What foods commonly trigger heartburn. How can you prevent heartburn symptoms. What lifestyle changes help reduce acid reflux. Why do spicy and fatty foods often cause heartburn. How does eating smaller meals impact heartburn.

Common Foods That Trigger Heartburn

Heartburn is an uncomfortable sensation of burning in the chest that can be triggered by certain foods. Understanding which foods are most likely to cause heartburn can help you manage symptoms and enjoy meals more comfortably. Let’s explore some of the main culprits:

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are notorious for causing heartburn in many people. There are two main reasons for this:

• Capsaicin, found in spicy foods, slows digestion and keeps food in the stomach longer
• Spicy ingredients can irritate the esophagus, worsening heartburn symptoms

People with existing digestive issues like ulcers or esophageal problems may experience more intense heartburn from spicy foods. Does this mean you have to give up spicy cuisine entirely? Not necessarily. Moderation and knowing your personal tolerance level is key.

High-Fat Foods

Foods high in fat are another common heartburn trigger. Why do fatty foods cause problems?

• They take longer to digest, keeping food in the stomach for extended periods
• This prolonged digestion leads to increased acid production
• Regular consumption can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

When the LES relaxes, it allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing that familiar burning sensation. Examples of high-fat foods to limit include:

• Fried foods like breaded chicken, fish, and French fries
• Deep-fried appetizers such as mozzarella sticks or chicken wings
• Processed baked goods and chips
• High-fat cheeses

Tomatoes and Tomato-Based Products

Tomatoes and foods made from them, like pasta sauce, are highly acidic. They contain malic and citric acids, which can increase stomach acid production. For many people, this excess acid can lead to heartburn as it backs up into the esophagus.

Onions

While onions add flavor to many dishes, they can be problematic for those prone to heartburn. Onions may cause the LES to relax, allowing stomach acid to travel upwards. If you find onions trigger your symptoms, consider using them in smaller quantities or trying alternatives like chives or garlic.

Coffee

Your morning cup of coffee might be a culprit in causing heartburn. Caffeine can impact the LES, causing it to relax and allow acid reflux. How can coffee lovers manage this? Try reducing your intake, switching to decaf, or having coffee with food to mitigate its effects.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains cocoa, which is rich in serotonin. While serotonin is often associated with mood improvement, it can also relax the LES, potentially leading to heartburn. Dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa content, may be more likely to trigger symptoms than milk chocolate.

Peppermint

Surprisingly, peppermint can be a double-edged sword when it comes to digestion. While it can help ease nausea and indigestion by relaxing the digestive tract, this relaxation effect can be problematic for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent heartburn. It may worsen symptoms, especially in people with hiatal hernias.

Strategies for Heartburn Prevention

While avoiding trigger foods is crucial, there are several other strategies you can employ to prevent heartburn:

Portion Control

Eating smaller portions can significantly reduce the likelihood of heartburn. Why does this work? Smaller meals put less pressure on the LES, reducing the chance of acid reflux. Try dividing your usual portions into several smaller meals throughout the day.

Timing Your Meals

When you eat can be just as important as what you eat. Eating earlier in the evening and avoiding large meals close to bedtime can help prevent nighttime heartburn. How long should you wait before lying down after a meal? Aim for at least three hours to allow for proper digestion.

Leverage Gravity

Gravity can be your ally in preventing heartburn. Staying upright after meals helps keep stomach contents where they belong. Consider taking a leisurely walk after eating or sitting upright for a while before reclining.

Chew Gum

Chewing gum after meals can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid. Opt for sugar-free varieties to avoid dental issues. How long should you chew gum for optimal effect? About 30 minutes after a meal can be beneficial.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Heartburn

Beyond dietary adjustments, several lifestyle changes can help minimize heartburn occurrences:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight, especially around the midsection, can put pressure on your stomach and increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a significant difference in heartburn symptoms.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can weaken the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Quitting smoking not only reduces heartburn but also improves overall health.

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

If you experience nighttime heartburn, try elevating the head of your bed by 6-8 inches. This slight incline can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep.

Recognizing Personal Heartburn Triggers

While certain foods are common heartburn triggers, everyone’s body reacts differently. Keeping a food diary can help you identify your personal triggers. How can you maintain an effective food diary?

• Record what you eat and drink
• Note the time of your meals
• Document any heartburn symptoms and when they occur
• Look for patterns over time

By analyzing this information, you can pinpoint which foods or habits are most likely to cause your heartburn symptoms.

