Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest located at the back of the breastbone.  Heartburn pain is frequently worsened once in the position of bending over or lying down.  Infrequent heartburn may be considered as ordinary and there will be no reason for panic.  Most people can handle the pain of heartburn through their lifestyle changes and by taking over-the-counter medicines.  However, if the heartburn become recurrent and already hinders the everyday activities, it may be a symptom of some severe conditions that may have need of medical attention from the doctor.

What are the symptoms of heartburn?

Symptoms of heartburn may include the following.

• Burning sensation in the chest that frequently takes place after eating and may also happen at night.
• Pain that make worse when bending over or lying down.

 

If the heartburn takes place in more than twice a week, the pain continues in spite of taking over-the-counter medicines and find difficulty in swallowing do not hesitate to seek medical attention from your doctor.  However, look for an urgent attention if there is severe chest pain with difficulty in breathing or jaw or arm pain for it can be a symptom of heart attack.

What are the causes of heartburn?

• Heartburn takes place when the acid in stomach backs up into the esophagus.
• Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle get weaker or relaxes abnormally, the stomach acid can flow back up in the esophagus.

What is the risk factors affecting heartburn?

There are certain foods and drinks that can cause heartburn for some people.  Some of them are the following.

• Intake of alcohol.
• Eating of chocolates.
• Make use of black pepper and vinegar.
• Intake of coffee.
• Eating of fatty foods.
• Drinking of soft drinks and orange juices.
• Make use of ketchup and mustard.

What are the natural treatments for heartburn?

There are natural ways that can help to relieve the pain of heartburn and these are some of the following.

1.     Keep in good physical shape.

Keeps a healthy weight since too much weight can put strain o the abdomen, approaching up the stomach letting the acid to flows back up into the esophagus.  If you have already a healthy weight, make an effort to keep it.  If you are obese or overweight, start to gradually lose weight with not more than 1 or 2 pounds in a week.  Consult a healthcare provider of what exercise program will suit you.

 

 

 

2.     Do not make use of tight-fitting clothes.

Avoid making use of clothes that fit too closely just about your waist for it can only add up pressure or strain on your abdomen and on the lower esophageal sphincter.  This can trigger the symptoms of heartburn.

 

 

 

 

 3.     Avoid foods and drinks that may cause heartburn.

Each person has a definite trigger.  Some of these foods that may cause or trigger heartburn are alcohol, fatty or fried foods, chocolate, garlic, tomato sauce, mint, onion, and caffeine.  Stay away from foods and drinks that you know may only trigger your heartburn.

 

 

 

 

4.     Eat smaller amount of food.

Avoid eating too much food.  Just eat smaller quantity of foods in every meal.

 

 

 

 

 

5.     Avoid lying down immediately after a meal.

Don’t lie down right away after eating meals.  Wait for at least three hours after eating before going to bed or even lying down.

 

 

 

 

 

6.     Make the head end of your bed higher.

If your heartburn usually takes place at night or while trying to sleep, try to put a wood or cement blocks underneath the feet end of your bed so that the head end will be elevated by six to nine inches.  If this can not be permitted in raising the head end of your bed, try to put in a wedge between the mattress and box spring to raise your body from the waist up to the upper part of your body.  There are wedges available at the drugstores and medical supply stores.  Elevating your head with extra pillows is not worth a try.

 

 

7.     Avoid smoking.

Do not smoke for it can only decline the capability of lower esophageal sphincter to perform its function effectively.

 

 

 

 

8.     Avoid stress and anxiety.

Avoid stress or even anxiety by doing regular exercise like walking or riding a bike.  Stress and anxiety can only make heartburn worse.  So, try to make yourself involve in moderate exercises.  However, stay away from doing vigorous exercise for it can only make your heartburn get worse.

 

 

 

 

Heartburn can be avoided or can be relieved if the above mentioned ways are followed.  However, if in spite doing of all these things and the symptoms still persist; do consult your doctor for proper evaluation and medical treatment.