Heartburn and 7 ways to deal with it
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Probably, many experienced an unpleasant burning sensation in the lower part of the esophagus, in other words, heartburn. This is a non-dangerous condition, however extremely unpleasant and capable of spoiling a person's life.
What is heartburn and who suffers from it?
Some people have disrupted the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, which allows the acid to go up into the esophagus. This causes inflammation and pain. Heartburn can occur in any person, however, some people are at greater risk of heartburn. This group of risk includes people with excess weight, those who wear tight clothes, eat large meals or smoke.
How to cope with heartburn?
Cope with mild symptoms of heartburn can be if you change some of the habits in the diet and daily routine. First, you need small portions. And secondly, dinner should not be too late. Supper should be at least three to four hours before bedtime.
To follow the consumed food
In addition to changing the eating habits, you need to monitor what you eat. Some products can cause heartburn due to the fact that they contain acid, which additionally affects the occurrence of burning sensations, and can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter. First of all, control the use of foods such as garlic, onions, tomatoes, citrus juices and fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, as well as grapefruits and oranges. Also, the cause of heartburn can be acute food.
Drinks can also cause heartburn
In some people, the use of such drinks as tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol, orange and tomato juices can also cause heartburn. However, if you do not feel impaired after using them, then they can not be avoided.
Physical exercises
The risk of acid reflux may increase physical activity due to which the load on the abdomen increases. There are a number of exercises that more than others can affect the change in the natural process of digestion. For example, such a posture in yoga as a "looking down dog" or exercises for the press that cause acid release into the esophagus.
Heartburn at night
If you are tormented by attacks of heartburn at night, you can try to raise the head of the bed by 10-15 centimeters. This will help keep acid in the stomach. Also, reflux occurs less often if you lie on the left side of the body.
Tight clothes
Tight clothing can not only leave traces of "incision" on the skin, but also put pressure on the stomach, which is also the cause of heartburn.
Alternative means - soda
In the people there is a very popular way to get rid of heartburn - a solution of soda. It really helps to neutralize the acid for a while, however, the carbon dioxide produced during soda intake provokes the release of hydrochloric acid, causing disturbances in the water-salt balance of the organism.
[Antacid preparations
Antatsidnye, enveloping drugs protect the esophagus mucosa from the action of gastric juice, enveloping it. Despite rapid neutralization of gastric acid, the antacid is also quickly washed out of the stomach, and its excessive use can cause side effects.