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Heartburn; Causes And Natural Remedies by Princeboca12(m): 9:11pm On Aug 16, 2017 |
What Is Heartburn? Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart . Some of the symptoms, however, are similar to those of a heart attack or heart disease . Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus -- the tube that connects your throat and stomach. It's caused by stomach acid. This leads to a burning discomfort in your upper belly or below your breastbone. What Causes Heartburn? Heartburn symptoms can start up because of a problem with a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It's located where the esophagus meets the stomach -- below the rib cage and slightly left of center. Normally, with the help of gravity, the LES keeps stomach acid right where it should be -- in your stomach. When it's working right, the LES opens to allow food into your stomach or to let you belch, then closes again. But if the LES opens too often or doesn't close tightly enough, stomach acid can seep into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. If your LES doesn't tighten as it should, there are often two things that contribute to the problem. One is overeating, which puts too much food in your stomach. Another is too much pressure on your stomach, often due to obesity , pregnancy , or constipation . Certain foods can relax your LES or increase stomach acid, including: Tomatoes Citrus fruits Garlic and onions Chocolate Coffee or caffeinated products Alcohol Peppermint Meals high in fats and oils (animal or vegetable) often lead to heartburn , as do certain medications . Stress and lack of sleep can raise how much acid your stomach makes and can cause heartburn. If you're pregnant, the hormone progesterone can relax your LES and lead to heartburn . Smoking also relaxes the LES and increases stomach acid. How Long Does Heartburn Last? It can vary. For some folks, it can be just a few minutes. Sometimes it can last for several hours. Heartburn happens about once a week for up to 20% of Americans and is common in pregnant women. Occasional heartburn isn't dangerous. But long-term heartburn, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can sometimes lead to serious problems, such as: Long-term cough Laryngitis Inflammation or ulcers of the esophagus Problems swallowing because of a narrow esophagus Barrett's esophagus , a condition that can make it more likely to get esophageal cancer HOW TO TREAT HEARTHBURN 1. LOOSEN CLOTHING Heartburn happens because the contents of your stomach are going back up into your esophagus , where the stomach acids burn the tissues. You could be having an episode of heartburn because tight clothing is binding your stomach. If that’s the case, the first thing to do is loosen your belt — or your dress, or apron strings, or whatever else is holding you too tight. 2. STAND UP Your posture might be contributing to heartburn, so if you’re sitting or lying down, try standing up. If you’re already standing, try standing up more straightly. “When you’re slumped down, your internal organs are compressed,” says Betsy Polatin . She’s a movement specialist who works with performers. “A simple and effective solution may be to lengthen and widen your torso and spine , as your head gently moves toward the ceiling.” 3. ELEVATE WAIST If you’re lying down and can’t get up, or if you’re caring for someone who is confined to bed and is experiencing heartburn, try raising the upper body. According to the Mayo Clinic , lifting the head isn’t enough, so don’t add a pillow. The goal is elevation from the waist up. An adjustable bed that can be raised to a suitable angle can provide relief. If your bed doesn’t do that, you can increase the angle by using a wedge pillow. 4. MIX BAKING SODA WITH WATER You might have a heartburn remedy right in your kitchen. Baking soda will calm some heartburn. It works by neutralizing the stomach acid. Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink slowly (drink everything slowly when you have heartburn). 5. CHEW GUM Chewing gum could help neutralize acid, too. Dr. Atif Iqbal , medical director of the MemorialCare Digestive Care Center at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, recommends it. “Gum increases saliva,” says Dr. Iqbal. “Any acid that has built up in the gut is diluted and washed away or cleared out more quickly.” 6. AVOID CIGARETTE SMOKE You already know you shouldn’t be smoking (and that smoking can contribute to heartburn), but if you’re a smoker and you get an attack of heartburn, don’t light up. Sure, smoking can be a form of coping when you’re uncomfortable, but it’s not going to make that burning feeling go away. 7. TAKE OTC MEDICATION There are plenty of heartburn remedies you can reach for at just about any pharmacy or grocery store. These medicines come in three classes: antacids , H2 blockers , and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs block acid production. H2 blockers reduce how much acid your stomach makes. H2s are usually used for preventing heartburn, but they can also help with symptoms. Antacids neutralize stomach acid. If you experience heartburn regularly, you’ve probably heard all of the prevention tips: • eat at least three hours before bedtime • don’t lie down after eating • avoid triggering foods like fatty and spicy foods • keep a healthy weight If you have heartburn more than two or three times a week, talk to your doctor. |
Re: Heartburn; Causes And Natural Remedies by Nobody: 9:22pm On Aug 16, 2017 |
Wash your beans twice! 1 Like |
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