Heartburn
Heartburn, also known as pyrosis or acid indigestion is a burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone or in the epigastrium.
Symptoms
- Burning sensation in the chest that can last up to
several hours
- Chest pain – particularly when lying down
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling of food sticking in the throat area
Causes
Heartburn is an irritation of the oesophagus caused by acid that refluxes (comes up) from the stomach. When swallowing, food passes down the throat and through the oesophagus to the stomach. Normally a muscular valve called the sphincter opens to allow food into the stomach (or to permit burping), then it closes again.
Then the stomach releases strong acids to help break down the food. But if the lower oesophageal sphincter opens too often or does not close tight enough, stomach acid can reflux or seep back into the oesophagus, damaging it and causing the burning sensation we know as heartburn.
Not only can stomach acid in the oesophagus cause heartburn, but it can also cause ulcers.
Most people have felt heartburn at one time or another. Up to 4 in 10 people have heartburn each year in the UK. Although uncomfortable, heartburn does not usually pose a serious health problem for most people.
Various lifestyle and dietary factors can contribute to heartburn by relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter and allowing it to open, increasing the amount of acid in the stomach, increasing stomach pressure or by making the oesophagus more sensitive to harsh acids.
These factors include
Eating large portions
- Eating certain foods including onions, chocolate, peppermint, high-fat or spicy foods, citrus fruits, garlic and tomatoes or tomato-based products
- Drinking certain beverages, including citrus juices, alcohol, caffeinated drinks and fizzy drinks
Supplements that may help
- Slippery Elm Tablets may have demulcent action
- Magnesium antacid property
- Papaya Enzyme may aid digestion of protein
- Charcoal Capsules could help with absorbing gases
- Pineapple Bromelain is reported to aid digestion of protein
- Peppermint tea/tablets have soothing action, anti-spasmodic
- Camomile tea soothing and calming action
Recommended lifestyle changes.
- Avoid eating large meals as these expand your stomach and increase upward pressure against the oesophageal sphincter.
- Aim to limit your intake of acid-stimulating foods and beverages.
- Avoid lying down for about two hours after you eat – Gravity helps to keep the stomach juices from backing up into the oesophagus and assists the flow of food and digestive juices from the stomach to the intestines.
- Aim to maintain a reasonable weight. – Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can then push stomach contents up into the oesophagus.
- Don’t smoke and don’t drink alcohol.
- Avoid wearing tight belts or clothes that are tight fitting around the waist.