Dispelling Myths About Heartburn Triggers

There are several misconceptions about heartburn triggers that are worth addressing:

Myth: All Acidic Foods Cause Heartburn

While many acidic foods can trigger heartburn, not all do. For instance, citrus fruits are acidic but don’t cause issues for everyone. Some people find that apple cider vinegar, despite its acidity, actually helps with heartburn symptoms.

Myth: Milk Always Soothes Heartburn

While milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid, it may stimulate acid production later, potentially worsening symptoms. Low-fat or fat-free milk might be a better option if you find milk helpful.

Myth: Heartburn Only Affects Older Adults

Heartburn can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults. Factors like diet, stress, and pregnancy can contribute to heartburn at any age.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. When should you consult a healthcare professional about your heartburn?

• If you experience heartburn more than twice a week
• If over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief
• If you have difficulty swallowing
• If you experience persistent nausea or vomiting
• If you have unexplained weight loss

These symptoms could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other digestive issues that require medical attention.

Balancing Enjoyment and Comfort: Eating with Heartburn

Living with heartburn doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite foods. The key is finding a balance between enjoyment and comfort. Here are some strategies to help you enjoy meals while managing heartburn:

Moderation is Key

Instead of completely eliminating trigger foods, try consuming them in smaller quantities. This allows you to enjoy the flavors you love while minimizing the risk of heartburn.

Experiment with Alternatives

Look for healthier alternatives to your favorite trigger foods. For example, if fried foods cause issues, try baked or air-fried versions. If spicy dishes are problematic, experiment with herbs and spices that add flavor without heat.

Timing Your Indulgences

If you know certain foods trigger your heartburn, plan to eat them earlier in the day when you’ll be upright for several hours afterward. This can help minimize symptoms compared to eating these foods close to bedtime.

Pairing Strategy

Sometimes, pairing trigger foods with neutralizing foods can help. For instance, if acidic foods cause issues, try eating them alongside foods rich in calcium or magnesium, which can help neutralize stomach acid.

By implementing these strategies and being mindful of your personal triggers, you can continue to enjoy a varied and satisfying diet while keeping heartburn at bay. Remember, managing heartburn is about finding what works best for your body and lifestyle. With some experimentation and patience, you can develop a personalized approach to eating that minimizes discomfort and maximizes enjoyment.

Foods that Cause Heartburn | Austin Gastroenterology

Heartburn is an unpleasant issue that may cause you to experience chest pain, ingestion, acidity, or a bitter taste in your mouth. The pain may worsen when you bend over or lie down.

Heartburn typically develops after you eat certain foods or if you eat too much. While there are many treatments for heartburn, the best way to reduce symptoms and keep the condition under control is by avoiding foods that cause it.

Here are some foods your doctor may recommend limiting if you have heartburn.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are notorious for causing heartburn. The reason is twofold. First, many spicy foods contain capsaicin, which slows down digestion and causes food to sit in the stomach longer. The longer food is in the stomach, the more risk of you having heartburn. Second, spicy food can irritate the esophagus, which can worsen heartburn symptoms. People who have heartburn, esophageal issues, or an ulcer often experience heartburn quicker and with more intensity when eating spicy foods than others do.

High-Fat Foods

High-fat foods are known to cause heartburn, as well. These foods take longer for your stomach to process then compared to proteins and carbohydrates. Since they’re in your stomach longer, your stomach produces more acid, which leads to digestive system irritation.

Not to mention, if you consume high-fat foods regularly, they can cause your lower esophageal sphincter to relax. The lower esophageal sphincter is a group of muscles located toward the bottom of your esophagus. The muscles close to prevent your stomach contents and acid from entering your esophagus. When they relax, acid can travel up your esophagus and irritate it. This can cause permanent damage when it happens frequently.

Examples of unhealthy, high-fat foods include fried foods like breaded chicken and fish, deep-fried French fries and chicken wings, and doughnuts. Processed baked goods and chips are also foods with a high concentration of fat. 

Specific Foods to Avoid

Many specific foods can trigger heartburn symptoms. Talk to your doctor about whether limiting consumption of such foods could help reduce your symptoms. Examples include:

·      Tomatoes and Tomato-Based Products Tomatoes and foods made from tomatoes, like spaghetti sauce, have a lot of acidity. They have both malic and citric acids, which can cause heartburn in many. The extra acid can cause too much gastric acid in the stomach. As the acid rises, it backs up into the esophagus, which causes a burning sensation in the chest.

