Do you experience heartburn frequently after eating? Yes, if so, then recognize that this can signal gastrointestinal malfunction or even diet lacking in nutrients , both of which are potential causes of heartburn.
From diet to genetics, a number of aspects determine the appearance of the condition, and knowing them can detect the origin of the discomfort and look for the best ways to treat it.
Therefore, if you have this issue and would like to eliminate it once and for all, observe here what are the most common causes of heartburn, in order to enhance your life quality and prevent constant discomfort!
What are the features of heartburn?
Heartburn is a stomach discomfort, and while not a disease, it indicates that something is not quite right in the digestive process.
Also called dyspepsia, it’s marked by a burning sensation in the chest and stomach that happens when stomach acid—naturally secreted to help digest food—flows into the esophagus. Excess or uncontrolled acid can lead to the described condition.
Although the issue is from time to time and harmless, sometimes it becomes chronic and uneasy. In addition, the frequency and severity of attacks may differ, and in the chronic situation, they refer to more severe gastrointestinal issues , including gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and ulcers.
And how to recognize the signs of this issue?
Although there are many reasons for heartburn, the issue is more than the burning. In such a situation, an in-depth examination of eating, lifestyle, and medical issues can tackle the situation.
Some of the symptoms that reflect the issue are:
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Stomach bloating feeling.
- Excessive burping.
- Nausea.
- Persistent cough.
- Soreness and/or burning sensation in the throat or hoarseness.
- Chest pain.
- Problem swallowing food.
Along with what is stated, one can also taste a bitter flavor in the mouth, caused by the reflux of acid that reaches up into the throat.
The 6 primary reasons for heartburn
As we have learned, heartburn is caused by a number of different things, and knowing its potential causes will assist you in finding a healthy approach to addressing and treating the discomfort. Here, we’ll examine the six primary reasons for the condition:
1. Foods high in fat
Your food relationship also has an important role in causing heartburn. Fatty foods, including fried foods, processed cheese, and processed meat, can relax the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, which functions like a valve, regulating food and acid movement from the stomach.
These foods delay the process of digestion , such that gastric juices accumulate and enter the esophagus. In addition, eating ultra-processed foods irritates the esophageal mucosa, making the burning sensation intensify.
2. Having more than required
Consuming large quantities of food during one meal can increase the pressure on the stomach, leading to heartburn. Excessive quantities overload the gastrointestinal tract and weaken the organ’s emptying, thus predisposing individuals to heartburn, if the foods chosen are low in nutrients.
3. Abuse of drugs
Narcotics like alcohol also induce heartburn. This is because they have the potential to irritate the gastric mucosa and stimulate acid secretion, leading to the issue.
In addition, caffeinated drinks, including coffee and soda, are associated with discomfort. Thus, avoiding, using in moderation, or even preferring decaffeinated alternatives may decrease the frequency and severity of heartburn attacks.
4. Obesity
Overweight is also one of the primary causes of this issue, as obesity raises intra-abdominal pressure and can stop the body from holding stomach acid, leading to reflux.
Thus, eating a balanced diet and regular exercise reduces abdominal pressure and enhances digestive function, eliminating the pain of heartburn.
5. Smoking
Smoking is an important cause of heartburn. Nicotine in smoking makes the muscle between the stomach and esophagus relax, enabling stomach acid to move up more freely. In addition, smoking will further weaken the organs in response to the irritation caused by it.
6. Stress and anxiety
Lastly, stress and anxiety may trigger heartburn with the release of cortisol , stimulating the production of gastric acid and causing acid reflux.
Potential diagnoses and treatments
Heartburn diagnosis starts with a thorough examination of the individual’s history and symptoms. In others, more targeted tests are required to determine the cause and extent of the issue.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, for instance, enables direct visualization of the stomach and esophagus, to determine inflammation or other abnormality. In severe cases, it can show gastroesophageal reflux or ulcers that need medical assessment and proper treatment.
Treatments depend on the reasons for heartburn and the severity of symptoms, and professional advice is advised in case they start occurring regularly.
Eliminate heartburn forever!
To eliminate heartburn, the initial step is to give top priority to healthy lifestyle habits . Thus, invest in a healthy diet and manage your intake of processed foods to minimize this discomfort.
For people who often suffer from this issue, try lying on your right side at night . This will tend to prevent stomach acid from coming up into your esophagus when you’re in bed, giving you extra relief.
It’s also a good idea to note that self-medication with effervescent tablets is also a habitual practice for relieving heartburn, but it must be exercised cautiously. Medications may provide relief for the moment, but overuse can yield unwanted side effects.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to visit a gastroenterologist in order to receive proper treatment and steer clear of complications. This specialist can offer individualized advice and assist you in treating heartburn properly and safely.
With effective monitoring and putting into action the strategies outlined above, you can alleviate symptoms and enhance your life quality, with long-term digestive health!
