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.

Wash your beans twice!