Approximately 40 percent of adults have heartburn at least once a month, according to the American College of Physicians, making it a fairly common ailment. Those who want to limit their chances of suffering from heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, or GER, can make certain dietary and lifestyle changes, including limiting consumption of acidic foods.
Heartburn Symptoms
The most common symptom of heartburn is a painful burning sensation located near the breastbone in the lower chest. Sometimes this is accompanied by a small amount of food coming back up in an acidic burp. The symptoms may be worse after a large meal, or if a person bends over or lies down soon after eating.
Causes
A muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, normally prevents food from coming back up after a person swallows. Sometimes this muscle becomes weaker or doesn't close tightly enough, and then food and stomach acid can return up the esophagus from the stomach, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Obesity, pregnancy, smoking and consuming certain foods, including acidic foods, can make heartburn more likely.
Triggers
Those who suffer from heartburn should keep track of what foods make their symptoms worse and avoid those foods. Common triggers include citrus, chocolate, tomato-based products and other acidic foods, fatty or spicy foods, garlic and onions, mint flavoring and alcoholic beverages, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Coffee, caffeine and aspirin can also contribute to heartburn in some people.
Considerations
Just avoiding spicy foods may not be enough to minimize heartburn. Other recommendations include losing weight if necessary, raising the head of the bed, not lying down for at least three hours after eating, wearing loose clothing and eating smaller and more frequent meals.
Some medications can also worsen heartburn by further weakening the LES, including some of those used for high blood pressure, anemia, osteoporosis and Parkinson's disease, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers.
Warning
Frequent heartburn may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which, if left untreated, may cause health problems that are more serious, including ulcers or a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which can lead to esophageal cancer. Treatment may include lifestyle changes and medications, or, if this isn't effective, surgery.
References
- University of South Alabama Family Medicine Clinic: Heartburn
- American College of Physicians: Understanding and Treating Heartburn
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
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