Heartburn
has nothing to do with the heart. It is a common
digestive complaint which affects people in all
walks of life. Heartburn occurs when small amounts
of stomach acid rise up the esophagus causing a
burning sensation in the chest. In most cases the
burning is mild but at times may be so severe that
the person feels he is having a heart attack. The
most common causes of heartburn are GERD and
hiatal hernia. Obesity, pregnancy, overeating,
smoking can also trigger off symptoms. An
occasional episode of heartburn is normal but
persistent attacks may be sign of a serious
underlying condition.
Since
heartburn is related to the digestive system, it
is best to start treatment with changing the
unhealthy dietary habits that caused the heartburn
in the first place. Some of them
are:
1)
Avoid acidic foods such as citrus foods,
tomato-based foods, gooseberries, unripe fruits,
vinegar, pickles and relishes.
2)
Cut
down on fried and fatty foods as well as spicy
foods.
3) Avoid
carbonated and caffeinated beverages. They cause
belching and upward pressure on the LES increasing
chances of heartburn. Caffeinated drinks cause the
LES to over-relax causing the acid to flow into
the esophagus.
4)
Eat smaller meals. A big meal tends to distend the
stomach causing more acid production and
increasing the pressure. Eat smaller meals more
frequently. Choose easy to digest foods and allow
at least 3 hours between meals. Do not lie down
immediately after a
meal.
5)
Increase fiber in the diet. Constipation leads to
strain on the abdominal muscles. Eat vegetables,
bananas, apples, prunes, pears, oats, etc. Along
with increasing fiber, it is important to remember
to increase water intake
too.
6)
Drink plenty of water to improve digestion,
prevent constipation, for hydration, and
elimination of toxins.
7) If
overweight, switch to a healthy low-calorie diet
to achieve optimum weight for
height.
8)
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol also contributes to
heartburn and is a source of non-nutritious
calories.
9) Supplement
diet with digestive enzymes and probiotics to
increase the friendly flora in the
intestines.
10) Herbs
like chamomile, rosemary, fennel, slippery elm,
licorice, caraway, thyme, turmeric, dill, cumin
help in digestion and soothe the irritation of the
esophagus. A cup of herbal tea with every meal is
extremely beneficial.
11)
Some
studies indicate a high salt diet also leads to
heartburn. Decreasing salt in the diet is healthy
for other reasons too.
All
these are dietary changes. But since the incidence
of heartburn also involves other internal as well
as external factors, it is best to take help from
a holistic medicine practitioner who will treat
your body as a whole and bring about a balance in
the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual aspects
to rid you of heartburn permanently and safely.
