Causes and prevention of acidity and heartburn

Byhimanhsu
Causes and prevention of acidity and heartburn

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

When stomach acid regularly rushes back into the tube that connects your mouth and stomach (the esophagus), it causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Your esophageal lining may become irritated by this backwash (acid reflux). Many people occasionally have acid reflux. However, chronic acid reflux might lead to GERD if it frequently occurs over time.

The majority of people may control their GERD symptoms by making lifestyle modifications and using medications. Even though it’s rare, some people may require surgery to relieve their symptoms.

Causes of acidity and heartburn

Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include:

  • Smoking- Acidity and heartburn are frequently caused by poor dietary and lifestyle choices, as well as unhealthy behaviors like smoking, and consuming alcohol.
  • Hiatal Hernia- “Hiatal hernia” is a medical ailment that is one of the most frequently cited causes of acidity and heartburn. This issue, which has an impact on the LES, happens when a portion of your stomach lies in your chest as opposed to your abdomen. Due to the hernia, the LES may not function properly, which can result in acid reflux and heartburn. There are no signs of a hiatus hernia.
  • Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods– Some of these include peppermint, onions, citrus fruits, tomato-based meals, fried and fatty foods, chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee.
  • Taking certain medications, such as aspirin– You might feel acidity and heartburn if you regularly take aspirin, ibuprofen, or some sedatives. Other medications, such as asthma medications, antihistamines, and antidepressants.
  • Obesity- If you are obese or overweight, the increased strain on your stomach and abdomen can cause the acid in your stomach to rise into your esophagus, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn.

Consequences

Chronic inflammation of the esophageal over time can result in:

 

  • Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophageal tissues. Inflammation, bleeding, and occasionally an ulcer are brought on by stomach acid destroying esophageal tissue. Esophagitis can be painful and make swallowing challenging.
  • Esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus. Scar tissue develops as a result of gastric acid harming the lower esophagus. Scar tissue makes the food passageway smaller, which makes swallowing difficult.
  • Barrett esophagus: Esophageal abnormalities caused by cancer. Changes in the tissue lining the lower esophagus can result from acid damage. A higher risk of esophageal cancer is linked to these alterations.

Preventions

Heartburn is a common occurrence for many people. But if your heartburn persists despite treatment or if it occurs more frequently than twice per week, you should see a doctor. This can indicate a more serious problem.

 

Here are a few techniques to lessen — and possibly even prevent — your symptoms if you’re looking to stop acid reflux or get rid of heartburn quickly:

 

  • Avoid eating or drinking anything that can make your symptoms worse, including acidic foods, foods heavy in fat, spicy foods, chocolate, alcoholic beverages, mint, and carbonated beverages.
  • After eating, wait at least 3 hours before lying down.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing since it can put a strain on your lower esophageal sphincter and stomach.
  • Instead of two or three large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals to lessen the strain on your digestive system.
  • Chew some sugar-free gum after a meal. Chewing gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps to neutralize stomach acid and push acid back into the stomach, according to a 2014 study by Trusted Source.
  • Consult your doctor about ways to stop smoking if you do.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Consume alkaline foods, such as a ripe banana.
  • Most importantly above all, reduce anxiety.

Conclusion

Heartburn is a common sensation that most people occasionally feel after a large meal or after eating particular foods, but it can also be indicative of many other health issues.

 

Emergency medical help should be sought if you are particularly concerned that it may be a heart attack. If nothing else, symptoms can usually be controlled by lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes and over-the-counter drugs.

Consult a dietitian and nutritionist in India, Nourish Me if you commonly have heartburn and acidity because medications can interact with a wide range of other medications and have