·      Onions Onions work well in a variety of dishes, whether they’re sauteed or caramelized. However, some people may experience heartburn when they consume it. Onion has the potential to relax your lower esophageal sphincter, which allows acid to travel from your stomach into your esophagus.

• High-Fat Cheese High-fat cheese is another food that can contribute to heartburn because the fat content decreases the speed at which your stomach empties. Therefore, the pressure from your stomach will force acid from your stomach into your esophagus.

·      Coffee Your morning cup o’ joe may lead to heartburn. When you consume coffee in a high quantity or frequently, the caffeine may impact your lower esophageal muscles. It causes them to relax and allow stomach acid to enter the esophagus.

·      Chocolate Most chocolates contain cocoa. Cocoa has serotonin, which may also relax your esophageal muscles and lead to heartburn.

·      Peppermint  Foods and drinks containing peppermint are known to help ease nausea and indigestion because it relaxes your digestive tract. This is not good for people who have gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) or those who experience heartburn, because it relaxes the lower esophageal muscles. Peppermint may also worsen reflux symptoms if you have a hiatal hernia.

At Austin Gastroenterology, our practitioners are dedicated to getting to the root of your heartburn and other unpleasant digestive issues. When you work with us, you can expect expert care, a quick and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment solutions.

Book an appointment with Austin Gastroenterology, serving Austin and the nearby Texas region, if you have frequent bouts of heartburn. Call one of our locations today, or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you soon!

Heartburn Prevention

You don’t have to stop eating spicy foods just because you have heartburn.

Written by Peter Jaret

• Preventing Heartburn: Recognize Your Own Heartburn Triggers
• Dispelling Myths About Heartburn Triggers
• Heartburn Prevention: Eat Smaller Servings
• Heartburn Prevention: Eat Early and Often
• Heartburn Prevention: Rely on Gravity
• Heartburn Prevention: Chew Gum
• Heartburn Prevention: Get Healthy
• More

“How hot would you like that?” the server at my favorite Thai restaurant asks. My taste buds whisper: fiery. My belly moans, What about me?

I love a hot, spicy meal. But an hour later, like many people, I can end up wishing I’d never lifted my fork. The culprit? Heartburn and acid reflux. Officially known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, acid reflux occurs when food and stomach acids escape up into the esophagus through the valve at the top of the stomach. That causes the burning sensation that can sometimes rise up into the throat, known as heartburn.

Surveys of heartburn sufferers suggest spicy foods are among of the worst offenders. Whether spicy foods deserve their reputation is controversial, I’ve discovered. Many different foods can trigger heartburn.But luckily, you don’t have to say no to Chinese kung pao chicken, Mexican salsa, or fiery Thai noodle dishes. A few practical tips can help you put out the fire of heartburn before it starts.

Researchers have compiled a long list of foods that seem to trigger heartburn. These include alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, carbonated beverages, coffee and caffeine, chocolate, tomato sauce, fatty foods, mint, and, of course, spicy foods.

“But no single food stands out,” says Anish Sheth, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Yale University and co-author of What’s Your Poo Telling You? “For some people, the same food can cause problems after one meal but not after others. ”

In theory, foods most likely to cause acid reflux and symptoms of heartburn are those that cause the valve at the top of the stomach to relax. Mint, alcohol, and caffeinated coffee, among other foods, are believed to have that effect.

Yet when gastroenterologist Lauren B. Gerson, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Stanford University, and colleagues looked at trials designed to test the effects of these and other particular foods on heartburn symptoms, they found very little evidence to support the associations.

Even spicy foods may not deserve their reputation as being the worst culprits. Sure they taste hot, but that doesn’t mean they cause acid reflux. They may simply irritate the stomach.

“Still,” Gerson says, “it’s commonsense that if a particular food happens to cause you problems, the best advice is to avoid it.”

Since even heartburn sufferers can be misled by popular misconceptions, experts recommend keeping a food diary for several weeks.

“As soon as heartburn strikes, jot down what and how much you ate,” suggests dietitian Elaine Magee, author of Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Acid Reflux. “Also keep track of foods you thought might cause trouble but don’t. That way you won’t have to eliminate foods unnecessarily.”

Not ready to let heartburn force you to say no to salsa caliente? The next best strategy, then, is to limit the amount you eat.

