Do you often feel a burning sensation in your stomach after meals? If so, know that this could indicate a gastrointestinal dysfunction or even a diet poor in nutrients , which are some of the possible causes of heartburn.
Heartburn seems to be related to a variety of factors including but not limited to one’s eating pattern or even hereditary factors. It is good to familiarise oneself with those factors as they would be of assistance in understanding where the feeling of discomfort is coming from and how to address the problem.
Therefore, if you are experiencing this issue and want something that works so you do not have to deal with it again, learn about the most common causes of heartburn so you can enhance your quality of life and prevent the discontent that this problem can bring!
What are the characteristics of heartburn?
Heartburn is a digestive discomfort, and although it is not a disease, it signals that something is not working well in the digestion process.
Also known as dyspepsia, it is characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest that occurs when stomach acid – naturally produced to aid in the digestion of food – rises up into the esophagus. When unregulated or in excessive amounts, this acid can cause the condition described.
While the issue may occur from time to time and is not really a serious problem, there are instances when it no longer becomes episodic and starts to be a nuisance to the patient. Also, it is worth noting that the intensity and the number of visits may differ and when they recur many times, it might suggest other sinister gastrointestinal disturbances, for example, issues with gastroesophageal reflux and even the occurrence of ulcers.
And how is it possible to determine the symptoms of this complication?
Although there are many causes of heartburn, understanding this problem goes beyond the burning sensation. In this condition, a detailed analysis of eating habits, lifestyle and medical conditions can help to mediate the situation.
Some symptoms that may indicate the problem are:
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
- Feeling of bloating in the stomach.
- Frequent burping.
- Nausea.
- Chronic cough.
- Pain and/or burning sensation in the throat or hoarseness.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty swallowing food.
In addition to what is described, it is possible to experience a bitter taste in the mouth, resulting from the return of acid that rises up to the throat.
The 6 main causes of heartburn
As we have seen, heartburn is a problem that can be triggered by several factors, and knowing its possible causes is what ensures healthy ways to manage and treat this discomfort. Below, see the 6 main causes of the condition:
1. High-fat foods
An individual’s eating behaviour is one of the most important risk factors for heartburn. Fried foods, cheese, and meat can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which prevents food and gastric acid fluids from escaping into the oesophagus.
These foods can prolong the entire process of digestion, resulting in the accumulation and backflow of stomach contents into the oesophagus. Also, these days the binge consumption of ultra-processed foods facilitates distress in the oesophageal lining, which contributes to the burning feeling.
2. Overeating
Placing large quantities of food into the stomach at one go can also contribute to stressed heartburn. Huge amounts of meals tend to overload the whole digestive system as a whole, disrupting the emptying of the organ whilst quite increasing the chances of triggering heartburn largely if the meal consumed is not nutritious.
3. Narcotic abuse
These substances include alcohol and alcoholic drinks, heartburn-causing additives (famously known as narcotics), which also happen to be aggressive inducing elements. It follows then that these narcotics aggravate stomach membranes and result in the stomach producing acid which causes such issues.
Moreover, caffeine-containing beverages like soft drinks and coffee are also associated with inflammation. For this reason, eliminating them, taking them in moderation, or even the use of decaffeinated products can help reduce how often one experiences heartburn.
4. Obesity
Excess weight is one of the main factors that contribute to this problem, as obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure and can prevent the body from keeping acid in the stomach, causing reflux.
Therefore, following a balanced diet and exercising regularly helps to reduce abdominal pressure and improve digestive function, relieving the discomfort of heartburn.
5. Smoking
Smoking is a massive contributor to heartburn. The nicotine in cigarettes relaxes the muscle among the belly and esophagus, allowing belly acid to upward push more without difficulty. Smoking can also impair the capacity of your organs to recover from the irritation it reasons.
6. Stress and anxiety
Finally, stress and anxiety can cause heartburn through the release of cortisol , increasing the production of gastric acid and leading to reflux.
Possible diagnoses and treatments
Diagnosing heartburn begins with a thorough analysis of the individual’s signs and symptoms and clinical history. In a few cases, extra precise tests can be needed to pinpoint the precise reason and severity of the problem.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, for example, allows direct visualization of the esophagus and stomach, assisting to identify irritation or different abnormalities. In more serious cases, it may suggest conditions consisting of gastroesophageal reflux or ulcers, which require medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Treatments vary depending on the causes of heartburn and the intensity of the symptoms, and it is recommended to seek professional advice if they become frequent.
Get rid of heartburn once and for all!
To get rid of heartburn, the first step is to prioritize healthy habits . Therefore, invest in a balanced diet and control your consumption of processed foods to reduce this discomfort.
For individuals who revel in this trouble often, bear in mind lying for your right aspect before bed . This can assist prevent belly acid from rising up into your esophagus even as you’re in bed, offering additional relief.
It is really worth noting that self-medication with bubbling drugs is a not unusual exercise to alleviate heartburn, however it must be executed with warning. Although medicinal drugs can provide transient relief, their immoderate use can motive destructive outcomes.
Finally, make sure to consult a gastroenterologist to make certain you receive the best treatment and keep away from headaches. This expert can provide personalised steering and help you treat heartburn efficiently and appropriately.