Methods For Easing Persistent Acid Reflux

By James Baldwin

Chronic heartburn is an issue that thousands of people face each day. In fact, some folk even begin dreading meals in fear of the persistent heartburn they may experience after they finish eating. Sadly, many of the people do not realize that lingering heartburn isn't simply due to food you eat.

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid travels up into the esophagus and occasionally the windpipe. This happens most often when you lie down or bend over although, it can happen when you are sitting in an upright position or standing also. Prolonged heartburn can cause a lot of pain. It can cause you to feel like you are choking, cause chest pains and even wake you seriously from a sound sleep.

Foods that relax the esophageal sphincter muscles can make contributions to persistent heartburn, but it isn't the one thing that causes your problem. Some of these foods and drinks include chocolate, fried or greasy foods, tomatoes, citrus juices, alcohol and caffeine.

If you eat and head off to bed immediately after eating, this can increase your chance of being awaken with heartburn discomfort. People that skip meals and then overeat later are sitting the stage for heartburn to occur. You see, the more you eat the more acid your belly has to make and the higher your likelihood of having heartburn will be. It is generally best to eat a couple of small meals per day if you want to lower your risks of having protracted heartburn.

Smokers are at a higher risk of having heartburn, so if you smoke start cutting back and try to eliminate tobacco all together. If you suffer with chronic heartburn don't wear tight clothes that help to push the acid back up into your esophagus. If you have a lot of issues sleeping at night due to heartburn, then try sleeping with your head raised to help to relieve these symptoms.

It is important that you learn what conditions trigger your protracted heartburn and you take measures to avoid these things. Try the tips and ideas above to determine if you can get release from this condition, but if the symptoms endure then you want to find professional help. Don't leave chronic heartburn untreated because over time it could cause more serious problems to develop and do major damage to your esophagus. The sooner you get it in hand the better off you will be. - 32390

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