Raj and Anjali went out for a movie and than for late dinner to celebrate their wedding anniversary. They spent wonderful moments in each other’s company and had sumptuous hot and spicy Indian food. All was well but as they reached home Raj started feeling uncomfortable with a slight pain in his chest. Anjali got worried and immediately called the doctor.The Doctor informed them that there was nothing to worry as it was a simple case of heartburn.
Heartburn is associated with a pain in the chest or esophagus. Heart burn is not related to the heart but can imitate a heart attack. It generally occurs after eating a heavy meal or while lying down. The pain or sensation can last for a few minutes or a few hours.
Occasional heart burn is fairly common and is not life threatening, however frequent heartburns may be symptoms of gastroesophagel reflux disease (GERD) in which the stomach acid flows backward from the stomach into the esophagus which causes inflammation and pain in the esophagus.
Causes of heartburn:
- The most common causes of heart burn is over eating or eating fatty and spicy food. Acidic food such as tomatoes and citrus fruits aggravates heart burns. A person eating his meals in a stressed state may also experience heart burns.
- Caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (LES is a one way valve to prevent acid reflux) which allows the acid from the stomach to enter the mouth hence tea, coffee, and other drinks that contain caffeine should be avoided.
- Cigarette smokers face regular bouts of heart burn as heart burns is directly related to smoking.
- People who consume alcoholic beverages are also prone to heartburns as alcohol increases the production of stomach acids.
- Excessive pressure on the abdomen puts pressure on the Lower Esophagel sphincter which allows the acid from the stomach to enter the mouth. Pregnant women or overweight people generally face heartburns for this reason.
- It has been noticed that people who lie down immediately after a meal face regular spells of heart burns.
- Having certain medicines may also trigger heartburns.
Heartburn is an extremely discomforting situation. It is necessary that you take appropriate steps to prevent it. You can prevent heartburns by making a few lifestyle changes
- Eat two hours before bedtime
It is important to eat your meals two hours before bedtime as lying down or sleeping with a full stomach causes food to press harder against the LES (valve) which increases acid production and causes heartburns.
- Avoid spicy and fatty food.
Fatty food slows down digestion and tends to remain in the stomach for a longer duration. This exerts pressure on the stomach which in turn increases the production of acid causing heartburns.
Alcohol has various unpleasant affects on heartburns. You can choose a non alcoholic beer or opt for white wine over red wine or dilute your alcoholic beverage with water or soda.
- Avoid food and beverage that triggers heart burns.
Some food and beverages like tomatoes, chocolate, fatty and spicy food, citrus fruits alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks and beverage containing caffeine such as tea and coffee increase the risk of reflux by relaxing LES.
Over weight and obese people should work at reducing weight as excess weight increases abdominal pressure forcing the food upwards through the food pipe.
- Improve eating habits and eat in a relaxed atmosphere only.
Do not over eat. It is important to eat smaller meals at regular intervals to avoid heart burns. Eating 2-3 big meals a day and eating in a stressed state puts extra pressure on the LES and increases the chances of refluxed food.
The smoke generated while smoking release chemicals which weaken the LES as it passes from the lungs to the blood which triggers heartburns.
Heartburn is not a serious condition but it is advised that if you have frequent spells of heart burns consult your physician at the earliest
