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Heartburn is a burning feeling that begins in the middle of your stomach, and sometimes travels up behind your breastbone. Occasionally it is accompanied by bloating, belching and a sour taste in your mouth. It can occur at any time, but most people suffer from it after a large meal, or at night when they lay down.The majority of people who complain of heartburn can link it to something they have eaten or drank. Learning to avoid the food that triggers these symptoms is one of the keys to discovering the cause of heartburn.When you eat a large meal, you stomach produces more acid to digest it. In addition, your stomach is overfull, so there is additional pressure pushing the acid up into your esophagus. This is a common cause of heartburn symptoms, and many people find relief by switching their eating habits to several small meals each day.Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, and citrus fruits, can add to the already acidic environment in the stomach, causing discomfort. These foods can be avoided, or eaten with foods that counteract the acidity, such as yogurt.Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the stomach, making it more sensitive to the acid it produces. This can set off an episode of heartburn. If your stomach is already sensitive, you may need to learn to be careful with strong tasting spices.Some people have a weak sphincter muscle at the bottom of their esophagus. This muscle works like a one-way valve, that allows food to pass through, then closes to prevent anything from coming back up. If this muscle does not close properly, acid can escape into the esophagus. This can burn the lining of the esophagus, and cause severe heartburn. If this occurs frequently, it is called acid reflux, and you should see your health professional to be sure that something more serious is not happening.Another common cause of heartburn is lying down after eating. When your stomach is full, and you recline, it is easier for food to back up and press on the esophageal sphincter. This is the common cause of nighttime heartburn. Stop eating about three hours before you lay down, and your heartburn will vanish.One final cause of heartburn is a tight belt, or waistband. When your clothes are snug around the waist, they can apply pressure on your digestive system. This pushes your food up against the esophagus as well. Loosening your belt allows your stomach extra room to expand and digest the meal, and provides comfort, as well as relief.These are some of the most common causes of heartburn. If you find that none of these tips helps you solve your heartburn episodes, you should contact your health care provider to determine what steps you need to take to find relief.
Article Source: http://www.new.citynewslive.com
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