Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are two words often used interchangeably that describe a condition in which one feels a burning in his or her chest, esophageal region, and the oropharynx. Although these two words are used to describe the same condition, contemporary research reveals that many people complain of one condition while having another. Heartburn can be burning, tightening, or hot sensations in the chest area that worsens upon inspiration where indigestion is an acidic burning that follows the upper digestive pathway from the epiglottis to the pylorus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a major diagnosis most receive when seeking medical attention for their heartburn or indigestion. GERD is at its worst when a person eats, lies down after eating, and sleeps. Alcohol is a major contributor to the worsening of GERD. However, heartburn is not considered a form of GERD and may have other causes such as one of the many forms of heart failure or heart disease .

Indigestion has been the cause of discomfort for billions of people every year. Medical treatment for this condition consists of the purchase of over the counter remedies, books for homeopathic remedies, and visits to primary care or emergency departments for extreme cases. However, there are many ways in which one can control his or her indigestion with simple measures. For instance, food is a major contributor to causing reflux. Foods that are high in acid content, such as tomatoes, dairy products, citric acid, peppers, and anything based in vinegar all cause heartburn. By simply avoiding these foods in large quantities, one can limit his or her indigestion significantly. Overeating is another substantial cause of indigestion. When one overeats, the esophageal sphincter becomes stretched and displaced. Over the long term, the elasticity of this small muscle ring loses its ability to contract, which allows the reflux of acidic contents back up into the esophagus. By controlling your eating patterns, you allow for the proper function of the esophageal sphincter and reduction of acidic reflux.

While there are many foods that contribute to increased indigestion, there are plenty of foods that will counteract indigestion. First and foremost, water and hydration is one of the most important factors to reduce indigestion. Water and fluids allow for the proper flow of contents through the stomach and into the small and large intestine. However, it is important to note that fruit juice, because of the citric acid, should be avoided or watered down when consumed. Foods high in fiber should also be consumed on a regular basis. High fiber foods push contents through the digestive system quickly and have the ability to clear the digestive tract of unwanted debris, which leads to more efficient digestion. Apples are a very good choice of high fiber fruits that have no citric acid.

Remedies for indigestion can be found at the local pharmacy as over the counter remedies as well as prescription drugs. Antacid tablets are the most common medicine to control indigestion and are considered the first line of defense. If indigestion is uncontrolled by over the counter drugs, prescription medication such as omeprazole, which stops stomach acid production, may be used. For those suffering from heartburn, he or she would benefit from seeking more information at Reflux Remedy, refluxremedy.com today.