Understanding what causes heartburn can help you find a remedy for it. If you suffer from heartburn, the pain that you feel is often extreme and very discomforting. Many people who suffer from heartburn symptoms don’t even realize what the problem is until they have a medical examination. By understanding what causes heartburn, you can better treat it and avoid it by taking some simple home remedies and OTC medications.
The most common cause of heartburn is when food gets stuck in the throat. This is called a gastric reflux and occurs because the sphincter at the bottom of your stomach does not close properly. As food moves down your throat, it gets pushed back up into your stomach where it is regurgitated back into the esophagus. The stomach acids then burn the esophagus. As the stomach acids burn the esophagus, the inflammation of the tissue is what causes the burning sensation.
Another cause of heartburn is eating foods that are high in fat content. Fatty foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which makes it easier for stomach acids to travel back up into the esophagus. You may also experience heartburn if you eat spicy foods or coffee frequently. Smoking is another contributing factor in heartburn because of the way it increases the production of stomach acids. Alcohol and certain types of medications can also cause heartburn.
Antacids are the most commonly prescribed remedy for what causes heartburn. These medications work to neutralize the acid in your stomach to reduce the incidence of heartburn. Antacids can be used on their own or in combination with other remedies. Your doctor will be able to advise you better when it comes to what causes heartburn and how to treat it.
There are some home remedies that have been proven to reduce the occurrence of heartburn. Regular exercise, especially if it is done vigorously, can help to keep your stomach from relaxing too much after eating. Drinking plenty of water regularly can help to neutralize stomach acids. Some home remedies include applying tomato paste to the roof of the mouth, pressing a wedge of lemon between your teeth, or sleeping on your side rather than your back.
Some people find that what causes heartburn is a result of the type of lifestyle they live. Stress and other factors such as diet can all be factors in causing heartburn. Some people may be prone to having heartburn as a result of their eating habits and living environment. It is important that you learn what causes heartburn so you can avoid it in the future. By paying attention to the foods you eat and how stress can affect your life, you can begin to make a change and reduce your risk of having a severe bout of heartburn.