Heartburn is a very unpleasant sensation that is caused by a very familiar problem. Its symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest that can range from uncomfortable to unbearable.

In some cases, this discomfort may be accompanied by nausea, regurgitation, and sometimes even difficulty in swallowing food properly. If you ever experience heartburn and cannot place what it is, here are the two most common causes of heartburn.

Cause 1: Eating Certain Foods

The first cause of heartburn on our list is consuming certain foods. Certain foods and beverages can exacerbate the stomach’s acidity and cause a burning sensation in the chest. Some of these foods include:.

Spicy foods: Like peppers, onion, and garlic, Mexican cuisine, for instance, is notoriously spicy.
Caffeine and alcohol: coffee, tea, and alcohol are notorious for making heartburn worse.
Acidic foods: such as tomatoes, oranges or other citrus fruits, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, can also trigger heartburn
Fatty or fried foods: foods that are high in fat or fried foods are not only hard to digest but also stay in your stomach for longer which may make heartburn worse.
Carbonated beverages and chocolate are known to cause heartburn too.

If any of these foods trigger heartburn consistently, it is best to cut them out of your diet completely or to eat them in moderation. You can always consult a nutritionist for advice on the best diet that works for you.

Cause 2: GERD or Acid Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The LES is a ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach and prevents stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. When stomach acid flows back up through the LES, it causes irritation to the esophagus leading to heartburn. GERD may occur due to a few reasons, including:.

Obesity or being overweight
Smoking or tobacco use
Pregnancy
Hiatal hernia
Consumption of certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, and blood pressure drugs
Suffering from scleroderma, a connective tissue disorder.

If you have GERD, you may also experience other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and chest pain.

If you think you have GERD or are experiencing persistent heartburn, you should visit a physician who can help diagnose and recommend treatment options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, heartburn can be caused by a variety of lifestyle factors, including the types of foods that you consume, how regularly you consume them and your overall health.

By making healthy lifestyle choices, such as avoiding certain foods and adopting habits like eating smaller meals, avoiding eating before bedtime, and wearing loose-fitting clothing, you can reduce your chances of experiencing heartburn. It’s crucial to note that heartburn may be a symptom of an underlying condition, so it is always best to consult a medical professional when experiencing persistent heartburn.