Heartburn

Take control of your heartburn

Lower oesophagus sphincter separates oesophagus from the stomach. This LES works as a gate to let food pass to the stomach and after this passage it closes and tighten to prevent reflux of acidic juices back to the oesophagus.

In people with acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), the LES relaxes when it shouldn't or becomes weak and doesn't close tightly. Food, drugs and emotions can affect LES and cause heartburn.

The following factors are under your power to change:

· Certain foods. Coffee, tea, caffeinated beverages, garlic, onion, mint, chocolate, fried and grassy food can loosen LES and increase gastric acid and then cause heartburn. Others have trouble with citrus fruits or tomato products, which irritate the oesophageal lining.

· Eating patterns. Skipping breakfast and eating a huge meal at the lunch increase the risk of reflux. Lying down soon after eating will make the problem worse.

· Smoking. Frequent smoking increased swollen air and then increases the pressure on stomach and cause reflux. In addition smoking can loosen LES and increase risk of reflux.

· Overweight and obesity. Being overweight or obese increase risk of GERD symptoms. In addition, eating larger meals distends the stomach, pushes the contents up toward the oesophagus and loosens the LES.

· Certain medications. Some medications like contraceptives or postmenopausal hormone preparations containing progesterone are known culprits increase heartburn. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can irritate the stomach lining. Other drugs—such as alendronate (Fosamax), used to prevent and treat osteoporosis—can irritate the esophagus. And some antidepressants, bronchodilators, tranquilizers, and calcium-channel blockers can contribute to reflux by relaxing the LES.

Sources:

https://www.culinarynutrition.com/best-foods-for-acid-reflux/