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What is Heartburn? What is Good for Heartburn?

What is Heartburn? What is Good for Heartburn?
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What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning and discomfort sensation felt behind the chest, especially around the breastbone. It typically occurs after eating and is caused by acid reflux into the esophagus. In medical terms, this is known as "gastroesophageal reflux." Heartburn usually happens when the acidic contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. Since the esophagus isn’t equipped to handle stomach acid, this condition results in a burning sensation and discomfort..

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs due to excessive acid production in the stomach and the backward flow of this acid into the esophagus. If the valve between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) doesn't close properly, stomach acid flows back up, creating a burning sensation. Various factors that cause this condition include:

Food Choices: Fatty, spicy, fried, or acidic foods, chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, garlic, and onions can increase stomach acid and cause heartburn..
Overeating: Consuming large amounts of food can expand the stomach, increasing acid reflux..
Eating Before Bedtime: Lying down allows stomach acid to easily flow back into the esophagus, which can be triggered by eating right before sleeping..
Excess Weight: Being overweight increases intra-abdominal pressure, leading to acid reflux..
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and the growing uterus exert pressure on the stomach, leading to more frequent heartburn..
Alcohol and Smoking: Both can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
 

What Helps Relieve Heartburn?

Lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and some home remedies can be effective in alleviating heartburn:

Antacid Medications: These neutralize stomach acid and can quickly relieve the burning sensation..
Diet Adjustments: Avoiding fatty, spicy, fried, and acidic foods can help prevent heartburn, as can limiting caffeine and carbonated drinks..
Frequent and Small Meals: Consuming smaller meals more often reduces pressure on the stomach..
Elevating the Head While Lying Down: Keeping the head in a higher position can prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus; using extra pillows can be helpful..
Reducing Stress: Stress can increase heartburn; using stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises may provide relief..
Herbal Remedies: Herbal teas like fennel, chamomile, and ginger can reduce stomach acid, offering a soothing effect.

What Causes Persistent Heartburn? 

If you experience persistent heartburn, it could be a sign of a chronic condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid regularly backs up into the esophagus. Other gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, gallbladder problems, or hiatal hernia, can also cause ongoing heartburn. It is recommended to see a healthcare provider if you experience persistent heartburn..

Frequently Asked Questions about Heartburn

Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, especially in progesterone, can relax the muscle separating the stomach from the esophagus, allowing acid to back up more easily. Additionally, the growing uterus exerts pressure on the stomach, further aggravating heartburn. To ease heartburn during pregnancy, the following can be done:

  • Eat Slowly and Frequently: Opt for smaller meals rather than large ones to reduce pressure on the stomach..
  • Avoid Fatty and Spicy Foods: Keeping away from foods that irritate the stomach helps reduce acid production..
  • Avoid Eating Before Bedtime: Refraining from lying down immediately after eating can prevent heartburn..
  • Take Medication Under Doctor Supervision: Certain antacids are safe during pregnancy but should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
  • Mind Fluid Intake: Drinking fluids between meals, rather than during meals, may alleviate heartburn..
     

Heartburn can worsen at night due to lying down, which makes it easier for acid to flow back into the esophagus. Eating late at night or having a large meal before bed can also strain the stomach, triggering heartburn..

Here are some ways to manage nighttime heartburn:

  • Avoid Eating Before Bed: Stop eating at least 2-3 hours before going to bed..
  • Elevate the Head of the Bed: Keeping the head in a higher position while sleeping can prevent acid from flowing back..
  • Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Eating large meals can strain the stomach and increase acid production..
  • Antacid Medications: These can provide quick relief for nighttime heartburn..

Milk may provide temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid, but this effect is often short-lived. Drinking milk can stimulate acid production in the stomach, potentially restarting heartburn symptoms.

Burning and gas in the stomach usually result from digestive issues. Certain foods can increase stomach acid or lead to gas formation. Eating too quickly, consuming gas-inducing foods (such as beans, cabbage, broccoli), overeating, stress, and insufficient chewing may contribute to these symptoms. Additionally, health conditions such as reflux, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may trigger stomach burning and gas.

To alleviate burning and gas, the following may be beneficial:

  • Avoid Gas-Producing Foods: Avoid foods like beans, onions, broccoli, and cabbage.
  • Support Digestion: Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and having frequent small meals can ease the stomach..
  • Herbal Teas: Teas such as fennel, mint, and ginger can aid digestion and reduce gas..
  • Carbonated Water: Drinking carbonated water may neutralize stomach acid and help release gas..

Gas buildup can sometimes lead to heartburn by creating pressure on the stomach and esophagus, which causes acid to reflux. Reducing gas and relaxing the stomach may help alleviate heartburn symptoms.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

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