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Heartburn
Heartburn is
a burning sensation and pain in the stomach and / or chest. It
occurs when the stomach acid, hydrochloric acid, backs up into the
esophagus. Normally, the esophagus sphincter muscles serve to keep
food from moving backwards. When the sphincter relaxes too much or
not functioning properly, it allows the stomach acid to move from the
stomach into esophagus, irritating the sensitive tissues there. This
condition is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Heartburn usually occurs
one or two hours after eating can be aggravated by
eating too much or lying down after a large meal. Certain drugs and
chemicals can also make the sphincter muscles relax, such as cigarette
smoke, alcohol, high fat food, chocolate and caffeine.
Heartburn is
a common ailment and is often treated with antacids or drugs that suppress
the production of stomach acids, such as cimetidine, famotidiine,
ranitidine. However, long term use of these medications may damage
the stomach lining and increase the risk of benign and malignant tumors.
They may also mask a more serious underlying problem. A person who
needs to consume antacids several times in a week should consult a
physician for proper diagnosis.
Heartburn
can be prevented by consuming small, more frequent meals, avoidance of
fatty food, spicy food and acidic foods, and cutting down the consumption
of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen). Some
food supplements are also known to relieve heartburn or prevent it in the
first place.
Dietary
supplements for heartburn:
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)
Pancreatin
Bromelain
Calcium and magnesium
Aloe gel / juice
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