Your Choices in Heartburn Relief: An Ounce of Prevention
Heartburn is a painful condition that affects many people at one time or another. Most of us will grab a roll of antacids, or simply ‘grin and bear it’ until the painful burning subsides. However, if you are experiencing more frequent bouts of heartburn, you may be searching for additional methods of heartburn relief.
There are things you can do to reduce or eliminate your episodes. These methods may combine lifestyle and dietary changes that will put your digestive system back on track and help you to enjoy more symptom-free days. But before we discuss heartburn relief, it is important to understand the body process that causes this uncomfortable condition.
An Explanation of Heartburn
Our digestive system is designed to process the food that we take in, so that the nutrients can be used by the body as needed and the rest can be eliminated as waste. This process begins in the stomach, where powerful digestive acids are at work to break the food down enabling the body to use it. Normally these acids are kept in the stomach by a valve at the bottom of the esophagus, that is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The LES will open to allow food into the stomach cavity and then closes, so that the acid and food cannot back up into the esophagus. However, when the LES does not close properly, that is exactly what happens. Acid backs up into the esophagus, throat and mouth, resulting in painful burning and a sour taste in the mouth leaving you running for heartburn relief.
Now For the Ounce of Prevention
For some, finding heartburn relief is as simple as changing your diet or altering how you eat. This may include eating smaller meals every day or avoiding meals too close to bedtime. You can also raise the head of your bed if you find heartburn keeping you up at night. Being overweight is a big contributor to heartburn and dropping those extra pounds may put you on the road to more symptom-free days. Do not constrict your middle section. Loosen your belt and clothing and avoid stooping or bending whenever possible.
If these practices do not bring you the heartburn relief you were hoping for, there are many good over the counter medications that can help you find that relief. Finally, frequent heartburn can result in damage to the esophageal lining, so if you can’t find heartburn relief on your own, talk to your doctor about his recommendations.
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