Battling the Burn: A Guide to Acidity and Heartburn.

Michelle Britto

2 min read | Sept 16, 2024

  • Acidity
  • Heartburn
  • Spice
  • Acid reflux
  • Digestive discomfort
  • GERD
  • Are you feeling a burning sensation in your chest?

  • Are you experiencing chest pain?

  • Do you have difficulty swallowing food?

  • Do you have frequent nausea?

  • Do you regurgitate your food?

If you feel most of the above-mentioned things daily, you might have acidity and heartburn.

What is it?

Acid reflux is also known as heartburn, acid indigestion, or pyrosis. It happens when some of the acidic stomach contents go back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux creates a burning pain in the lower chest area, often after eating.

Why is it caused?

Common causes

One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia.

Other causes

  • 1.

    Eating a large/heavy meal

  • 2.

    Lying down/bending right after a meal

  • 3.

    Being overweight or obese

  • 4.

    Snacking close to bedtime

  • 5.

    Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods

  • 6.

    Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea

  • 7.

    Smoking

  • 8.

    Pregnancy

  • 9.

    Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications

What happens due to acidity?

Chronic acidity can have various negative consequences for health, including:

  • Digestive problems

    Acidity can lead to heartburn, indigestion, and constipation.

  • Bone healthy

    Over time, excess acid can leach calcium from bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

  • Increased inflammation

    Acidity can contribute to inflammation, which is linked to various chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.

Inference

Thus, maintaining a healthy acid-base balance is crucial for overall health and well-being. By incorporating more alkaline foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes into our diet, managing stress levels, and remaining mindful of medications and environmental factors, we can promote a healthy internal environment and reduce the risks associated with acidity.

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WRITTEN BY Michelle Britto

Sept 16, 2024

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