Heartburn and gas are two terminologies that often confuse a large number of people. Even though both conditions are associated with digestive processes, they are very different from each other and have different causes. Stomach gas is a natural phenomenon of the digestive process while heartburn occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach flow up into the oesophagus.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a painful condition that occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach flow up into the oesophagus, resulting in a nagging pain in the chest. For some people, heartburn may produce pain behind the breastbone, while for others, it may feel like a burning sensation in the throat.
Heartburn is a common condition that usually occurs after eating meals. A person may trigger heartburn by bending over or lying down shortly after eating. Some of the other triggers of heartburn include:
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Acidic foods
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
What is gas?
Gas is a natural part of the digestive system which can be caused either due to swallowing of air or due to the breakdown of the foods by bacteria in the large intestine. Typically, this gas is eliminated from the body via burping, belching or farting. According to health experts, the average person releases gas from his/her body at least 13 to 21 times a day.
In addition, people may experience gas from consuming different foods. Some of them include:
- Apples
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Onions
- Peaches
- Cauliflower
- Whole grains
What is the relation between heartburn and gas?
Heartburn and gas are not dependent on each other i.e. one condition doesn’t cause the other and the vice versa. However, it is possible for them to exist together and make each other worse. Moreover, it is possible to regulate both the conditions in a similar manner.
One major cause of gas and heartburn is consuming too much, too speedily. Eating too much food can cause heartburn while eating quickly can trigger gas production due to swallowing of air. Drinking carbonated drinks can also cause both conditions to exist together. However, relieving gas via belching can aggravate the condition of heartburn.
How heartburn and gas can be prevented?
Though there are lots of home remedies for heartburn which helps in getting rid of heartburn but Both heartburn and gas can easily be prevented by making certain lifestyle changes. Some of them include:
- Eating smaller meals
- Eating slowly
- Avoiding greasy, heavy foods
- Avoid smoking or drinking
- Losing weight
- Consuming a balanced diet
Heartburn and gas can develop either separately or together. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, you can take OTC medications such as Gas-O-Fast tablets in order to effectively get relief from both the conditions.
