If you have ever experienced this before, you know that it is very unpleasant ... heartburn. This burning sensation in the chest is caused by food and stomach acid returning to your esophagus. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent this, especially if you experience it repeatedly. We know that certain foods and drinks cause heartburn, large meals after meals, smoking, obesity, and even some medicines can cause heartburn. Therefore, if we know the reasons, we can prevent it.
Unfriendly Products
There are many foods that can cause heartburn: spicy foods, chocolate, mint, citrus fruits, tomatoes, mustard, chili, raw onions, and more. If you have heartburn after eating any of these products, then you know what your criminal is. If you are not sure, you can make a diet to eliminate, to determine which specific foods may cause digestive problems. Then, as soon as you discover what causes heartburn, avoid it at all costs. Do not forget that large fatty foods also cause heartburn.
Get ready
If you know that you can swallow food that causes heartburn, or you regularly get heartburn, make sure that you are prepared in advance. Many heartburn medications (over-the-counter) require that they be taken several hours before you even eat, for example, proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec. Antacids like tums will immediately forget the acid in the esophagus, but they will not last long. Histamine 2 blockers, such as Zantac, block the acid after about 30 minutes and suppress it for up to 12 hours. If you find a heartburn medicine that works for you, then you will always have it just in case of heartburn.
Do not forget drinks
Food is not the only culprit. What you drink can cause heartburn. Carbonated drinks, fruit juices, alcohol and coffee can contribute to heartburn symptoms. Keep a grocery log to keep track of which drinks affect you.
You do not use it, so lose it
Obesity plays a big role in heartburn symptoms. Addiction to the consumption of larger and more dense dishes increases the likelihood of heartburn. Thus, objectively, it is time to consume fewer calories, reducing fatty foods and burning more calories through exercise. By eating less, you do not replenish your stomach and do not push down on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Although, if you experience heartburn for a while, LES may subside, so eating less may not be enough. Start the exercise. Increased obesity, especially around the middle part, is associated with increased acid reflux. Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Lose excess weight to prevent heartburn.
Timing is everything
Lying after a meal can also cause acid reflux, especially if it is a large or fatty meal. Be sure to eat at least a couple of hours before planning to go to bed. It also gives your body time to start digesting the food you swallow. If you cannot avoid late arrivals, remember that you are taking over-the-counter medications that should help prevent your symptoms.
Do not smoke
Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. But what you may not know is what it may cause heartburn. When you smoke LES relaxes, which can allow food and stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, causing acid reflux. Therefore, to prevent your heartburn symptoms from smoking.
