Everything about Heartburn & Its Remedies

Heartburn as reflected by the name has nothing to do with the heart but the pain associated with heartburn is usually centered in the chest. It is not a disease but yes, repeated heartburns can be a symptom of disease. It is a dietary condition that is experienced by many people sooner or later. Heartburn can be triggered by certain food items in different individuals, usually oily, deep fried and junk food can be held responsible for it. Some people think that food is the main cause of heartburn but the truth is, there could be some underlying problem that hasn’t been identified and cured. We must understand what heartburn is, in order to know what can be the treatments or remedies. 

It is a condition where the acids in the stomach enter in the upper part of the esophagus and create a burning sensation. The stomach is the only organ in our body that is equipped with strong linings to withstand powerful acids that is required to break down the food to fulfill the energy requirements of the body. Both the ends of the stomach have a kind of special muscles called sphincter, it keeps the stomach closed while acids are activated and doing its work. The lower esophageal sphincter helps in keeping the acids out of esophagus but there are times when the acid splashes up into it and this is the time when we experience the burning sensation. If heartburn becomes persistent or you experience frequent acid reflux, then it is called Acid Reflux disease and sometimes Gastroesophagal Reflux disease.

There are three main factors that extensively contribute to heartburn. The food we eat, how we eat it which means the way we consume it, and the overall health of our bodies. People who follow healthy diet that is full of vegetables, food items containing high amount of natural fibres, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and eat smaller meals instead of bigger, and get a healthy good night sleep usually don’t get heartburns. 

There are certain food items that have been associated with heartburn, this doesn’t mean that you will surely experience heartburn after consuming them, but they have the potential to trigger it. Below are some of such food items: 

• carbonated drinks

• alcohol

• coffee

• citrus fruits and juices

• garlic

• onions

• chocolate

• tomatoes

• dairy products

• spicy foods

• mint

• very fatty foods

• processed meats

The best way to avoid heartburn is to avoid having the above food items that can trigger it. Occasional heartburns can be traced easily just by reviewing what you have eaten throughout the day. If you are experiencing it very often, then it is better to make notes of your eating habit and keep a track for few weeks. This way, you will be able to identify what specific food item is causing heartburn. 

Apart from above, you can also try drinking a glass of water with few tablespoons of vinegar. Pineapple juice also neutralizes stomach acids. Marshmallow root tea is also considered to be a good remedy. These days many companies also offer natural fibres, these dietary fibres promotes healthy digestion and helps in maintaining the overall fitness.    

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