heartburn Archives

Ever felt the fiery wrath of heartburn after indulging in your favorite meal? Wondering if there’s a way to silence that burning sensation in your chest? Curious about the secrets to conquering acid reflux and enjoying meals without the aftermath? Is it time to bid farewell to the discomfort that’s been cramping your style? Ready for a game-changer in the battle against indigestion? Wonder no more – let’s unlock the door to relief together!

Causes of Acid reflex and heartburn:

The causes of acid reflux and heartburn can vary, but they often involve factors that affect the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, and helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Here are some common causes:

1. Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES):

A weakened LES can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation, which leads to heartburn and acid reflux.

2. Hiatal Hernia:

This occurs when the upper part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Hiatal hernias can weaken the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.

3. Dietary Factors:

Certain foods and beverages can trigger or exacerbate acid reflux and heartburn. These may include spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.

4. Obesity:

Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase pressure on the stomach and LES, leading to reflux symptoms.

Also check, Natural ways of reducing weight

5. Pregnancy:

Hormonal changes and the growing uterus can put pressure on the stomach and LES, increasing the risk of acid reflux during pregnancy.

Also check, Brain nourishing foods for expecting mothers

6. Smoking:

Smoking can weaken the LES and increase stomach acid production, making individuals more prone to experiencing reflux symptoms.

7. Certain Medications:

Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, certain blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants, can relax the LES or irritate the esophagus, contributing to acid reflux and heartburn.

8. Certain Health Conditions:

Conditions such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), scleroderma, and connective tissue disorders can affect the function of the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux.

9. Eating Habits:

Eating large meals, eating late at night, lying down immediately after eating, or consuming large amounts of fatty or spicy foods can increase the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux and heartburn.

Also check, Sugar: Friend or Foe?

Symptoms:

Symptoms	Description
Heartburn	Burning sensation in the chest, typically behind the breastbone, often worsens after eating
Regurgitation	Sour or bitter-tasting fluid rising from the stomach into the throat or mouth
Dysphagia	Difficulty swallowing, sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest
Chronic Cough	Persistent dry cough, worsens at night or when lying down, due to throat irritation from reflux
Hoarseness or Sore Throat	Irritation or inflammation of the throat, resulting in a hoarse voice or soreness
Chest Pain	Pain or discomfort in the chest, may resemble symptoms of a heart attack
Asthma Symptoms	Exacerbation of asthma symptoms or asthma attacks, especially when lying down
Sleep Disturbances	Nighttime symptoms disrupting sleep, leading to fatigue and daytime drowsiness

symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn

Relief Options:

Relief options for acid reflux and heartburn include a combination of lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. Here are some effective relief options:

1. Lifestyle Modifications:

Dietary Changes: Avoid trigger foods and beverages that can exacerbate acid reflux, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
Eating Habits: Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals, and avoid lying down or bending over immediately after eating.
Weight Management: Losing excess weight can reduce pressure on the abdomen and help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
Elevate the Head of the Bed: Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches to prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus while sleeping.
Avoid Tight Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce pressure on the abdomen.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increase the risk of acid reflux. Quitting smoking can help improve symptoms.

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2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:

Antacids: Antacids, such as calcium carbonate (Tums), magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), or aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox, Mylanta), can neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief from heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
H2 Receptor Blockers: Over-the-counter H2 receptor blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC) and ranitidine (Zantac), can reduce stomach acid production and provide longer-lasting relief from symptoms.

3. Prescription Medications:

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Prescription-strength PPIs, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix), are highly effective in reducing stomach acid production. They also provide relief from severe or persistent acid reflux symptoms. They are typically used for short-term treatment of GERD and related conditions.
Prokinetics: These medications help improve the movement of food through the digestive tract. This can be prescribed for individuals with GERD-related motility disorders.

4. Surgical Interventions:

Fundoplication: In severe cases of GERD, surgical procedures such as fundoplication may be recommended. Fundoplication involves wrapping the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the LES and prevent acid reflux.
LINX Reflux Management System: This procedure involves implanting a small ring of magnetic beads around the LES to prevent reflux while allowing food to pass through.

