Heartburn does not affect your heart.
It can feel like a burning sensation at the center of your chest. Sometimes, it is accompanied by nausea, coughing and a sore mouth. It can even cause pain between your shoulder blades in the middle part of your back.
You may think that the discomfort comes from your heart but in fact it is from the junction of your esophagus and stomach, located directly behind your chest.
What is heartburn?
Acid reflux is another name for heartburn. It’s a symptom of gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD).
Hydrochloric acid in your stomach and enzymes break down proteins and nutrients. The lining of your stomach is made up of tissues that can safely handle these harsh chemicals. However, your esophagus is not.
The lower esophageal valve (LES) is the muscular valve that connects your esophagus to stomach. The LES opens so food can pass into your stomach and then closes to prevent stomach acid from coming back up.
After years of abuse, it can become weaker and not close as well as it should. This causes stomach acid to reflux (reflux), causing heartburn.
Foods That Worsen Your Heartburn
How you eat can affect how often heartburn occurs.
Fattening, greasy food Fatty and greasy foods stimulates the release of bile and hormones which relaxes your LES and increases the risk of acid reflux.
High protein foods – (chicken, steak, pork) stimulates the production of stomach acid.
Spicy food can irritate and inflame your esophagus, preventing it from closing properly.
As large chunks of food pass through, they can weaken and stretch your LES. Before swallowing, chew the food until it becomes a smooth paste.
Alcohol damages your esophagus tissues and relaxes the LES. This allows acid reflux to happen more easily.
The milk contains a high amount of protein and fat. Although it may initially feel soothing, it could actually worsen your heartburn.
Foods and drinks with a high temperature can also cause irritation and damage to your esophageal tissue, preventing it from working properly.
Pay attention to your diet and drinks if you experience heartburn frequently. You may develop more serious issues, such as ulcers or severe tissue damage, if you keep eating the foods that cause your heartburn.
Foods that are Heartburn-Friendly
You can reduce heartburn symptoms by eating foods that are heartburn friendly.
Low fat proteins are easier to digest for your stomach and may reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Fruits and vegetables that are not citrus (bananas and apples) or contain leafy greens (broccoli, carrots), are easy to digest, and they provide antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Yogurt, and other foods rich in probiotics , can help balance healthy bacteria within your digestive tract. This may reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Low calorie foods could help you lose weight and reduce heartburn.
Avoid lying down right after eating, since this position allows acids to easily flow up your esophagus.
Heartburn is a painful condition that can cause discomfort. By making simple lifestyle changes, and paying attention to your diet, you can reduce or reverse the symptoms.
If your heartburn symptoms are severe or do not improve after self-care, you should consult your doctor. If you have severe heartburn, or if it doesn’t improve with self-care, talk to your doctor.
