Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn and acid reflux is an uncomfortable ailment afflicting millions of people. Suddenly, you cannot eat your favourite foods any more without doubling over in pain. Or perhaps you find that bitter taste in your mouth more often than not and a searing chest pain makes you wonder if you are having a heart attack. While the symptoms may be shocking, there are just as many remedies for heartburn as there are causes, so suffering is not an option.

Are Heartburn and Acid Reflux the same

Heartburn and acid reflux are sometimes used interchangeably but heartburn is more a symptom of acid reflux.

Heartburn is an occasional mild to severe burning sensation in the chest, caused by stomach acid rising up into the throat (acid reflux).

A more chronic and severe form of acid reflux is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Heartburn can also be a symptom of GERD.

Heartburn, Acid Reflux, GERD-Mayo Clinic

Causes of Heartburn and Acid Reflux

As we get older, our ability to produce HCL (High Density Lipoprotein) digestive acids diminishes. After 65, we begin to produce 80% what we had just thirty years ago.

While it was once widely believed that heartburn acid reflux disease stemmed from overproduction of amino acids, recent research suggests that sometimes a lack of strong acids can affect our system’s natural triggers that facilitate mineral absorption, protein storage and waste removal.

Diet Choices

Another cause of heartburn and acid reflux is diet choices.

As previously mentioned, when you eat a lot of fatty foods or enormous meals all at once, the body has trouble breaking down the proteins, which putrefy in your stomach as a result. Other times, too many spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, garlic, onions, peppers, fried food, alcohol, red wine and mint simply exacerbates our system.

It is not always what you eat but when you eat as well.

People who eat two or three hours before bedtime often suffer tremendous, heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. They may be up coughing all night from breathing in the acid, they may snore and feel congested, or they may have an asthmatic reaction, unable to breathe, let alone fall asleep!

Nearly three quarters of patients with heartburn acid reflux suffer nighttime effects as well.

Another common mistake people make is quite the opposite – bending, lifting and working right after dinner. All the moving around could help push food back from where it came.

Acid Reflux Caused by Medication

Believe it or not, some medications you are already on may be upsetting your stomach. Calcium channel blockers, Theophylline (Hydrophed, Marax, Bronchial, Quibron), Nitrates and Antihistamines can all relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, which is the valve that keeps food and fluids down after swallowing. If you’re taking medication for asthma, high blood pressure, seizures, angina, pain, urinary tract disorders or allergies, check with your doctor to see if acid reflux is one of the side effects.

Heartburn and Pregnancy

Are you pregnant?

Increased hormone levels naturally relax ligaments in your body at this time, including the LES. Since more pressure is shifted around your midsection, it’s natural for food or stomach acids to get pushed back up.

Underlying Causes of Heartburn and Acid Reflux

On a more serious note, heartburn and acid reflux could arise suddenly as a symptom of underlying issues.

Hiatal hernias can cause the retention of strong acids in the stomach and may block alternate paths for the acid’s exit.

Peptic ulcers (stomach lining sores) and Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) can also be sinister culprits of your pain.

If you find reflux symptoms coming up on a daily or weekly basis, check with your doctor to be sure you’re digesting as you should be.

What Causes Acid Reflux and Heartburn

When food and stomach acid reverses from the stomach back into the esophagus, a sometimes painful burning sensation is felt in the chest and throat

Causes of Acid Reflux Burning in Chest

The vapours from acid reflux cause tightness in the chest and temporarily disrupt oxygen flow to the heart, making many folks fear a heart attack

Difference Between Acid Reflux and Acid Reflux GERD

Acid reflux disease is sometimes referred to as acid reflux GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease but what is the difference between acid reflux and acid reflux GERD

When does Heartburn become Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder

Heartburn that does not go away could be acid reflux GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder which is a serious condition that can cause other medical problems if left unchecked

Acid Reflux Esophageal Cancer

Left untreated or uncontrolled, acid reflux GERD can lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus and even Esophageal cancer

Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms

Acid Reflux can be as slight as a bitter taste or uncomfortably wet burp after a meal, or as severe as heart-attack-like chest pains and splitting abdominal cramps

Causes of Acid Reflux Disease Explained

There are many causes of acid reflux disease including diet choices, age, pregnancy and even medications for other aliments

Foods that Cause Acid Reflux

If you have ever noticed heartburn like symptoms after eating certain foods or perhaps you just experience a general discomfort after mealtimes, the chances are that you could be suffering from acid reflux.

What is a Good Diet For Acid Reflux

The best treatment for acid reflux is to look at your diet, stop overeating and avoid overly spicy, fatty or citrus based foods

Treatments For Acid Reflux

The most common treatments for acid reflux are antacids which help sufferers treat the immediate symptoms of acid reflux for fast-acting relief. Hardcore antacids include Reglan and Gaviscon

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Rather than use OTC or prescription medications to manage heartburn, you may want to look at some of the natural remedies that are available

Infant Reflux Diagnosis

More than half of all newborn babies experience infant reflux in their first few months but it usually resolves itself within twelve to eighteen months

Infant Reflux Symptoms

Similar to adults, infant reflux occurs when your baby is not able to digest food properly, and the hydrochloric acid in the stomach flows into the esophagus

How to Treat Infant Acid Reflux

If your baby sounds hoarse all the time, has diarrhea or difficulty breathing, he or she maybe suffering from infant reflux which is quite common among newborns

Amino Acids and Indigestion

Heartburn acid reflux can sometimes be caused by underproduction of stomach acid resulting in poor digestion causing poor absorption of essential amino acids

Essential Amino Acids for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Essential Amino acid supplements can help with acid reflux by helping to replace the protein and nitrogen that is needed in the body

Essential Fatty Acids For Healthy Living

Essential fatty acids are those which cannot be generated by our bodies naturally. Linoleic acid and alpha linoleic acid help improve digestive functions thereby relieving chronic heartburn

Health Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids support many systems helping them to repair cell membranes, absorb minerals and spit out waste

Difference between Good Fatty Acids and Trans Fatty Acids

Good fatty acids act like little helping hands in the body while trans fatty acids are considered dangerous to health

Nucleic Acids and Acid Reflux Disease

Nucleic acids are part of the digestive process and are responsible for breaking down the foods that we eat