About 10% of people all over the world suffer from heartburn, and from time to time up to 60% of adults and children complain of it. Almost half of pregnant women experience heartburn. Can this problem be solved once and for all?
Why does heartburn appear?
Heartburn is a burning sensation or other discomfort in the stomach area. It is sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as a bitter taste in the mouth, belching, nausea, and bloating.
A burning sensation in the upper abdomen occurs when gastric juice enters the esophagus, irritating it. This is often due to the increased production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. But what causes the digestive tract to malfunction? Overeating, alcohol, fatty and “heavy” food, fast food. Heartburn can be caused by snacking on the go, smoking, heavy lifting and stress.
Emotional people prone to neuroses and depression often complain of heartburn. However, a burning sensation in the stomach can be not only a signal of chronic stress, but also a symptom of an esophageal ulcer. In any case, in order to forget about heartburn forever, you need to identify its root cause and eliminate it, otherwise any treatment will give only temporary results.
Quick ways to get rid of heartburn
- Mineral water. Only sulphate-calcium or sulphate-sodium medicinal water is suitable. It is important that it is not carbonated. If you drink carbonated bicarbonate water for heartburn, the burning sensation will only intensify. Drink in small sips while standing, and do not lie down after that: stand or sit.
- Soda. Dissolve some baking soda in water and drink. Do not abuse this remedy, especially since it is not suitable for pregnant women. Use baking soda only in an emergency when the discomfort is severe and medication is not at hand.
- Activated carbon. Replace soda for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Crush 15 tablets in milk and drink full. However, activated charcoal should not be taken regularly either.
Instead of “folk” methods, it is better to choose pharmacy remedies for heartburn: you can read the instructions, compare prices and choose a medicine yourself, using special services to search for medicines. But it is never superfluous to consult a doctor, especially if the problem has recently worsened and bouts of heartburn have become regular.
Prevention of heartburn attacks
The best medicine is prevention, which will prevent pain in the upper abdomen. To torment heartburn as little as possible, follow these simple dietary rules:
- Eat small meals often. Better every 3 hours little by little than 2-3 times a day in large portions.
- Refuse or limit the use of strong coffee and tea, alcoholic beverages, as well as fried, sour, smoked and fatty. All of these foods irritate the stomach lining.
- Rest after eating. We don’t suggest going to bed after every meal, just don’t exercise, lift weights, or bend over right after a meal.
Another important non-nutritional condition: if you are prone to heartburn, you should not wear clothes that tightly fit your stomach. Forget about tight belts and bandages, nothing should put pressure on the stomach area.
