Despite its name, heartburn is a digestive disorder and does not affect or concern the heart. It is a burning sensation felt in the lower chest, generally accompanied with a sour or bitter taste in the mouth and throat. The pain you experience actually originates in the esophagus, which is the tract through which your food passes into the stomach. The stomach acids and digestive juices that work on your food normally work on food in the stomach but at times the gastric acids may travel in an upward direction along the esophageal tube. This aggravates the tissues in the esophagus and throat and the process is also referred to as reflux.
heartburn is not worrying if experienced occasionally but frequent or recurrent episodes of heartburn can be worrying as it could cause ulcers in the esophagus or be indicative of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. To cure heartburn effectively you would need to make some modifications to your lifestyle and eating habits. Remedies and treatments whether natural or not will only resolve the condition temporarily but not reduce the likelihood of a recurrence or worsening of the problem.
Tips to prevent heartburn:
- Eat your meals at least two or three hours before lying down, and if you take naps during the day try and sleep in a seated position.
- When lying down try and use a reclined bed so that your upper body and head are elevated as compared to your lower extremities.
- Never overeat and try to have four or five lighter meals instead of two large meals.
- Get involved in some exercise or physical activity for at least ten to twenty minutes a day.
- Follow a weight loss plan if suffering from obesity.
- Switch to low fat meals that are higher in protein instead.
- Avoid foods that you notice are more responsible for heartburn.
- Avoid tight and restrictive clothing.
- Avoid smoking and the consumption of alcoholic, caffeinated or carbonated beverages.
- Citrus fruits and drinks are also best avoided as the can cause increased irritation.
- Onions, tomatoes and spicy foods should also be avoided.
If you are on any medications consult your doctor as some of them can cause heartburn as a reaction.
In addition to these tips you can increase your fiber intake and water consumption. Consuming green tea after meals and chewing on a piece of fresh ginger can also help improve digestion and reduce the occurrence of heartburn.
answered by S D