We all know the food eat is digested by the stomach with the help of acids and enzymes. Acid Reflux (or more popularly known term Heartburn), occurs when the lowers esophageal sphincter ( LES) dilates, releasing the contents of the stomach in the esophagus. The food which now contains stomach acids causes damage to the esophageal lining causing discomfort, esohphageal ulcers, strictures and if even untreated may lead to cancer. Here is some information that may prove useful to you ;

CAUSES OF HEARTBURN

Now various dietry habits and lifestyle choices may culminate in this most popularly known tummy trouble.

Eating Habits

Eating large portions of food

Eating food with a high fat content or deep fried food

Eating certain foods like highly spicy, onions, chocolate, tomatoes or tomato based, citrus fruits.

Drinking sodas, alcohol, caffeinated and carbonated drinks.

Eating right before going to bed.

Lifestyle Pattern

Being Overweight

Wearing tight or form fitting clothes

Lying down or bending over after eating.

Medical Reasons

Pregnancy

Hiatal Hernia( bulging of the stomach into chest cavity)

Certain bacteria

Ulcers

GERD

Certain Medications like Aspirin, Aleve, Advil as well as some antibiotics.

People with underlying Inflammatory disease like Pangastritis etc.

MANAGEMENT

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts that you should follow :

Try knowing and avoid eating foods which give you heartburn. Keep a diary.

Avoid highly fatty, spicy, deep fried food and tomato based sauces. Citrus fruits and juices are included.

Eat Small meals.

Avoid food with high sodium content. Salt is an acid so adding more into your meals means more Reflux

Avoid laying down right after a meal.

Quit smoking.

Cut back on Alcohol.

Review your medications.

How To Quickly Counter A Reflux Episode

Here is some valued information about how to get rid of heartburn within minutes;

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a base which will quickly neutralize the effects of stomach acid. Dissolve a few tbsps in water and drink it down.

Psyllium Husk: When mixed in water, Psyllium husk acts as a medium for stomach acid to act on. Thus preventing it to digest itself.

Have Oatmeal. The fibre in oatmeal will absorb the Acid and reduce the reflux.

Chew on Ice Cubes or have really cold water.

Have a bowl of Raw Carrots, Cucumber.

Have boiled or baked potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Ground coconut or coconut milk also does the job.

Have a smoothie made of fruits with low fat yogurt (for best results use it frozen). Don’t add citrus fruits.