What Causes Heartburn? :’(
It is estimated that about 60 million people experience various levels of heartburn each month. Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. The location of heartburn is usually behind the breastbone, in the area where the heart resides. There are quite a few causes of heartburn, ranging from lifestyle habits to what you eat.
Although there are many triggers that cause heartburn, there is one simple action that is going on inside of the body that is causing one to experience heartburn. The lower esophageal sphincter either opens too often or simply does not close properly which results in a burning sensation because stomach acid seeps into the esophagus. If one is prone to heartburn, there are certain foods that should be avoided or limited to decrease the instances of heartburn.
The lovers of chocolate will be disappointed to hear that eating chocolate can cause heartburn. Chocolate actually contains a compound called theobromine which relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle and allows stomach acid to travel back into the esophagus.
Besides the beloved chocolate, there are also other foods that have a relaxation effect on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). These foods include tomato and tomato products, alcohol, citrus fruit, beverages that contain caffeine and spicy foods that contain hot peppers.
Although those foods listed above can contribute to heartburn, some individuals are able to tolerate citrus without any negative side effects yet they are not able to tolerate foods that contain hot peppers or caffeine. It is best to keep a diligent watch on the foods that you consume and see if you notice any direct correlation between what you eat and when you have instances of heartburn.
Fried foods are another common cause of heartburn. Foods that are fried slow down the digestive process which means that the food stays in the stomach for longer periods of time than is normal. This increases pressure in the stomach and also puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. The increased pressure on the stomach and LES leads to a reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Overeating also causes too much pressure on the stomach and results in heartburn. Other instances that create too much pressure on the stomach and result in heartburn would include wearing clothing that fits too tightly as well as pregnancy. Meals that are too high in oils can also lead to heartburn.
Besides overeating, we know that eating too rapidly and certain exercise routines can trigger heartburn. If your exercise routine creates increased pressure on the abdomen, you may notice heartburn afterward. The best way to avoid this is to not eat a heavy meal before exercising and only do exercises that fit your personal fitness level.
You may also experience heartburn if you eat while lying down or eat before bedtime. When eating while lying down, a full stomach will create pressure on the LES and increase the chance of a reflux of food and stomach acid into the esophagus. Similarly, lying down soon after eating can trigger heartburn. It is recommended to eat within no less than 2 or 3 hours of your regular bedtime. If you must eat before bed, it is better to eat only a light snack instead of a full meal.
Beyond food and other lifestyle factors, there are a few other common causes of heartburn. Medications for certain conditions can cause heartburn, including medications for high blood pressure, anxiety, osteoporosis, heart problems and insomnia. If you believe that you are experiencing heartburn due to your current medication, it is best to contact your doctor and express your concerns. Heartburn is also a symptom of a hiatal hernia and is often the only obvious symptom. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the LES and the upper area of the stomach rises above the diaphragm. This condition is something that a doctor would diagnose and often no symptoms are present unless the hernia is large.
Another medical condition with heartburn being the main symptom is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition is triggered when the LES does not close properly and the contents of the stomach seep back into the esophagus, which in turn causes the sensation of heartburn. Ulcers can also trigger heartburn as does gastritis – an inflammation of the stomach lining. Since there are many medical conditions with the symptom being heartburn, it is best to contact your doctor if you are having heartburn on a regular basis.
The burning sensation created by heartburn is definitely uncomfortable and can have a negative impact on your activity levels. If you are experiencing heartburn without a medical condition causing it, then you may want to consider reassessing the foods that you intake and be sure to eat slowly and allow time to digest your food before resuming vigorous activities.
Heartburn has many faces, but taking time to realize what you’ve been eating and how your lifestyle may be effecting your digestion can give you a step in the right direction to pinpointing the cause of heartburn. As always, be sure to contact your doctor to properly address your concerns.
