The True Nature of Heartburn

All around the world, it is estimated that roughly 18% of people experience acid reflux symptoms. However, the fact is that heartburn is often undiagnosed and unrecognized. This article will tell you all you need to know to understand the true nature of heartburn.

Heartburn is a symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It is characterized by the backing up of partially digested food into the esophagus, causing symptoms of a burning sensation in the chest.

This is caused by the acid that is contained in the stomach, which comes in contact with the sensitive lining of the esophagus. This liquid can also contain bile and other digestive enzymes.

This backsplash of acid into the lower esophagus can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. The damage to the thin, sensitive lining of the esophagus can lead to more serious complications, and can even lead to possible cancer.

The problem here is that food is supposed to remain inside the stomach for digestion. This is protected by a valve located in the esophagus. But for people who frequently experience acid reflux, this valve relaxes too frequently and allows some stomach acid to flow backward up into the esophagus.

How does GERD happen?

GERD is caused by many factors. The most common cause is the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. Due to the weakening and relaxation of this sphincter, which is located at the bottom of the esophagus, acid reflux can occur. This sphincter serves as a one-way valve that opens automatically to prevent the acidic content of the stomach to reflux into the esophagus.

It has been discovered that who experience frequent bouts of heartburn are more likely to suffer from acid reflux than those with lesser concentrations of acid.

Many scientists continue to emphasize that the real cause behind GERD is due to lifestyle-related choices. This is because many factors can reduce the muscle tone of the LES and thus contribute to acid reflux symptoms. These include medications that dilate the blood vessels, smoking, alcohol, and certain foods known for their ability to weaken and relax the LES. There are foods which cause an acidic environment in the body, leading to the growth of many bacteria, such as Candida. Candida can cause chronic digestive problems and lead to fermentation that backs up into the esophagus from the abdomen.

How does the body protect itself against heartburn?

The human body utilizes the effect of the saliva, which contains water, electrolytes, enzymes, and mucus to neutralize the damage to the esophagus inflicted by the acid reflux. Also, staying in an upright position at most times during the day utilizes the force of gravity to push the liquids back into the stomach.

At night however, sleeping in a supine position works against gravity, allowing acid to pool in the esophagus. The lack of swallowing reflex, as well as the decreased production of saliva at this time can also further contribute to the damage and injury on the esophagus.

Overall, GERD is a complex condition triggered by more than one factor. This is what makes it very difficult to control. Knowing the factors and various triggers that can cause heartburn, and initiating steps to avoid them can help prevent its occurrence.

How can heartburn be prevented?

Since heartburn is usually triggered by lifestyle and diet-related triggers, the best you can do is identify these triggers and eliminate them.

Some of these changes involve:

• Avoiding food and beverages that are acidic, crunchy, spicy, fatty, creamy, or made of dairy. If you have other food triggers you can identify, avoid these as well.
• Quit smoking.
• If you are overweight or obese, it may do you good to lose some pounds to achieve your normal weight.
• You should eat your last meal or snack three hours or more before you go to sleep. This will allow less food left in your stomach so the incidence of acid backing up and pooling in the esophagus when you lay down to sleep.

The main key in preventing heartburn is to suppress the acid. If you have identified your own unique way of doing so and found it effective, then you can keep doing it as well.