Heartburn: The What, the How and the When

For starters heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Rather heartburn is burning of the upper digestive system. Since the pain usually originates from the center of the chest, people often confuse it to be a heart related problem.

But the truth is heartburn is caused do to the reaction of stomach acids to certain variety of foods or indigestion.

The Esophagus is a muscular tract through which food passes on its way to the stomach. The stomach generates acids which help in the digestion of food. The stomach itself is kept safe from these muscles by a layer of mucus which acts as an insulator. The esophagus itself is protected from these acids by a one way valve which is kept closed by the force of gravity and pressure. This valve is called the lower esophageal sphincter. Normally the valve opens to allow food to pass through and closes again. But if this sphincter becomes weak and does not close tightly or if it is overwhelmed then the stomach acids flow into the esophagus. Since the esophagus is not protected the acids cause a burning sensation and pain.

Occasional heartburn can result due to over eating and indigestion. This kind of temporary heartburn usually caused by foods which are heavily spiced is called reflux. But chronic heartburn can suggest serious problems and usually leads to a condition called the gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Heartburn is mostly caused due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter which does not close normally like it should. In addition to overeating the other most common cause is too much pressure on the stomach usually caused by obesity or pregnancy. Certain foods also make the sphincter weak like tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, caffeinated products, and peppermint.

The most common remedy for heartburn is having an antacid. The antacid contains a base and hence neutralizes the acid. The excess acids essentially become water by the time they reach the stomach. Recent research has enabled the invention of over the counter drugs which can be taken by heartburn sufferers before the intake of heavy and fatty food. Other drugs target the production of acid in the stomach. If less acid is produced then less acid will enter the esophagus should there be a heartburn incident.

Do not panic and mistaken a heartburn for a heart attack. Heartburn is localized to the center of the chest whereas a heart attack radiates further down an arm. Take that faithful dose of antacids when in doubt. Reach for that emergency button only when you are sure antacids are not helping.

The preventive measures for heartburn include living a healthy life and avoiding smoking, alcohol intake and fatty foods. Since gravity plays a major part in closing the lower esophageal sphincter, lie down after heavy intake of food for two to three hours. That should prevent the acids from seeping out of the stomach and give you that heartburn. But nothing can beat the curative powers of exercise.