Heartburn is typically referred to as a painful burning sensation in the chest or the throat area, which is often followed by a bitter taste in the mouth. Medical experts assert that the condition usually occurs when the contents from the stomach back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is generally a minor ailment that can be treated easily with home remedies for heartburn and acidity. However, if an individual experiences heartburn more than twice a week, it could be an indication of a condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD.
Health experts claim that heartburn can also be a result of bad lifestyle habits and other health conditions. Smoking, overconsumption of caffeine, eating spicy foods, etc. are some of the common causes of the condition. Moreover, heartburn is also common in women during pregnancy.
As suggested by medical experts, here are some of the key lifestyle habits that can help people in managing heartburn:
1. Eat healthy
Heartburn is directly related to the food we eat. Thus, you should always eat healthy and nutritious food. Moreover, you should also avoid heartburn triggers or foods that can make the associated symptoms prevalent. Raw onions, caffeine, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, etc. are some of the most common food items that can lead to heartburn.
2. Avoid going to bed immediately after dinner
Food takes time to digest and going to bed immediately after eating can impede the digestion process. This may even to stomach discomforts like acidity, heartburn, and gas problems. While you can always take the help of top quality products like Gas-O-Fast Jeera to get instant relief from acidity, health experts still suggest people to go to bed at least 2 to 3 hours after having dinner in order to prevent the condition from occurring in the first place.
3. Don’t overeat and eat slowly
Overeating is another adverse food behavior that can slow down the digestion process. It is also one of the biggest contributors to overweight and obese conditions. Thus, you should always avoid eating too much at once. Moreover, you should also eat slowly and chew your food properly before galloping.
4. Eat small portions, frequently
Rather than eating a lot of food at once, you should focus on eating smaller meal portions, multiple times a day. Various researches assert that eating small portions can not only satisfy the appetite and prevent heartburn but it can also provide nutrients to the body throughout the day.
5. Don’t wear tight clothes
Tight-fitting clothes, especially around the mid-section can push and force the acid into the esophagus. Thus, you should always wear conformable clothes with proper fitting. Moreover, you should also avoid wearing belts, waistbands, and tight undergarments when experiencing heartburn.
6. Stop smoking
Smoking is one of the most adverse habits that can lead to numerous health problems. According to health experts, the nicotine in the cigarettes can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, a bundle of muscles that primarily control the opening between the stomach and the esophagus.
Lastly, medical experts suggest that people should always maintain a heartburn diary. They should note down all the heartburn hits, triggers and remedies they opted for in the diary. This will help them keep a better track of their health and prevent the condition from occurring again.
