburn, take something that works immediately, such as a liquid antacid. As the name suggests, antacids neutralize stomach acid. This temporarily relieves heartburn and empties it from the stomach quickly. It's important to follow the instructions carefully, as overuse of antacids can lead to serious side effects. And as heartburn symptoms are prolonged, antacids may not help.
Heartburn Remedies: Antacids and H2 Blockers
For occasional heartburn, take something that works immediately, such as a liquid antacid. As the name implies, antacids neutralize stomach acid. This can temporarily relieve heartburn and empty it from the stomach quickly. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, as overuse of antacids can lead to serious side effects. And as heartburn symptoms are prolonged, antacids may not help.
Also available over the counter, H2 blockers work differently than antacids. Instead of eliminating acid after it appears, these drugs lower the production of stomach acid. If taken about 30 minutes before a meal, this can help prevent heartburn caused by acid reflux. Stronger doses are available in prescription form.
We can also use Biophilia Intruder to choose the right supplement to prevent heartburn.
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