Getting Rid Of Chronic Heartburn

By Author: Steven Johnson
Total Articles: 494
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Acid reflux is a problem that maybe isn't that serious but it sure causes a lot of trouble when a person experiences one of its most common symptoms - heartburn. It's quite an unpleasant issue that can spoil the pleasure of eating the tastiest and most exquisite foods out there. Heartburn can also cause additional problems with sleep if it occurs during the night. But what causes heartburn?

Heartburn is caused by acid reflux into the esophagus from the stomach. When the food enters the stomach it is digested with the help of acid that is produced there. The stomach has special inner lining that protect it from the harmful effects of acid, but the esophagus doesn't. So when the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus the acid damages its inner lining, causing irritation that is experienced as heartburn. There are different factors that may be causing acid reflux to occur, including high acidity provoking foods, weak lower esophageal sphincter, pregnancy, physiological abnormalities in the stomach regions, etc.

From the Ayurveda point of view, acid reflux arises from the dysfunction in the Pachaka - ...
... a derivative of Pitta dosha. It corresponds to the point where the esophagus and stomach are connected with the lower esophageal sphincter. It's the dysfunction of this small muscle that often causes acid reflux problems. It may be a simple weakness of the muscle or a physiological trait that makes it possible for the stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. One of the most common examples of physiological and even physical conditions promoting acid reflux is simple sleep.

If you eat something soon before going to bed, especially if it was a large meal, then the food you've consumed is likely to flow into the esophagus due to your horizontal posture while sleeping. This is more common in cases when the upper torso is located on the same level as the stomach - the gravity promotes acid reflux and even if you have a strong esophageal sphincter it won't hold off the food refluxing into the esophagus.

Dietary causes behind acid reflux involve certain foods that are known to cause high acidity. Products such as citrus fruits, chocolate, onions, caffeine, soft drinks, peppermint, saturated fats, salty products and most processed foods are known to influence higher acid production that can ultimately lead to acid reflux and heartburn sensations. So in order to minimize the risk of experience heartburn you should minimize the intake of such products. Also remember to eat in smaller portions, because larger meals put too much pressure on the stomach and the esophageal sphincter, which in turn can cause acid reflux.

Sure, there are drugs that can minimize the production of acid in the stomach and make it possible to eat any types of food. Drugs like Nexium are known to be very effective for all types of heartburn. But why taking Nexium when you can avoid the problem in the first place by simply being more cautious about the way you eat food and what exactly do you consume.