Heartburn, or acid reflux, is a common symptom characterized by a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back out of the stomach and into the esophagus. The most common cause of heartburn is a weakness or relaxation in the muscle that separates the stomach and the esophagus. Certain foods, overeating, pregnancy, obesity, and smoking can worsen heartburn symptoms. Fortunately, there are many ways you can take control of your heartburn symptoms. Check out these 10 tips to get heartburn relief fast!
Heartburn is often caused by the foods you eat. If you have heartburn, you should identify and avoid the foods that worsen your acid reflux symptoms. Common triggers include spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.
If you have frequent heartburn, try eating small, frequent meals. Instead of eating a large meal, choose a smaller one and aim to eat more frequently throughout the day to minimize your symptoms.
When eating, make sure to slow down and chew your food thoroughly. Eating too quickly can cause you to swallow air, which can worsen your heartburn.
Overeating or eating too much can put pressure on the muscle between your stomach and esophagus, causing acid to travel up your throat and cause heartburn. Avoid eating large meals and, instead, eat smaller meals throughout the day.
Avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating a meal or snack. Sitting upright after eating helps digestion and prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
Many people experience heartburn at night while lying flat. Try elevating the head of your bed with an extra pillow to help prevent acid from traveling into your esophagus.
Tight clothing around the waist and abdomen can put pressure on your stomach, worsening heartburn symptoms. If you struggle with heartburn, consider wearing loose-fitting clothing to alleviate any pressure on your stomach.
Excess weight can put pressure on your stomach, worsening the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. To reduce your weight, try eating a well-balanced diet and get regular physical activity.
Some people find that natural remedies like ginger, camomile tea, or aloe vera juice can reduce heartburn symptoms. Make sure to speak with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
Smoking reduces the amount of saliva you produce and can impact how your stomach creates stomach acid. Quitting smoking can reduce or even eliminate acid reflux.
If you continue to struggle with heartburn after trying these tips, it’s time to schedule a visit with your doctor. They may recommend testing, like an upper endoscopy, to determine if you have a condition such as GERD. They can also prescribe medications and other solutions to treat your heartburn symptoms.
No one should have to live with heartburn pain. Schedule an appointment today!
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