Irritation due to acids
After eating a heavy meal (or foods that have a particularly high acidity level), digestive juices may be forced to work even harder, and may push up into the esophagus. Here are 10 Sure-Fire Tips to Beat Your Heartburn:
1. Chew on This
This may come as a surprise, but chewing gum is actually good for heartburn. Chewing gum works in the same acid-neutralizing way by soothing the esophagus and washing acid back down to the stomach. You can also try sucking on hard candies, which ups your spit production, creating a natural barrier to stomach acids. But don’t chew on mint — it is one of several spices that can irritate the gastric lining and can be troublesome for heartburn sufferes, cautions the National Heartburn Alliance.
2. Shrink Meals
Large meals take longer to digest, increasing your chances for reflux. Try spreading three to five smaller meals throughout the day. Portion control will also help you drop extra pounds that add pressure to your stomach, causing acid to push up into your esophagus. The good news is that studies have shown moderate weight loss helps.
3. Relax!
Numerous clinical studies have shown the correlation between stress and heartburn. A recent survey indicated stress was associated with more than 50 percent of heartburn episodes. According to the National Heartburn Alliance, this occurs because stress can increase your sensitivity to refluxed acid, reduce your pain threshold and increase the frequency and/or severity of heartburn symptoms. Try de-stressing by doing deep breathing, meditation, massage or yoga.
4. Cut Food Culprits
Watch for foods that increase acid activity and slow digestion. According the American Gastroenterological Association these include high-fat foods, spicy dishes, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, peppermint and spearmint, coffee, alcohol and yes, chocolate. Experts say you’re likely to see a substantial improvement if you cut out such foods. However, a recent Stanford study found that dietary changes were less effective than medications. Consult with your doctor before making major changes.
5. Quitting Time
According to the National Heartburn Alliance, nicotine found in cigarettes and pipes inhibits saliva production, your body’s natural defense against offending digestive acids. On top of that, smoking may also stimulate stomach acid activity while simultaneously impairing your lower esophageal sphincter valve, which prevents stomach acids from returning to the esophagus. Talk about a triple whammy!
6. – 10. To be continued…
Your heartburn could be simply irritating, or it could be a sign you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Clues that your pains are serious include: heartburn at least twice a week, heartburn that shows no improvement with antacids or OTC medication or heartburn associated with weight loss, or low blood count. If lifestyle modifications and OTC medicines aren’t working, talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you.
EDITOR NOTE: Check with a nutritionists… You might be allergic to wheat and wheat products (bread, pasta, flour, etc.)
[This is not medical advice --- always check with your doctor first]
Splendid article . Will definitely copy it to my blog,surely with link pointing towards you..Thanks.