“When you eat a large meal, pressure on the valve increases. So there’s a predisposition to reflux after a big meal,” Sheth says. The problem is worse if the meal causes you to belch, since that requires the valve at the top of the stomach to open. When it does, it allows trapped air to escape, sometimes bringing up acidic stomach contents along with it. For some people, drinking carbonated beverages along with a meal can exacerbate the problem.

Fatty meals can also increase the risk of reflux. “Eating fatty foods delays stomach emptying, since fat takes longer to digest,” explains Gerson. “The longer food remains in the stomach, the more chance there is of reflux.” To help prevent heartburn and GERD, choose roasted, grilled, or baked foods over fried foods, and go easy on butter.

Some heartburn sufferers find relief by eating smaller meals distributed more frequently throughout the day — a light breakfast, a midmorning snack, a light lunch followed by a midafternoon snack, for example. Scheduling dinner early can also help.

About 50% of heartburn sufferers have nighttime reflux, according to Gerson. This form can be especially unpleasant because when you’re lying down, more stomach contents can flow up into the esophagus. Nighttime reflux can also disturb sleep. Gerson’s tip? Eat dinner at least three hours before bedtime. That’s enough time to allow the stomach to empty before you hit the pillow.

Another way to relieve nighttime reflux requires nothing more than two wood blocks. Elevating the head of your bed a few inches enlists gravity to help keep stomach contents from rising, Sheth says. You can also use a wedge-shaped pillow to elevate your upper body at night. For daytime heartburn, the best way to employ gravity is to remain upright after a meal. Walking after a big meal can also help. But don’t overdo it. Some research links vigorous exercise to an increase in reflux risk.

Saliva helps move food down through the esophagus and can ease the symptoms of heartburn. To increase salivation, try chewing gum after a meal or an attack of heartburn. Avoid mint-flavored gums, however, since these may relax the valve at the top of the stomach.

The most reliable ways to avoid GERD may be the hardest to accomplish: quit smoking if you smoke and lose weight if you’re overweight. Studies show that smokers are more prone to heartburn than nonsmokers. And the longer people smoke, the more likely they are to suffer acid reflux.

Being overweight can add to the pressure on the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. One study showed that every increase of 5 on the body mass index increases the risk of GERD by 1.2%. Eating smaller portions and walking after a meal can help you shed pounds at the same time they help prevent heartburn.

Top Picks

Increased acidity of the stomach: spicy food is to blame

Nutrition

What will you eat this week? Mustard? Spicy chicken? Korean salads? Many of us love to eat something spicy, but does everyone like heartburn? Stomach acidity is not an inevitable consequence of eating spicy food, but it can ruin your evening. Why?

Why spicy foods can cause heartburn

Heartburn is known to be associated with spicy foods. There are many explanations for this:

• Mild sauces like satsebeli and curry contain peppers and tomatoes that can cause heartburn.
• Spicy foods can exacerbate heartburn symptoms if the lining of the lower esophagus is already irritated by stomach acid. ¹
• The muscles of the upper part of the stomach help keep its contents inside. If we consume food that relaxes these muscles, stomach acid can enter the esophagus and cause heartburn. Certain foods – fatty, spicy, high in oil and acid – can have this relaxing effect. ^2.3
• Spicy and fatty foods (particularly dishes with curry sauce or spicy sausage) are difficult to digest, which can increase the amount of gastric juice and cause heartburn.

What food should I avoid with heartburn?

If you experience stomach discomfort every time you eat spicy food, then you probably already know what foods to avoid. However, it is worth revisiting this list again.

• Onions and garlic – these are found in most spicy dishes, but those where onions are present raw are especially dangerous.
• Tomatoes and peppers – found in curry sauce, chili sauce and many others.
• Black pepper – found in many dishes (and not only hot ones). It rarely causes severe flare-ups of heartburn.
• Citrus – Found in many Mediterranean dishes, such as tagine.
• Meat – the fatter the meat, the faster it will cause heartburn – for example, lamb in curry sauce.
• Cooking oil, such as ghee or fat, is used in curry sauce and in many other dishes.

Avoid foods that cause heartburn

To protect yourself from heartburn, it is best to carefully study the composition of the dish that you are going to eat. If you prefer to eat out, ask a chef, a waiter, or a friend who invited you to dinner at an unfamiliar place for advice. If heartburn caught you right during a meal, it is better to refuse the dish that caused this.

