Curing Heartburn

Heartburn is an unfortunate and painful condition that many people live with day in and day out, and while there are many medications and remedies for the onset of heartburn, the best results come through preventing heartburn before it starts. Eating and drinking habits, stress and activity levels can all contribute to the severity and frequency of onsets, but when recognized and addressed, these aspects can be much more effective than most medications or even diet changes.

Heartburn is the result of stomach acids backing up into the esophagus, resulting in the familiar burning sensation; in reality, this is more than just a sensation, the stomach acids are actually irritating and burning the wall of the esophagus. In severe and long-term cases, scarring and extensive burning can result, which is the condition known as acid reflux. Acid reflux requires prescription medication, often to reduce acid production, however, most cases of common heartburn can be actively prevented from reaching the severe stage.

Watching What you eat and Drink

Watching what you eat and drink is quite obvious, and while avoiding certain foods and drinks is recommended, it is the quantities of these foods and beverages that is typically the ultimate cause of heartburn. Two of the biggest culprits are coffee and soda, both of which are not terrible in small servings, but when over-indulged, can be lasting sources of heartburn. Reducing intake to one cup of coffee or one can of soda a day will have dramatic, nearly immediate, effects.

Foods, particularly spicy ones, are also the bane of those suffering from recurring heartburn; spicy foods themselves, in small servings, can be moderated and offset by taking an oral antacid before eating. Another handy tip is to drink more water with meals, as this not only helps with proper digestion, but avoids adding further sources of irritation.

Timing is Everything

Another commonly overlooked aspect that contributes to heartburn is the particular time you eat, and eating just before laying down is almost guaranteed to bring on a painful attack. Those suffering from heartburn often have a condition that allows stomach acids to leak into the esophagus, such as a relaxation of the sphincter muscle at the entrance to the stomach. Eating causes the stomach to increase production of digestive materials, and if you lay down too soon after eating, much of this leak out to burn the esophagus.

Taking a simple, over-the-counter antacid in the mornings, before eating and before bed, in conjunction with the above-mentioned strategies, can make a significant difference in heartburn occurrences. Taking an active stance against the causes of heartburn is not only the best way to reduce instances of it, but it can also help you to decide if prescription medication is necessary. If these particular steps are taken and frequent heartburn continues, medical attention may be the only option available, but it is much more likely that paying attention to what you eat and drink, as well as when you do, will be enough to substantially relieve most cases of recurring heartburn. For more information on curing heartburn be sure to contact Reflux Remedy at www.refluxremedy.com today!