The Truth About Heartburn: What It Is, And How To Avoid It

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2. One thing that can trigger heartburn which you may not have expected is caffeine. It is the legal drug which helps many people get through their day. While it is highly beneficial for many people, the evidence shows that it can also increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing heartburn. This is because caffeine can cause the muscles in the sphincter of your esophagus to relax, which allows stomach acid to flow upward. Smoking, interestingly, can produce a similar effect.

3. Fatty and oily foods can also elevate the risk of heartburn slightly because they take longer to digest. As they take up space in the stomach, they put pressure on the sphincter muscle of the esophagus, which allows stomach acid to seep into the esophageal chamber and cause heartburn.

4. Alcohol, and red wine in particular, is also known for increasing the chances of a heartburn episode. Considering the fact that red wine is often paired with Italian dishes that make use of tomato sauce, it is not surprising that some people experience heartburn after such a meal.

Now, just because you see things listed here, it does not mean you will experience heartburn if you partake in them. It just means that they can increase the risk of heartburn in some individuals. Luckily for you, simply adjusting your diet and lifestyle somewhat can eliminate these risks.

 

READ MORE: The Dangers Of Heartburn And Acid Reflux Drugs They Never Tell You About

 

Counteracting Heartburn

Eating lots of high-fiber foods can reduce your risk of heartburn, as will  consuming ginger. But there is one thing that can help counteract heartburn which few people would ever suspect—and it is produced by your own body.

Saliva is actually quite effective at neutralizing stomach acid that gets into your esophagus. One way to produce more of it is to chew gum or something similar that will cause the mouth to salivate. Of course, you’ll need to stay hydrated in order to produce that saliva, so drinking lots of water is important too.

Try these simple, natural approaches out for yourself and you can significantly reduce your risk of heartburn.

 

References:

www.my.clevelandclinic.org

www.kidshealth.org

www.americanpregnancy.org

www.familydoctor.org

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