Perhaps the problem of heartburn is new to you, and you still do not know the list of foods that are potentially dangerous for your stomach. If heartburn has taken you by surprise, Gaviscon 9 may help0014 ® Dual Action. It will help you get rid of your painful symptoms so that you can safely continue to enjoy a delicious lunch. Gaviscon ^® Dual Action ⁴ acts quickly to form a protective barrier in the stomach. This barrier prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus, protecting the lining of the esophagus from irritation. The drug thus reduces irritation of the mucous membrane. Gaviscon ^® Dual Action also has a rather long-lasting effect of more than four hours ⁵ to help alleviate the discomfort of heartburn and indigestion.

In conclusion, let’s say – eat with pleasure. However, if your diet often includes spicy foods, do not forget about the possible consequences, be careful about the composition of the food.

Method of administration and doses

Suspension: Adults and children over 12 years old: 10-20 ml after meals and at bedtime up to 4 times a day

Maximum daily dose – 80 ml

Tablets: Adults and children over 12 years: 2-4 tablets after meals and at bedtime up to 4 times a day

Maximum daily dose – 16 tablets 004 All information provided not intended for diagnosis or prescription of medications. Read more about Gaviscon ^® in the instructions for use. In case of complications or prolonged course of the disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

¹ Maev I.V., Samsonov A.A., Dicheva D.T., Andreev D.N., Andreev N.G., Buragina T.A. Current approaches to diet therapy for diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract // “Medical Bulletin of the Ministry of Internal Affairs” No. 4 (59). 2012. pp. 57–61.

² Rohof W. O., Bennink R.J., Smout A.J., Thomas E., Boeckxstaens G.E. An alginate-antacid formulation localizes to the acid pocket to reduce acid reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease // Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. – 2013. – V. 11 (12). – P. 1585-1591.

³ Bulgakov S.A. alginates in the relief of clinical manifestations of dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease // Farmateka. 2012. No. 17. S. 78–82.

⁴ Within 3.6 minutes – Bordin D.S., Masharova A.A., Firsova L.D., Kozhurina T.S., Safonova O.V. taking alginates in patients with GERD // Experiment. and wedge. gastroenterol. – 2009. – No. 4. – P. 83-91

⁵ Bulgakov S.A. alginates in the relief of clinical manifestations of dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease // Farmateka. 2012. No. 17. S. 78–82.

Article published on April 7, 2021

causes, treatment, prevention at home

Our digestive system begins with the mouth, where we chew food by processing it with saliva. Then it enters in portions into the esophagus – a hollow tubular organ that connects to the upper part of the stomach. The walls of the esophagus are muscular, it is necessary for food to be rhythmically pushed down, from the inside it is covered with a mucous membrane, a layer of cells that protect against irritants.

There is a sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, this is a section of circular muscles that relax in time when food passes from the esophagus, and must be closed when the stomach digests food, processing it with hydrochloric acid and pepsin (the main components of gastric juice). If the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter is disturbed (decreased) or the stomach is stretched too much, the hole opens slightly, and the contents, along with acid, are thrown back into the esophagus – this is called reflux. The mucosa of the esophagus, unlike the stomach, is not protected from the effects of acid, and when we reflux, we feel heartburn. If heartburn occurs frequently, the esophagus becomes damaged, inflamed, and GERD occurs, which means gastroesophageal reflux disease.

What is heartburn

In fact, it is a symptom that occurs when the sphincter opens and reflux of acidic contents into the esophagus. This is one of the most striking manifestations of GERD, signaling irritation and inflammation of the esophagus. Episodic heartburn due to overeating or eating acidic foods is not dangerous. But if reflux becomes almost daily, this is an alarming symptom. Most often, the problem occurs after eating, when the stomach begins to actively produce acid and pepsin to process incoming food.

Symptoms of heartburn

Heartburn is described as an excruciating subjective sensation accompanied by burning, pain and discomfort behind the sternum, spasm, pressure, nausea, heaviness in the abdomen. With GERD, heartburn is one of many other symptoms. Pain can be localized in the epigastric region, in the throat area, may be accompanied by sour belching and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Sometimes reflux that occurs at night provokes a sore throat and cough.

Increased heartburn after eating, especially when lying down or bending over, may be temporarily relieved by food or liquids.

