Heartburn happens when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) becomes weak and stomach acid is forced up the esophagus thus causing burning sensation.
One of the usual reasons you suffer from heartburn is the food you eat. You should be aware that caffeinated drinks causes acid reflux and weakens the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
You should stay away from foods that are spicy, fatty and greasy. It takes longer for these foods to be digested and pressures the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
Tomatoes and tomato-based products like sauces and juices relax the LES (lower esophageal sphincter. It may be hard to do away with spaghetti and meatballs but there are other pasta dishes that you can enjoy without the red sauce.
Citrus fruits and juices like orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
Milk and dairy products causes acid production because it takes longer time to digest and stays in the stomach for quite a while.
Beverages with alcohol content also relax the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and increase production of acid in the stomach. You might want to get rid of the stock beer and liquor in your fridge to avoid temptation.
Don't be tempted to eat chocolate. Chocolate makes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relax.
Food may be the biggest contributor in causing heartburn but there are other factors such as cigarette or cigar smoking. The chemicals in the cigarette smoke weaken the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
Eating within 2 to 3 hours before bed time can also cause heartburn. When you are lying down with a full stomach, the stomach contents are pushed to the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
Wearing tight fitting clothes like girdles, corsets and belts squeezes the stomach and causes the food to reflux into the esophagus.
Doing sit-ups, crunches and other strenuous exercises strain the stomach and the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
Another cause of heartburn is the medicines you take. Consult your doctor to make sure your medication does not trigger heartburn.
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