Heartburn Causes and Treatments

Heartburn occur when there is a slackness of the muscles at the base of your esophagus (food pipe), allowing acid and other digestive juices to flow back into the esophagus.

Common Cause :

• Eating Rich Food
• Smoking
• Drinking Excessively

Antacids is the most common medicine that is use to remedy this discomfort. It works by neutralizing the acidity of your stomach with alkaline ingredients. Exceeding the recommended dose can, do harm your health.

Most antacids contain magnesium or aluminum compounds that have a long lasting effect, or sodium bicarbonate which provides short term relief. Excessive use of antacids that contain magnesium may cause diarrhea, while those containing aluminum may cause constipation. If you must take antacids, it is better to take a balanced preparation containing both magnesium and aluminum. Excessive use of sodium bicarbonate products may result in flatulence and fluids retentions.

Consult your doctor if you experience stomach pain for more than two weeks, or earlier if pain is severe. In addition, antacids may have an affect in the absorption of other drugs, so if you are on medication, consult your doctor before taking antacids.

How to Remedy Heartburn :

• Avoid Alcohol, aspirin and fatty or acidic foods. They are worsen heartburn.
• Do Try Prop Yourself up in bed with an extra pillow or elevate the head of your bed by 4-6 in (10-15cm) to keep stomach acids flowing in the right direction while you sleep.
• Avoid bending over. Squat or kneel with a straight back.
• Drink milk
• Do not overeat
• Don't wear tight clothing, particularly trousers that construct you around the waist.
• Do not lie down immediately after eating.
• Stop smoking as it will weakens the muscular opening from the gullet into the stomach, allowing acid to flow back in the gullet.