Heartburn occurs when acid from the gastric juice begins to come into contact with the inner lining of the esophagus and causes irritation. Many people suffer from this ailment only occasionally, usually after eating.
Why does she appear and what to do when heartburn does not allow to live in peace? There may be several reasons:
• The valve holding the gastric juice in the stomach has loosened.
• Some foods (sugar, alcohol, coffee, peppermint, fatty and fried foods, chocolate) have the ability to relax the lower sphincter of the esophagus.
• A heavy meal, especially before bedtime, has the property of increasing the compression of the lower valve of the stomach, thereby causing it to relax.
• Pressure on the stomach due to a constant sedentary lifestyle, tight clothing, or being overweight also triggers unpleasant symptoms.
• Smoking.
• Stress increases the production of stomach acid and slows down the emptying of the stomach.
• Heartburn every day can be a consequence of the abnormal structure of the esophagus, neoplasms in it or adjacent tissues.
What is the danger of this ailment?
Pay attention to the frequency of symptoms. If heartburn occurs once a month, this is a mild form of this problem. Once a week - moderate. But in the event that heartburn appears every day - you are faced with a severe form that requires treatment.
You can get rid of rare heartburn attacks by reducing body weight, switching to a healthy diet and using the simple tips below.
In the presence of a severe form, such measures can bring relief only for a short time. What to do if heartburn manifests itself in severe form? Do not delay treatment. Daily attacks can be signs of serious illness, with potentially dire consequences.
In people who suffer from GERD, heartburn every day is a source of scarring in the esophagus. Such damage makes swallowing difficult and narrows the esophagus.
Chronic exposure to acid can increase the likelihood of oncology of the esophagus.
Heartburn every day: how to learn to control?
1. Three plentiful meals should be replaced with frequent meals in small portions.
2. Accustom yourself to eat slowly. To discourage the desire to swallow food quickly - put a spoon or fork on the table at the time of chewing food.
3. An evening meal three hours before bedtime will help reduce the production of gastric juice by the time you go to bed.
4. A high pillow or raised head of the bed will make it possible during sleep to prevent the reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus. Therefore, you should pay attention to how you sleep.
5. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of foods and drinks that can cause heartburn. These are citrus juices and carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol; tomatoes and chocolate, mint and onions, fatty foods. In the food diary, enter all the foods eaten to understand which ones lead to heartburn.
6. You should stop smoking, since nicotine has the property of weakening the lower esophageal sphincter.
7. It is necessary to wear loose clothing, as the stomach is compressed from cramped things, which helps push the contents of the stomach up.
8. It is important to monitor body weight. Excess body fat on the stomach, as well as tight clothing, creates pressure on the stomach. As a result, heartburn every day.
9. Learn to drink warm liquid. A glass of herbal tea or slightly warmed water after a meal helps to thin the stomach juice and reduce its acidity.