Heartburn is commonly experienced by many people. This is the burning sensation you feel inside your chest when your stomach acid backwashes going to the esophagus.
This happens to all people in different ages. It can be the chronic type which is called gastro esophageal reflux disease or it can also just be a normal acid reflux because of stomach acidity.
Children may also experience heartburn according to WebMD. There are estimated 2 percent of children ages 3 to 9 and 5 percent of children ages 10 to 17 years old that experience heartburns.
The backwash of stomach acid or acid reflux that leads to heartburn has many causes. Usually, it is caused by the foods and beverages we intake that can trigger acid reflux in our stomach.
Here are some common foods and beverages that cause acid reflux:
- Citrus fruits
- fried foods
- Chocolates
- alcoholic and carbonated beverages
- Spicy foods and spices
- Coffee
There are also some serious causes like stomach conditions. Hiatal hernia is one common stomach abnormality that can cause acid reflux. This happens when your lower esophageal sphincter protrudes to the esophageal opening.
Another cause is hormonal changes which are common in pregnant women. Because of the changing hormone levels, it causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and the acid in the stomach will reflux easily to the esophagus.
Here are some quick ways on how to ease heartburns:
1. Chewing gum, if possible, not minty and doesn't contain sugar. Chewing a gum can produce enough saliva in your mouth. Saliva can neutralize the acid that may backwash in your esophagus.
2. Drink a glass of water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda. As explained by Everydayroots, sodium bicarbonate or commonly known as baking soda neutralizes acidity because this substance has a pH level of 7.0.
3. Eat apple and banana. These fruits are nature's gift. These fruits contain natural antacids that can counteract with the acid reflux in your esophagus. Eat a ripe banana or apply if your feel like your stomach is acidic. This is to prevent acid backwash.
4. Eat some almonds. It's recommended to eat almonds after meals. This relieves you from heartburns with its acid neutralizing properties.
5. A spoonful of mustard. It is considered to be an alkalizing food. This also neutralizes the acidic juices in your stomach and throat.
