One in 5 Americans experience Heartburn at least once a week with over 25 million Americans experiencing Heartburn every day .
Heartburn is the symptoms felt when acid from the stomach splashes up and out. The term acid reflux is used interchangeably with heartburn when the stomach acid splashes up and out of the stomach and in to the esophagus. GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) is chronic heartburn or acid reflux that can lead to greater complications including cancer .
Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn is generally caused by a weakened Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. If the muscle weakens or relaxes, the acid in the stomach can splash or move back up into the esophagus .
Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn is the burning sensation usually just behind the breastbone often follows eating or occurs late at night. The pain is often worse when lying down or bending over .
When to Seek Medical Attention
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as difficulty breathing or jaw or arm pain. Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack.
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
Heartburn occurs more than twice a week
Symptoms persist despite use of over-the-counter medications
You have difficulty swallowing
Home Remedies for Heartburn
Triggers for Heartburn
How, what and when you eat may trigger the symptoms of heartburn. High fat foods, large portions and late night eating are among the top triggers for heartburn. Controlling the triggers can be the best prevention for Heartburn.
Heads up
Elevating the head of your bed approximately 6 inches will treat the heartburn by reducing the potential for splash back and by using gravity to keep the acid in the stomach.
Calcium
Most over the counter treatments for heartburn are full of calcium to balance out the acid. Low fat milk or yogurt can calm the heartburn without adding fat which triggers the symptom. Most strong sources of calcium provide good home heartburn relief.
Clove
Some home remedies suggest that cloves may reduce the symptoms of heartburn. Try biting on a clove after dinner to see if it reduces the symptoms.
Bubble up
Chewing bubble gum is said to reduce the acid symptoms.
Water, Water
Drinking water can reduce bloating, gas and acid intensity.
No Smoking Zone
Smoking weakens the LES, Lower Esophageal Sphincter which increases the occurrence of heartburn.
Ginger
Chewing on root ginger or drinking ginger tea can be soothing treatment for heartburn symptoms.
Base Camp
Drinking water mixed with a bit of baking soda may help neutralize the acid.
Heartburn is a pervasive problem affecting 60 million Americans at least once a month. Right sized portions, low fat diets and reduction of heartburn triggers can all help prevent and reduce the symptoms of heartburn and provide effective home heartburn relief.