Causes of heartburn after eating

The main cause of heartburn, as we have already found out, is the ingress of hydrochloric acid from the stomach back into the esophagus due to the fact that the sphincter is not completely closed. Numerous factors can act as provocateurs of heartburn:

• foods, medicines and various conditions that increase the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach;
• damage or insufficiency of the muscles in the area of ​​the sphincter, due to which it does not close completely;
• change in the position of the esophagus and stomach, contributing to the reflux of contents in the opposite direction.

Coffee and alcohol, spicy, sour foods, spices, carbonated drinks, chocolate are considered to be irritants and acid stimulants. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some painkillers are also dangerous.
Sphincter tone is adversely affected by fatty foods, overeating and smoking.

During pregnancy, the presence of a hernia in the diaphragm, obesity, especially if fat accumulates in the abdominal cavity, the stomach rises higher, taking a more horizontal position. This makes it easier for the acid to flow back into the esophagus.

In some situations, persistent heartburn can be a sign of hyperacid gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, tumors, and systemic disease.

Treatment of heartburn after eating

In addition to the unpleasant sensations, heartburn and GERD are dangerous serious complications. These are inflammatory lesions of the esophagus that can lead to ulcers and bleeding, scarring, and narrowing of the sphincter, causing problems with eating. In addition, frequent contact with acid leads to a change in the epithelium of the esophagus – the formation of a precancerous “Barrett’s esophagus”, and without treatment – even cancer.

Severe heartburn can also simulate a heart attack, and the patient may even end up in the hospital. Therefore, it is important to find out the causes of heartburn as soon as possible and start treatment.

Diagnosis

The doctor will certainly take into account all complaints, in addition to heartburn, and will even ask you to keep a diary in order to assess what factors provoke deterioration. Additionally, you will need an x-ray of the esophagus and stomach with contrast, endoscopy (EFGDS) to visually assess the walls of the esophagus and stomach, as well as a number of tests. In order to assess the work of the sphincter, manometry is performed with pH-metry of the esophagus – they measure muscle tone and acidity in the lumen of the organ.

Modern methods of treatment

Of course, lifestyle changes play a significant role in treatment. It is important to review the diet, removing irritating foods from it, and also not to transfer, to eat often, in small portions. It is important to stop eating 2-3 hours before bedtime. You should try to give up alcohol, smoking and take medications strictly as directed by the doctor, even if they are banal painkillers. After eating, you should not immediately lie down or bend over, you should be more physically active so that the food leaves the stomach sooner.

– The most common drugs that patients themselves use for heartburn are antacids, says gastroenterologist, therapist Vera Samsonova . – They “extinguish” hydrochloric acid in the stomach and alleviate the condition, eliminating discomfort and pain. However, they do not affect the problem itself – excessive production of hydrochloric acid and weakness of the sphincter, these are symptomatic drugs. And their action is not very long, they bind the acid that has already been released, but do not affect the production of new portions.

Other drugs that are used are histamine H2 receptor antagonists. Their action is to block the activity of histamine, a substance that stimulates the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid.

Another group are proton pump inhibitors. These drugs also block the release of acid from the stomach cells, but in a different way.

Prevention of heartburn after meals at home

Prevention of heartburn is no less important, and this is the patient’s own concern. Along with taking medications selected by the doctor, it is necessary to reconsider your attitude to nutrition, reduce the amount of fatty and fried foods, spicy foods, alcohol and carbonated drinks consumed. It is equally important to lose weight, often heartburn is aggravated by fat accumulated around the waist.

It is important to stop smoking, and take any medications, especially those that irritate the stomach, only when absolutely necessary and after consultation with your doctor.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed with gastroenterologist Vera Samsonova questions regarding ways to get rid of heartburn, including for expectant mothers, as well as tactics for dealing with frequent heartburn.

Is it possible to get rid of heartburn with folk remedies?

There are many folk remedies that promise quick relief from heartburn, but the scientific evidence for their effectiveness and safety is too limited to recommend such remedies, especially without a doctor’s advice.

If heartburn occurs frequently and has become your problem, you need an examination and identification of the causes, and not traditional methods.

Can baking soda be used for heartburn?

Baking soda is one of the popular home remedies for heartburn. But this method is dangerous, although initially it quenches the acid, but then stimulates the release of more and more new portions. Therefore, heartburn can only intensify after a while. Plus, it causes belching and bloating, reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, and can worsen ulcers.

The absorption of soda into the blood changes the acid-base balance, which harms the kidneys.

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy?

Doctors use safe antacids to treat heartburn.