Anyone who has ever experienced heartburn would tell you how uncomfortable it is. Heartburn is caused by stomach acids that regurgitate or back up to the esophagus. This leads to a burning feeling in the chest region that often radiates to the jaw, neck and shoulder area. The pain experienced near the chest or area of the heart is the reason why it is called heartburn. It does not really point to a cardiac origin in nature.
Experiencing heartburn is indeed a very unwelcome and distracting feeling. Here are some of the simple ways to prevent heartburn.
1. Avoid food triggers – Certain food like alcohol, coffee, fried, spicy and fatty foods can trigger a heartburn attack. By avoiding these food triggers, you decrease the chances of experiencing heartburn.
2. Sleep with back propped on about two pillows at night – This position raises the abdomen and stomach. In this position, it will be harder for the stomach acid to back up against the esophageal wall. When the stomach acids cannot reach the esophagus, the person will not experience heartburn symptoms.
3. Sleep on your left side – Our stomach contour is found on the left side of our abdomen. When you sleep on your left side, you are containing stomach acids and other contents to the stomach. In this manner, you prevent stomach acids from going to the esophageal region and reduce the chances for heartburn.
4. Use stress busters – Acid production of the stomach is also caused by stress. A stressful lifestyle could lead to a variety of gastrointestinal p-problems from hyperacidity, ulcers and heartburn. By using stress busters like relaxation exercises, yoga, breathing techniques and the like, you are able to help in decreasing the production of stomach acids.
5. Avoid irregular meal patterns of habits – The stomach produces acids in preparation for the digestion of food. However, when meal patterns are irregular, the stomach produces acid in anticipation of food that will never come. This raises the stomach’s acidity and increases your chances for heartburn. By eating regular meals, you can avoid this situation.
Preventing heartburn is easier than curing it. Stop heartburn symptoms before they even occur to spare yourself and your loved ones from the discomforts of heartburn.
