Introduction:
Heartburn: that uncomfortable, distracting burn in the chest that many of us know all too well.
For some, it’s a rare annoyance. But when it starts to happen daily, our body is signaling a clear message that demands attention and action.
In this article, we’ll cover what heartburn (or acid reflux) truly is, explore its causes and symptoms, and offer strategies for relief.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid escapes into the esophagus.
This backward movement occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve-like muscle that should only loosen during swallowing, becomes weak or relaxes improperly.
Symptoms of heartburn include:
- A burning sensation in your chest.
- Chest tightness or pressure.
- A ‘lump’ sensation in your throat.
- Discomfort or difficulty swallowing.
- Unexpected increases in burping and gas.
- An acidic or sour taste in your mouth.
- Heightened chest pain when bending over or lying on your back.
Frequent heartburn is more than uncomfortable. It can disrupt your daily life: affecting your work, sleep, and physical activity.
Today’s guide helps you understand causes, relief strategies, and when to seek professional help for acid reflux symptoms.
Sign up for health guides and special offers from our primary care team.
What causes sudden heartburn that won’t go away?
When you experience heartburn for days, it’s a clear signal from your body that something needs to change. Your diet, lifestyle, and even stress levels play significant roles.
Foods and drinks that trigger heartburn
- Spicy Foods: Irritates the esophagus.
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can cause symptoms.
- Tomatoes/Tomato-based Products: Potential to cause or worsen symptoms.
- Fatty/Fried Foods: Slows digestion and increases pressure on LES.
- Garlic and Onions: Raw forms may worsen heartburn.
- Chocolate: Contains LES-relaxing methylxanthine.
- Mint: Relaxes LES, allowing acid to escape.
- Caffeine: Relaxes LES.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Irritates the esophagus and relaxes LES.
- Carbonated Beverages: Causes bloating and increases LES pressure.
- Large Meals: Increases stomach pressure.
- Eating Before Bed: Promotes acid escape because of lying down.
Lifestyle factors that contribute to heartburn
- Obesity: Increases abdominal pressure, pushing stomach contents upward.
- Smoking: Relaxes LES and reduces saliva (acid neutralizer).
- Tight Clothing: Squeezes stomach, pushing acid upward.
- Stress and Anxiety: Increases stomach acid production.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Leads to obesity, which puts pressure on your stomach.
- Poor Posture: Increases stomach and LES pressure.
- Lying on your back: Allows acid to flow upwards.
Medications that may cause heartburn side effects
- Aspirin/NSAIDs: Irritates esophagus and stomach lining.
- Blood Pressure Medications: Calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers.
- Some Asthma Medications: Like theophylline.
- Antidepressants: Certain types can worsen symptoms.
- Bisphosphonates: Used for osteoporosis, can irritate.
- Sedatives/Benzodiazepines: Relaxes LES.
- Iron Supplements: Irritates the stomach and esophagus.
- Potassium Supplements: Irritates stomach lining.
Medical conditions resulting in heartburn
- Hiatal Hernia: Stomach pushing into the chest affects LES.
- Pregnancy: Increased pressure and hormonal changes affect LES.
- Gastroparesis: Delayed gastric emptying increases pressure.
- Peptic Ulcers: Can cause similar symptoms.
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Increases stomach acid.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Affect esophageal muscles.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining.
Other factors
- Age: Decrease in muscle tone, including LES.
- Genetics: Family history may increase risk.
How to cure sudden daily heartburn
Heartburn cure involves both short-term remedies and long-term lifestyle adjustments.
Food and eating habits for heartburn relief
Adjusting what you eat can feel frustrating, especially if you’re committed to a specific diet. But if your goal is improving overall health, changing what you eat (for a bit) can help you move forward, not backward.
Foods to prioritize
- BRAT Foods: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are easy to digest.
- Ginger: An anti-inflammatory that soothes the gastrointestinal system.
- Oatmeal: Whole grain that absorbs acid.
- Green Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, and cucumbers are low in fat and sugar and reduce acid.
- Non-Citrus Fruits: Melons, bananas, and apples neutralize stomach acid.
- Lean Meats/Seafood: Stomach-friendly when grilled, poached, or baked.
Eating schedule and portion sizes
- Breakfast: A healthy portion, consumed 2+ hours after waking to assist the previous day’s digestion.
- Lunch: The largest meal, followed by 5-10 minutes of walking to accelerate stomach emptying.
- Snack: An optional, healthy-portioned meal.
- Dinner: The smallest meal, eaten 3+ hours before bed to aid in stomach emptying and comfort while lying down.
Lifestyle changes to relieve heartburn
- Movement: Losing weight puts less pressure on your stomach. Stand for the gravitational benefit and walk to boost metabolism and stomach emptying.
- Stress Management: Use mindfulness, yoga, or exercise to mitigate symptoms. Add stress relief to fit your lifestyle; consider deep breathing or meditation for minimal physical strain.
- Elevation Strategy: Elevate the upper body with pillows or wedges to keep stomach acid down.
- Optimal Sleeping Position: Sleeping on the left side aligns with body anatomy, keeping acid in your stomach. Elevate the upper body with pillows or a wedge to keep stomach acid down.
- Clothing: Choose loose clothing (including belts) to aid digestion.
Supplements for potential symptom relief
- Aloe Vera Juice: Soothes the digestive tract and esophagus.
- Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): Eases heartburn by soothing gastrointestinal lining.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted amounts may balance stomach acidity, offering relief.
- Marshmallow Root: Coats and protects the esophagus, providing alternative relief.
- Slippery Elm: Another option for coating and protecting the esophagus.
When to seek professional help for consistent heartburn
Persistent heartburn is a sign to seek expert care. Professional help can find the main problem and lead you to lasting relief beyond over-the-counter medications. If necessary, medications, lifestyle adjustments, and even surgery are all tools in the comprehensive treatment arsenal against heartburn.
MedXclusive’s approach to heartburn relief
At MedXclusive, the journey to managing heartburn is a partnership. We closely examine your habits, diet, and stressors. We then create a plan that focuses on the underlying causes of your heartburn, not just the symptoms. With a holistic approach, we aim to restore your comfort and quality of life.
Heartburn doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. You can find your path to relief and wellness with the right insights and actions guided by MedXclusive professionals.
Article Details:
