How to Get Rid of Heartburn
Heartburn or what is scientifically known as pyrosis or acid indigestion is a burning sensation that is felt behind the breastbone or the epigastrium. The burning sensation can also be in a form of pain which radiates in the chest area and up into the neck, throat or even the angle of the jaw. Unlike its name, this condition has nothing to do with the heart. It is associated with the regurgitation of gastric acid or what is called acid reflux. This symptom may also be associated with gastroesphageal reflux disease or GERD.
There are a lot of factors that can contribute to having heartburns. First are the food and the drink intake that we have. Fatty acids and carbonated beverages often stimulate acid secretion in our stomach. Medication can also be one of the culprits. Smoking, obesity and hiatal hernia are also common conditions wherein one can be more vulnerable to having heartburns. Here are some ways on how to prevent it:
Diet modification
It is in the stomach where the heartburn starts so it is very important to watch out for the kind of foods we eat. The first thing that you have to keep in mind is to avoid acidic food and drinks. For drinks, you have to avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine-rich drinks and those with high alcohol content drinks. For solids, refrain from eating too much citrus fruits, fatty foods, chocolates and onions. Although some of these are healthy for you, if you are constantly experiencing heartburns, you have to avoid them.
Also, try to chew your food properly and eat moderately as much as possible. Allow some time for your digestive system to do their job first before eating again. Also, it is advisable to eat 5 to 6 small meals rather than eating 3 large meals.
Quit smoking
There is absolutely no advantages or health benefits that you can get when you smoke. Aside from that, it is very harmful to your body and one of the much harm that it can bring you is heartburn. The nicotine can cause the stomach to secrete more acid than the normal. Aside from that, it makes the LES function to be less active thus allowing acid reflux to the esophagus. When you try to quit smoking, you will not just be saved from heartburn but from many other serious diseases. It may be a hard process but it would be really worth it.
Slow down
There are some instances that the thing that triggers heartburn is your lifestyle. Stress can also be a contributing factor to constant heartburn episodes. When you are too stressed-out or always living in a fast-paced life, your body gets the signal that it needs to be in a hurry always. By having this routine, your digestive system also works double time and secretes more acid creating a very acidic environment in your stomach which results to heartburn. Try to relax even for 5 to 10 minutes. Breathe in and out.
Lose some weight
It has been said that heartburns and obesity goes hand in hand. Well, it’s true. Because of the fat accumulation especially in the abdomen area, it gives more pressure which results to acid reflux. This can easily lead to heartburn. Exercise from time to time and try to cut down on fatty foods.
Medications
This is for those who seem to have uncontrollable and unbearable heartburns. Some of the medications that you can take to relieve you from heartburns are Antacids, Alginates, H2-receptor antagonists and proton-pump inhibitors.
Heartburn or what is scientifically known as pyrosis or acid indigestion is a burning sensation that is felt behind the breastbone or the epigastrium. The burning sensation can also be in a form of pain which radiates in the chest area and up into the neck, throat or even the angle of the jaw. Unlike its name, this condition has nothing to do with the heart. It is associated with the regurgitation of gastric acid or what is called acid reflux. This symptom may also be associated with gastroesphageal reflux disease or GERD.
There are a lot of factors that can contribute to having heartburns. First are the food and the drink intake that we have. Fatty acids and carbonated beverages often stimulate acid secretion in our stomach. Medication can also be one of the culprits. Smoking, obesity and hiatal hernia are also common conditions wherein one can be more vulnerable to having heartburns. Here are some ways on how to prevent it:
Diet modification
It is in the stomach where the heartburn starts so it is very important to watch out for the kind of foods we eat. The first thing that you have to keep in mind is to avoid acidic food and drinks. For drinks, you have to avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine-rich drinks and those with high alcohol content drinks. For solids, refrain from eating too much citrus fruits, fatty foods, chocolates and onions. Although some of these are healthy for you, if you are constantly experiencing heartburns, you have to avoid them.
Also, try to chew your food properly and eat moderately as much as possible. Allow some time for your digestive system to do their job first before eating again. Also, it is advisable to eat 5 to 6 small meals rather than eating 3 large meals.
Quit smoking
There is absolutely no advantages or health benefits that you can get when you smoke. Aside from that, it is very harmful to your body and one of the much harm that it can bring you is heartburn. The nicotine can cause the stomach to secrete more acid than the normal. Aside from that, it makes the LES function to be less active thus allowing acid reflux to the esophagus. When you try to quit smoking, you will not just be saved from heartburn but from many other serious diseases. It may be a hard process but it would be really worth it.
Slow down
There are some instances that the thing that triggers heartburn is your lifestyle. Stress can also be a contributing factor to constant heartburn episodes. When you are too stressed-out or always living in a fast-paced life, your body gets the signal that it needs to be in a hurry always. By having this routine, your digestive system also works double time and secretes more acid creating a very acidic environment in your stomach which results to heartburn. Try to relax even for 5 to 10 minutes. Breathe in and out.
Lose some weight
It has been said that heartburns and obesity goes hand in hand. Well, it’s true. Because of the fat accumulation especially in the abdomen area, it gives more pressure which results to acid reflux. This can easily lead to heartburn. Exercise from time to time and try to cut down on fatty foods.
Medications
This is for those who seem to have uncontrollable and unbearable heartburns. Some of the medications that you can take to relieve you from heartburns are Antacids, Alginates, H2-receptor antagonists and proton-pump inhibitors.
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