In conclusion, acid reflux and heartburn can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and interfering with sleep and overall well-being. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and relief options is crucial for effectively managing these conditions. Lifestyle modifications along with over-the-counter and prescription medications, can provide relief from symptoms.

In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. By incorporating appropriate treatments and seeking medical guidance, individuals can find relief. Thus they can improve their quality of life despite experiencing acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.

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How does your digestion change during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can give tremendous pressure to the digestive system of a woman. As the baby develops, it may press the oesophagus, stomach as well as intestine. This can result in digestive issues. Also, the elevation of pregnancy hormones including oestrogen and progesterone can impact digestion and cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea or vomiting, frequent burping, acid reflux, bloating, constipation. Every trimester brings about a variety of physical changes, many of which might affect the gastrointestinal system.

Also check, Foods to be avoided for pregnant ladies

Gastrointestinal issues	1st Trimester	2nd Trimester	3rd Trimester
Morning sickness	✅	–	–
Constipation	✅	✅	✅
Diarrhea	✅	✅	–
Acid reflux	✅	✅	✅
Food cravings	✅	–	–
Food sensitivities	✅	–	–
Upper GI pain	–	✅	✅
Bloating	–	–	✅
Gall stones	–	✅	✅

Although these are general symptoms, each person may experience them differently depending on their hormones and diet.

Also check, Foods to increase breast milk supply

Tips for managing the symptoms of pregnancy related gastrointestinal issues

Here are some common pregnancy related gastrointestinal issues and also some of the tips to manage the symptoms:

1.Morning sickness

Around 8 out of 10 pregnant women are dealing with morning sickness. It can cause nausea or vomiting as well as upset stomach. Although the exact cause is unclear, experts believe that hormonal shifts are to blame.

Tips to manage morning sickness

Drink plenty of water. Sip water on a regular basis to avoid being dehydrated.
Try ginger, sour candies and mint
Consume little low-fat and high-carb meals frequently
Eliminate nausea triggering foods and odours
Sleep more (Tiredness can increase the vomiting sensation)

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2. Diarrhea

Early pregnancy diarrhea and watery stool are frequently brought on by food changes and also hormonal shifts. Pregnancy raises the oxytocin hormone levels, which causes the digestive tract to contract more and function quickly.

Tips to manage diarrhea

Drink plenty of water. Sip water on a regular basis to avoid being dehydrated.
Add probiotics and prebiotics in your diet to improve the gut health and digestion
Try banana, buttermilk, boiled potato and rice water.
Avoid fried or spicy foods and limit dairy foods.

Also check, Home remedies for diarrhea

3. Constipation

Constipation is a very common problem during pregnancy. This can be caused due to the pressure in the intestine. As the baby develops, the progesterone hormone levels will significantly increase which leads to delay in the movement of intestines and constipation.

Tips to manage constipation

Increase the fluid intake
Consume fibre rich foods like vegetables, sprouts and fruits
Include probiotic foods in your diet
Include simple physical exercises like walking in your routine

Also check, Fibre rich foods to prevent constipation

4. Acid reflux

Up to half of pregnant women will experience acid reflux when they reach their third trimester. Due to pregnancy-related hormonal imbalances, the muscle between the oesophagus and stomach relaxes throughout pregnancy. Also, the pressure on the stomach also grows as the uterus expands. Acid reflux is likely to occur because of these issues.

Tips to manage acid reflux or heartburn

Instead of eating three full meals, eat small meals when you are hungry.
Don’t eat quickly
Avoid fried or spicy foods
Don’t consume citrus fruits or juice.
Restrict your caffeine (coffee or tea) intake.

Also check, Home remedies for acid reflux

5. Bloating

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are one potential reason for bloating. As a result of the womb’s relaxation caused by pregnancy hormones, digestion is slowed. Bloating can be frequently associated with frequent belching and constipation.

