Heartburn is the common name for the burning in your neck and chest caused when your body pushes digestive acid up from your stomach into your esophagus, also known as acid reflux.
For some people, they only experience heartburn now and then, and the typical trigger is due to eating certain acidic, fatty, or spicy foods, eating late at night before going to bed, or having a big meal.
Are you pregnant and experiencing heartburn? Many moms-to-be experience acid reflux, and most of the time their heartburn will decrease or go away entirely after their pregnancies are over. Learn more about what you can expect during your pregnancy.
Though getting heartburn infrequently usually isn’t a cause for alarm, you can make small but significant dietary changes to help prevent future occurrences.
To lessen your chance of experiencing heartburn after mealtimes, consider avoiding or limiting your consumption of aggravating foods, including:
- high-fat foods
- spicy foods
- alcohol
- black pepper
- garlic
- raw onions
- chocolate
- citrus foods
- tomatoes
- caffeine
- acidic fruit juices
- carbonated beverages
- peppermint
- foods with the additive carrageenan, like non-dairy milk
Ways to get heartburn relief
Although some people choose to soothe their symptoms of heartburn with over-the-counter medications (such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor blockers, and licorice supplements), there are other remedies that you can try at home to start feeling better without having to make a trip out to the drugstore.
Some other ways to get heartburn relief include:
- eat some ginger
- drink a little apple cider vinegar or baking soda mixed with water
- remove off tight clothes and wear something less restrictive
- stand or sit up straight to lift your upper body
- chew gum
- get away from secondhand smoke
Is it heartburn or heart attack?
No matter the cause, it’s understandable to be worried if you experience any discomforting pressure or tightness in your chest since this uncomfortable feeling is also a common symptom of having a heart attack.
If you’re experiencing crushing chest pain and difficulty breathing and you can’t pinpoint the cause of the sensation, call 9-1-1 immediately to get emergency medical attention.
Are you bothered by your heartburn symptoms? Think you might have acid reflux or reflux disease? Want to take control of your heart health?
Logansport Memorial Hospital’s cardiopulmonary team is here to answer all of your questions and help you start building better health.
Take an active role in your wellness and request an appointment to see your primary care provider. Need a provider? Search our directory to find a specialist or doctor.
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