If you are pushing away from the dinner table after a large meal, you may notice the onset of heartburn symptoms. Heartburn doesn’t really affect your heart, but the pain that can radiate in your chest from acid in your stomach can feel that way. Additional symptoms include a bitter or sour taste in your mouth and/or throat.
Unless you treat your heartburn immediately, you can experience the discomfort and pain of indigestion for hours. After a meal, the acid in your stomach began to break down the mixed carbohydrates, proteins and vegetation. Sometimes, those acids escape through your esophageal sphincter, causing heartburn.
Grabbing a couple of over-the-counter antacids may do the trick of neutralizing the problem. There are also ways to avoid the onset of heartburn altogether. Here’s a list of known foods, emotions and habits that can bring on heartburn or make the symptoms worse:
- Carbonated drinks
- Citrus fruits
- Tomato products
- Chocolate, mints or peppermints
- Fatty, spicy or garlic-rich foods
- Onions
- Cigarette smoking
- Drinks containing caffeine
- Alcohol
- Lying down too soon after eating
- Being overweight or obese
- Pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Prescription medications
If you’re looking to relieve heartburn, whether is a single or reoccurring flare-up, the following steps can help eliminate the condition:
Use blocks to raise the head of your bed
Eat 2 to 3 hours before sleeping or lying down
Quit smoking
Healthy weight loss program
Stop eating once you’re satisfied, rather than over-indulging
Eat high-protein, low-fat meals
Don’t wear tight clothes
Avoid foods and beverages that are known triggers
While heartburn is usually just an uncomfortable, temporary condition, you should see your doctor if it occurs on a regular basis to discuss prescription treatment options. You may be dealing with GERD, or acid reflux, rather than a simple case of heartburn. Acid reflux can cause additional problems, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly.