Causes of heartburn, effects and prevention Most people have acid reflux into the stomach at some point in their lives, either as heartburn or acid regurgitation. When acid reflux in the stomach affects the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The burning, pressure or pain of heartburn can last as long as two hours and is often worse after eating.
Almost everyone has heartburn occasionally, but the persistent heartburn or chronic heartburn may be cause for concern. What works best to treat heartburn depends on what foods or other factors may be the cause of heartburn. Any person who suffers from persistent heartburn, generally defined as heartburn experienced two or three times a week, should have the symptoms evaluated by their doctor. Even people who have symptoms once a week may think they have persistent heartburn.
Tomatoes and citrus fruits are foods that cause heartburn in some people. These highly acidic foods can lead to excess stomach acid and can cause heartburn. The causes of heartburn vary from individual to individual. Some people are not bothered by tomatoes or oranges, but may be bothered by fried or spicy foods. It is sometimes necessary to keep a food diary to isolate the foods that cause heartburn in your own plan.
The typical American diet includes many foods that can cause heartburn. Fried foods, fatty and spicy foods of all kinds can cause heartburn. The tendency to eat two or three large meals as opposed to several small meals throughout the day may cause many cases of heartburn. Symptoms often follow large meals and lead to the need for antacids or heartburn herbal remedies. Eat small meals every two hours may not be what helps heartburn, but what helps to lose extra pounds. Overweight people have heartburn more often than those who are at their ideal weight.
Stress, smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, and even some types of exercise are all causes heartburn and heartburn treatment that are effective often include efforts to reduce stress and tobacco, drink more water, less sodas and beer. While moderate regular exercise is useful, squatting, bending and running can bring on or worsen heartburn. Any exercise, other than a walk, which follows a meal, especially a big, you often bring heartburn.
Efforts to reduce stress, eat in a relaxed, chewing slowly can help prevent heartburn. Eating on the go is a major cause of heartburn. It is almost impossible to avoid anything that may cause heartburn all the time, but it is possible to stop smoking, eat small meals, exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol and drinks. Any person who suffers from heartburn two or three times a week have their symptoms evaluated by a doctor. The best treatment for heartburn may be a prescription drug, but must include changes in lifestyle and efforts to prevent the leading causes of heartburn as well.
Some companies that sell herbs and other natural products have concoctions that include a combination of herbs for the prevention of frequent heartburn relief and heartburn. A combination of herbs to relieve heartburn can be more effective than a single type of grass. Fennel and mint are generally recommended, but some doctors advise that the mint of any kind can bring on heartburn. When you buy herbs and other natural products, you must choose an established company that sells a number of different products, not just herbs to relieve heartburn.
Posted on April 5, 2010.