8 Mistakes In Treating Heartburn

By Author: Katerina Vlasova
Total Articles: 3
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Heartburn is an unpleasant and familiar burning sensation behind the sternum, which most often occurs after eating. This condition can affect not only digestion, but also sleep, mood, and, in the long run, overall health. It seems that modern pharmacology and medicine have long found ways to get rid of heartburn. However, many people continue to make the same mistakes when trying to solve this problem. This means that heartburn not only doesn't go away, but becomes chronic. In this article, we have gathered eight common mistakes people make when treating heartburn and explained why they are dangerous.

1. Overuse of antacids
At the first signs of heartburn, many people go to the drugstore to buy antacids – medications that neutralize stomach acid. However, continued use of such products can lead to a "rebound effect" – increased acid production after the effects of the medication have worn off. In addition, antacids only eliminate the symptom, not the cause. Heartburn can be a sign of gastritis, acid reflux, or even a stomach ulcer. ...
... Before taking any medication without supervision, you should consult a doctor.

2. Ignoring the diet
Irregular meals, large portions, and late dinners are a sure way to heartburn. Particularly harmful is the habit of grabbing a quick snack on the go or going to bed straight after eating. The stomach doesn't have time to digest food, and the contents begin to rise up into the esophagus. The proper diet consists of small portions, 4-5 meals a day, and dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime.

3. Refusing diagnostics
One of the biggest mistakes is to treat heartburn blindly. Many people with heartburn start taking medications on their own, change their diet, and exclude certain foods. But without an accurate diagnosis, it can do more harm than good. Heartburn can be a symptom of serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A gastroenterological examination (gastroscopy, tests, ultrasound) will help determine the actual cause and prescribe the correct treatment.

4. Alcohol and smoking
Some people believe that a glass of wine with dinner or a cigarette "to relax" doesn't affect digestion. This is a myth. Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps stomach acid in the stomach. Smoking, in turn, reduces saliva production, which helps neutralize the acid. The result is reflux – a backflow of acid into the esophagus, which causes a burning sensation. If you want to get rid of heartburn, the first thing you should do is reconsider your bad habits.

5. Improper sleeping position
Few people associate posture with heartburn, but it is an important point. Sleeping on your back with a low pillow or immediately after eating increases the risk of reflux. The best sleeping position is on your left side with your head slightly elevated. This helps to retain stomach acid and prevents it from escaping into the esophagus.

6. Obesity
Obesity, especially in the abdominal region, increases intra-abdominal pressure, which contributes to the upward displacement of stomach contents. This is a common cause of heartburn in overweight people. Weight loss, even if it is only 5-10% of your body weight, can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn. Physical activity and proper nutrition will not only help relieve symptoms but also improve overall well-being.

7. Wrong food selection
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore individual food intolerances. Fatty foods, coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, citrus fruits, and soda can trigger heartburn. But everyone has their own "triggers". You shouldn't arbitrarily exclude foods, but ignoring your body's obvious reactions is also not an option. It is best to keep a food diary and document which foods trigger symptoms so that you can adjust your diet to suit your needs.

8. Self-reassurance that "It's just heartburn."
People often suffer from heartburn for months or even years and consider it normal. But regular heartburn is a warning sign. Constant irritation of the esophageal mucosa can lead to inflammation, erosions, strictures, and even precancerous changes (Barrett's syndrome). If heartburn occurs more than twice a week, it is a reason to seek medical attention.