How to Treat Heartburn

How to Treat Heartburn

Take a bite of a hot, sticky pepperoni pizza and your digestive system will kick in. The acid will flow into the stomach, ready to break down your meal. In many people, a defective valve-like structure lets these acids get out of control, triggering a burning sensation in the chest. Heartburn is an extremely common symptom. More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month.

To understand what causes heartburn, let's retrace the path of that pepperoni pizza. Once you swallow it, it travels through the esophagus to the stomach. A flap-shaped ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter opens to let food in. It should then close again to prevent stomach acid from slipping into the esophagus.

In some people, the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus does not 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 there may be other conditions that cause the pain.

Heartburn is usually not 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 gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and scarring. GERD can also cause changes in the cells lining the esophagus. These changes, called Barrett's esophagus, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Heartburn can happen to anyone, but certain lifestyle factors can affect how well the sphincter muscles work, and how much acid the stomach produces. People who are overweight, eat large meals, wear tight clothing or smoke are often more vulnerable.

You can manage mild heartburn by making a few changes to your routine. Start with small, frequent meals. Eat dinner at least three to four hours before bedtime and avoid late-night snacks. (Food in the stomach while lying 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 be causing you problems. Your symptoms may improve if you avoid tomatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, mint, fatty foods, and citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit. If you find that spicy foods are the trigger, try milder versions instead of 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 your acid reflux symptoms, you don't have to avoid them.

For occasional heartburn, take something that works right away, 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 is important to follow the directions carefully, as overuse of antacids can lead to serious side effects. And as heartburn symptoms prolong, antacids may not help.

Heartburn Remedies: Antacids and H2 Blockers

  For occasional heartburn, take something that works right away, 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 is important to follow the directions carefully, as overuse of antacids can lead to serious side effects. And as heartburn symptoms prolong, antacids may not help.

Also available over the counter, H2 blockers work differently than antacids. Rather than eliminating acid after it is present, these drugs reduce stomach acid production. If taken about 30 minutes before meals, this can help prevent heartburn caused by acid reflux. More powerful doses are available by prescription.

We can also use Biophilia Indruter to choose the right supplement to prevent heartburn.