Heartburn on the advance: Experts explain why it could worsen

What is heartburn?

Despite the name, heartburn doesn’t have much to do with her heart. It is caused by stomach acid that drives up into the esophagus (trachea). Usually there is a valve like muscles to keep acid where it belongs, but if it can relax or weaker at the wrong time, acid can crawl up. bring unpleasant symptoms including:

• Burn in the chest or neck burning
• Saurer reflux/regurgitation
• pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Haly symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, persistent cough or frequent rooms -Clearing
• Bad breath
• Feeling of a “clump” in the throat
• Bloating and push

Heartburn and acid reflux are the same – both are types of digestive disorders. Occasional digestive disorders are normal, but if it becomes frequently, it can signal a more chronic state affects one of five adults in Great Britain.

Why will more people burn down?

We do not live and eat like our grandparents – the rise of Ultra processed food, sugar -containing drinks and oversized portions has set ours Digestion systems under constant stress.

Diets of poor quality that are rich in fat, caffeine, alcoholbubbling drinks and Sugar Are usual triggers for heartburn, while at the same time there are basic foods of modern nutrition.

Our stressful, quick life mean that many of us eat late without much time to rest and digest before going to bed. Lay down too early After eating, acid gives a green light to crawl up. In short, our comfortable but chaotic eating habits are a big driver for rising burning rates.

Another main factor is weight gain. Wearing the additional weight, especially in the middle part, will put pressure on the stomach that can push the acid into the esophagus. Studies consistently show that people who are overweight or obese are more with heartburn and Gerd. Those who have one BMI of more than 30 22% are more likely than 6.6% for the less than 18.5.

Many people now turn to weight loss medication to lose pounds quickly. Weight loss should theoretically relieve pressure on the stomach, but medication such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc.) are actually new problems.

While you seem to slow down the movement of food through the digestive system, slower digestion can also mean more acid in the stomach for a long time. The Increases the risk of reflux and heartburn. Some patients in these drugs report nausea, flatulence and acidic reflux, so it is clear that these medication are In addition, there is a rise of the heartburn Complaints.

Stress also plays a major role. Our modern lifestyles are filled with deadlines, long commuters and constant digital noise. Stress hormones can impair the digestion and even lead to the sphincter of the esophagus relaxed in false times and trigger episodes of heartburn.

And let’s not forget to forget smoking, alcohol and lack of sleep – all in today’s fast -moving world and all important participants for reflux.

How to prevent heartburn

The good news is that there are usually not dangerous in themselves and there are many ways to manage it.

• Adjust the eating habits: smaller portions, fewer trigger foods, luggage caffeine and alcohol and avoiding meals of the late night will go a long way.
• Move more: If you stay upright after the meal, gravity helps to do your work. Even a short walk can reduce the symptoms.
• Pay attention to weight loss: For those who have weight loss medication, monitoring the symptoms and the discussion of side effects with a doctor is crucial.
• Reduce stress: easier said than done, but relaxation techniques, better sleep and mindful food can help. This means slowing down, chewing food and eating at a table instead of the sofa or being bent over a desk.

How to calm symptoms

There are above -average means such as antacids or alginates. Stronger acid blockers such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) require a recipe. A little gentler, At home solutions contain Ginger tea This is known as anti -inflammatory to relieve the irritation. Aloe vera juice can help coat the esophagus and reduce irritation. Banana And Oats It is believed that both alkaline foods help neutralize stomach acid, and the Likorice root (DGL) is increased in the esophagus mucus that create a protective barrier against gastric acid.

Why is heartburn on the advance?

The rise of heartburn is not just about spicy food or too much coffee – it’s about the way we live now. A mixture of bad diets, modern medication, stress and lifestyle pushes the acid reflux into the spotlight. Regardless of whether it is the regular snack bars, weight losses or the nightly scroll that keeps it awake, the truth is that heartburn have become cultural symptoms like a medical. And although it may not be a glamorous topic, it may be one of the smartest health movements you can do when you pay attention to what and when you eat.

Now try …

How to avoid digestive disorders
What to drink for acidic reflux
Do you have a food intolerance?
Probiotic food to support intestinal health

Jo Williams is a registered nutritionist (RNUTR) at the Association for Nutrition with a specialism for public health. Follow her on X @nutri_jo.

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