Heartburn is the name given to a range of a common digestive problems. Essentially, this is when the acids in the stomach overspill and come up into the oesophagus, causing irritation and in some cases an ache in the solar plexus. With problems breathing and the difficulty in swallowing, the feeling of trapped wind in the esophagus and our upper chest area can be really uncomfortable and feel like a heart trouble.
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What Is Heartburn?
The stomach has a valve ay its opening, which is essentially comprised of a ring of muscle.This is given the somewhat unsightly name of lower esophageal sphincter, or the LES. Normally this closes when we at. However, if it doesn’t close properly, stomach acid moves up into your esophagus which feels uncomfortable and can cause tooth erosion and throat pain. Heartburn is the resultant irritation in the throat, which feels like a tightness in the chest.
What Causes Heartburn?
There are a variety of contributing factors into suffering from heartburn, and these can vary dependent on individual cases. However, some obvious offenders are alcohol consumption, smoking, pregnancy, scleroderma and being overweight. In addition, it is a good idea to look at the diet, and try to eliminate the foods that cause the worst reactions.
What Can I Do To Remedy Heartburn?
There are a range of remedies suitable for heartburn, which include antacids powders or tablets such as Gaviscon and Andrews. These can provide a temporary relief by alkalinising the stomach, but they don’t correct the root of the issue. Many of these remedies are costly, and commit you to a life of paying for medicines, so we recommend looking at implementing a healthier diet to stave off future attacks.
What Foods Should I Eat Or Avoid If I Suffer From Heartburn?
Starting with what you put into the body helps you to understand the issues that arise from consuming that food. Overhauling your diet allows you to do this. As a rule of thumb, try to avoid eating heartburn trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, spiced foods and onions. Gassy soda drinks, sugar food and anything high in fat is also a risk. Because this varies so much from person to person, try keeping a food diary to identify your specific triggers.
There are some foods which have active ingredients said to benefit those with heartburn. This include
Cinnamon powder
Used as a seasoning, this sweet spice can reduce indigestion.
Ginger
Anti-inflammatory, ginger has been used for centuries as a remedy for problems in the gut.
Liquorice
Chewing on real liquorice root stimulates saliva production, which releases enzymes to break the food down better.
Bananas
With a low PH value of around 5.6, bananas can be a great soother for heartburn.
Slippery Elm
Revered as a wonderfood for any digestive issues, slippery elm powder coats the inside of the stomach, making it less sensitive.
Aloe vera juice
Is another soothing liquid that helps to alleviate the inflammation that acid reflux brings with it. Add a teaspoon to water or a juice drink and drink to help keep digestion functioning well.
Salmon and oily fish
These foods have a lower PH and promote healthy gut and immune system.
Fennel
With its mild liquorice flavour, this celery like vegetable has a low PH around the 6 mark and it settles stomach discomfort.
The key to a healthy you is chewing all food properly, and not rushing meals. For a comprehensive guide to eating the right foods and supplements, as well as introducing other lifestyle secrets the Heartburn No More system has gained worldwide popularity for reversing and curing the common problem of acid indigestion.