Heartburn, also called indigestion, can affect anyone for a number of reasons. Sometimes the condition only happens to people occasionally while other people experience the discomfort frequently. The pain of heartburn includes a burning sensation in the chest, behind the breastbone, explains the Mayo Clinic. Bending over or lying down can make the pain worse. In most cases heartburn is not a serious condition and can be managed with a few changes in daily habits or the use of over-the-counter antacids to calm the stomach. Chronic or overly painful heartburn that includes the regurgitation of stomach contents is called acid reflux.
Foods
Spicy foods, citrus, fried foods, fatty foods and chocolate are just some of the foods that can cause extra stomach acids to be produced during digestion. When this occurs, the acid has a greater risk of escaping from the stomach. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that normally the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts as a flap to trap acids and food in the stomach. When the stomach contents becomes too great, such as with the consumption of spicy foods, the LES is forced open, allowing the acid to return up the chest and sometimes back into the mouth. Individuals may come to learn what foods set off heartburn and can avoid them. The National Heartburn Alliance suggests other possible causes to include peppery foods, garlic, onion and any other strongly spiced foods.
Chemicals
Nicotine, alcohol and caffeine are chemicals known to trigger heartburn, especially acid reflux. Nicotine and the act of smoking can increase the prevalence of acid because these actions slow the production of saliva. Saliva is a neutralizing acid that helps wash down painful acids during digestion. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the stomach and lead to increased acid production or general stomach upset.
LES Weakening
Several conditions can cause the LES to become weak. When this occurs, the flap struggles to stay closed the way that it should, resulting in frequent indigestion which can include heartburn. The LES becomes weak from repeated acid exposure. It can also relax abnormally when lying down or bending over after eating. This type of heartburn often results in a diagnosis of acid reflux and corresponding treatment with over-the-counter and prescription strength acid controlling medications.
