Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the acid from your stomach flows back up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest and throat.

While occasional heartburn is not a cause for concern, frequent or chronic heartburn can be a sign of a more serious health condition. In this article, we’ll explore some of the causes of heartburn and share Eligast’s guide to managing heartburn for a healthier and more comfortable life.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn is caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. Some of the most common causes of heartburn include:.

1. Spicy, Fatty, or Acidic Foods

Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can all trigger heartburn by increasing the amount of acid in your stomach and irritating your esophagus. If you suffer from heartburn, try to avoid foods like:.

Spicy foods
Fatty foods
Citrus fruits and juices
Vinegar
Tomato-based products
Chocolate
Caffeine
Alcohol

2. Overeating or Eating Too Quickly

Eating too much food or eating too quickly can cause heartburn by putting pressure on your stomach and causing acid to flow back up into your esophagus. To prevent heartburn, try to eat smaller, more frequent meals and take your time when eating.

3. Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking and using tobacco can increase your risk of heartburn by weakening the muscle that connects your esophagus to your stomach. If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting can help reduce your risk of heartburn and other health problems.

4. Obesity and Being Overweight

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heartburn by putting pressure on your stomach and causing acid to flow back up into your esophagus.

Losing weight through diet and exercise can help reduce your risk of heartburn and improve your overall health.

5. Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Some health conditions can increase your risk of heartburn, including:.

Hiatal hernia
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Pregnancy
Dyspepsia (indigestion)

Eligast’s Guide to Managing Heartburn

Managing heartburn is all about making simple lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of symptoms. Here are some of Eligast’s top tips for managing heartburn:.

1. Change Your Diet

One of the best ways to manage heartburn is to make changes to your diet. Here are some tips:.

Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods that can trigger heartburn
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on your stomach
Avoid eating late at night or before bedtime
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out acid
Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages

2. Change Your Habits

In addition to changing your diet, you can also make some simple changes to your habits that can help reduce your risk of heartburn. Here are some tips:.

Avoid smoking and using tobacco products
Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce pressure on your stomach
Avoid lying down after meals to give your body time to digest food
Elevate the head of your bed to reduce acid reflux at night
Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects after meals

3. Use Medications and Supplements

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to manage your heartburn, you can also use medications and supplements to help reduce your symptoms. Here are some options:.

Antacids like Tums or Rolaids can neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief
H2 blockers like Zantac or Pepcid can reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces
Proton pump inhibitors like Nexium or Prilosec can block acid production and provide long-term relief
Supplements like probiotics or digestive enzymes can help improve digestion and reduce heartburn

When to See a Doctor

While occasional heartburn is not a cause for concern, frequent or chronic heartburn can be a sign of a more serious health condition.

If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, have trouble swallowing, or notice blood in your stool or vomit, you should see a doctor right away. They can help diagnose any underlying health conditions and provide proper treatment to manage your symptoms.

Conclusion

Heartburn can be an uncomfortable and inconvenient condition, but with proper management, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

By making simple changes to your diet and habits, using medications and supplements, and seeking medical treatment when necessary, you can effectively manage your heartburn and enjoy a healthier and more comfortable life.