Tips To Treat Heartburn

Heartburn is an uncomfortable sensation of burning in your chest, which is known by the medical name of acid reflux. It can last for anything from a few minutes to hours. The good news is that sufferers from this very common complaint can treat it with digestive relief medicine, and also make some adjustments to their diet and lifestyle.

The burning sensation occurs when acids in your stomach, which are necessary to break down food, backs up into the tube that connects the stomach and the mouth. This tube is known as the oesophagus, and it is irritated by the acids, which is why it feels unpleasant. You may also notice a persistent cough or hiccups, and bloating or nausea.

The burning can be felt rising up from the stomach, toward the throat and mouth. Another symptom is a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, which is especially noticeable when you first wake up in the morning. Most people experience heartburn now and again, but if you find it happens frequently, it helps to identify the triggers.

Common triggers for acid reflux

Heartburn can be brought on by overeating, or eating too quickly. Some foods and drink, such as coffee, alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and very fatty or spicy foods can aggravate the condition further. If you suspect your heartburn has a dietary cause, try eliminating particular foods for a few weeks, and note any changes in your symptoms.

Being overweight and smoking are known to be triggers for heartburn. It can also be brought on or exacerbated by stress and anxiety. If you experience severe and regular bouts of heartburn, and your attempts to ease it make no difference, it’s advisable to see a doctor.

How to treat heartburn yourself

Sufferers often find that eating smaller meals, and chewing more slowly, eases the symptoms of heartburn. It can help to avoid eating within three to four hours of bed time, the NHS advises. If you suffer from uncomfortable bloating after eating, avoid wearing clothes that are fitted tightly around the waist.

Because the acid travels upward towards the throat as you lie down, it can be helpful to raise one end of your bed or mattress, to elevate the head and chest above the waist. There are foam wedges available to buy, which can be placed under the mattress, or you could put blocks under the bedposts.

If you have a stressful lifestyle, it can help to learn some meditation techniques to help you wind down at the end of the day. There is a lot of advice and free apps on the topic that you can download, and will provide some useful starting points about techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, and so on.

Some people find that eating bananas, which are rich in potassium, helps to neutralise the acid in the stomach. There are also a range of medications available to buy in pharmacy stores or over the counter.