Tips to manage bloating

Increase the fluid intake
Consume fibre rich foods like vegetables, sprouts and fruits
Include probiotic foods in your diet
Avoid drinking fizzy drinks
Avoid gassy foods (some millets and legumes)

Also check, Foods that cause bloating

Foods that help to manage gastrointestinal issues

1.Probiotic foods

YOGURT:

Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics, which helps in strengthening the digestive tract and also promotes gut health. It is high in protein, calcium, vitamins and also probiotics which can enhance the good bacteria in the gut. Yogurt is the best food for gut health.

Also check, Foods to increase breast size

KEFIR:

Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt that is made from kefir grains, which are high in good bacteria. The process of making is similar to yogurt, but the fermentation process in Kefir is for 24 hours. The result is not a sour curd, but rather a tasty one. You can also load it up with nuts, seeds and also berries to make a shake high in antioxidants, probiotics and prebiotics.

Also check, 12 Best foods to increase breast milk quality

FERMENTED FOOD:

People have been using fermentation techniques from ages to boost food’s shelf life and to increase its nutritive values. It’s a process through which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria convert the carbohydrates in the food to acids, which act as a natural preservative and also promotes the growth of good bacteria. They are the best food to treat gastrointestinal issues. Some fermented foods are kimchi, made from fermented vegetables such as radish and cabbage; it’s a popular Korean dish. Miso is a Japanese seasoning, made from fermented soybeans. Sauerkraut is a traditional food of Europe and made from fermenting finely chopped cabbage. Traditional buttermilk is the leftover liquid you can get during the making of butter and also contains lots of probiotics.

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CHEESE:

Cheese is good for gut health. There are many kinds of cheese which are prepared by fermentation, but all do not contain probiotics. Only soft cheeses made up of unpasteurized milk, such as cheddar, mozzarella and also Swiss are rich in probiotics. The longer the cheese ages the more beneficial bacteria develops in it for your gut health.

Also check, How age affects libido in women?

KANJI:

Kanji is a popular Indian fermented drink, which contains lots of gut friendly bacteria (probiotics) which aids in digestion and also reduces bloating, gas and promotes a healthy gut. It has a tangy, spice and tart flavor. In India, it is used as a detox drink after festival binge eating, which helps in gastrointestinal issues. However, there are many ways of making kanji, the most popular is carrot kanji. It is made by fermenting carrots along with salt, mustard seeds and asafoetida (heeng).

Also check,What are some foods for healthy gut

2.Prebiotics

Onion:

It has prebiotic effects which strengthen gut flora, that help with fat breakdown and boost your immune system and improve digestion. Onion is also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids quercetin which help fight free radicals. Onion is also rich in vitamin C, B vitamins like folate (B9), pyridoxine (B6) and potassium, which aids in metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve function.

Also check, Home remedy to cure cough using onion?

Garlic:

Garlic is a prebiotic that is naturally high in inulin, a type of non- digestible carbohydrate that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and restrict disease causing bacteria from growing at the same time. Pickled garlic is best for gut health.

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Banana:

Apart from being rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin B9, it also has prebiotic effects and a small amount of inulin. Banana is high in fiber and prebiotics, both of which support smooth digestion.

Also check, 7 super nutritious foods for weight gain

Sprouted grains:

The concentration of fiber increases in sprouted grains. Fiber is one of the most important components for maintaining gut health. Fiber nourishes the good bacteria in the gut and also promotes elimination and detoxification of the colon.

Also check, What is the need to sprout grains?

Apple:

Apple has outstanding health benefits as it is rich in fiber, Vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium. It has pectin, a type of soluble fiber, which has prebiotic effects and also promotes healthy gut microbiota. Pectin increases butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and also decreases the population of harmful bacteria.

Also check, Benefits of apple and banana for kids

3. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are entirely healthy to eat during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. During pregnancy, it is advised that you limit your intake of nuts and seeds to no more than 100 grams per day. For example, you could consume four to seven almond pieces, around four walnut halves, few seeds and roughly eight pistachios at once. However, if you consume them excessively, you could have health issues like gastrointestinal problems and also excessive weight gain.

Also check, Best nuts and seeds for protein

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