What Triggers Heartburn and How to Avoid It
Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, which is often accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth. The pain often worsens after eating and maybe more intense at night. While heartburn can be caused by many things, it is most often caused by stomach acid refluxing up into your esophagus. Many people wonder about the causes and triggers of heartburn and how to stop it. So, we made a simple guide to answer some of those burning questions.
Why Do I Get Heartburn?
If you’re one of the millions who suffer from heartburn, you know just how painful it can be. Heartburn is a symptom. It is caused by stomach acid refluxing into your esophagus. This causes irritation and inflammation in your esophagus, which is what you feel in your chest. The lining of your esophagus is not as thick as the lining of your stomach, so it cannot protect itself against the burning sensation of the acid.
Here is some information on the possible causes and related factors of heartburn.
Mechanical Heartburn
This type of heartburn is caused by physical obstructions, such as an overly full stomach, a hiatal hernia, and esophageal rings.
When you eat, the muscles of your stomach push the food in. At the same time, your stomach muscles relax. The lower end of your esophagus stays closed and does not allow your stomach acid to flow into your esophagus. When this muscle relaxes for too long, it opens up, and stomach acid flows into your esophagus, causing heartburn.
Psychological Heartburn
This type of heartburn is stress-related and usually occurs at night. When you are stressed, your digestive system slows down, and your stomach produces more acid. When you’re lying down, your stomach acid easily refluxes into your esophagus. Again, the lower end of your esophagus stays closed but for a much shorter time.
If you experience heartburn after a stressful day, the best thing you can do for relief is to take some time for yourself. Try to relax and don’t eat for about an hour after you are finished praying.
Heartburn Triggers
Heartburn is a common problem. The acid in your stomach can easily flow up into your esophagus, particularly when you are suffering from heartburn. There are several things that can cause heartburn. Here are a few of the most common heartburn triggers that you should avoid.
Medications – Some medications can cause your body to produce less acid, and some can cause it to produce more. If you are taking any medications that can cause heartburn, ask your doctor whether it is possible to take a different medication.
Sleeping Position – Your daily habits can contribute to heartburn. For example, sleeping in the stomach-down position can increase the risk of heartburn. Instead, sleep propped up by pillows or in the side-lying position.
Foods – The foods you eat can contribute to heartburn. Be particularly careful of foods that contain high amounts of alcohol, spicy foods, chocolate, and peppermint. At night, avoid eating heavily seasoned or spiced foods.
Alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, can cause heartburn because they contain certain acids that can irritate the esophagus. Also, greasy, fried, or spicy foods can contribute to heartburn.
Exercise – Exercise can produce more saliva, which helps food slide down your throat. But if you exercise shortly before or after eating, your body may not have enough time to digest the food properly. This can cause acid reflux.
What Can I Do to Stop the Burning?
If you are troubled with heartburn, there are steps that you can take to relieve your symptoms. Here are some natural remedies that may help you to cure heartburn or to ease the discomfort.
1. Quench Your Thirst
2. Use a Relaxation Technique
3. Lose Weight
4. Avoid Stress
5. Get Some Exercise
6. Avoid Certain Foods
7. Relax with Peppermint Tea
It can be hard to avoid heartburn triggers, but certain lifestyle changes can help.
Conclusion
If you are troubled with heartburn, knowing what triggers it can help you avoid it. Sometimes it is not easy to avoid triggers, but your heartburn can be much more manageable by making a few small changes in your daily habits.
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “how can mustard help with heartburn?” or “is there a permanent cure to acid reflux?” If your answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place. Reflux Away is your best source for tips, reviews, and guides to help you deal with that burning sensation caused by heartburn. Sign up now to get the latest tips and posts about acid reflux!