Heartburn and acid reflux, though are two different conditions, are often paired together as heartburn is considered the most common symptom of acid reflux disorder. But each can affect one patient without the occurrence of the other. Like for instance, a person may be afflicted by acid reflux but does not manifest any signs of heartburn or the other way around.
Acid reflux disorder happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is not working properly, letting the digestive acids leak up into the esophagus to cause irritation and even injury to the wall lining of the esophagus. The esophagus, being close to the heart, may cause an inflamed sensation to the sufferer thus the name heartburn. To prevent these conditions from getting triggered certain changes in lifestyle might be implemented by avoiding:
Fatty and Oily Foods
These types of food slow down digestion, needing the stomach to store them in an extended amount of time. When this happens, the pressure within the stomach builds up and this pressure also affects the LES. When the valve cannot take the pressure anymore, it may release or let an amount of digestive acid and enzymes to leak into the esophagus thus signs of heartburn and acid reflux are manifested.
Tight Fitting Clothes
When choosing a wardrobe, it is wise not to set aside comfort over fashion or better yet find things that are both comfortable and fashionable. Outfits that hug the abdomen tightly may cause the stomach contents to be forced up against the LES valve. By avoiding slenderizing undergarments and tight belts, you are also preventing heartburn and acid reflux.
Bad Habits
Not only will the elimination of bad habits do good in preventing symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux, it may also boost the general condition of your health. Alcohol causes the stomach to excrete more digestive acids and relaxes the LES at the same time. When smoking, the chemicals contained in tobacco cigarettes weaken the LES as they are absorbed in the blood.
Theobromine
It is a natural compound found mainly in coffee and cocoa plants in which can aggravate heartburn and acid reflux. This makes coffee and chocolates candidates among the food to be limited, if not totally eliminated in your diet.
Heavy Meals
As it is the digestive tract primarily affected by heartburn and acid reflux, moderating your meals especially what and how you eat should be considered. Eating large amount of food at one time can put off much pressure on both the stomach and the LES. Try to make a habit of chewing food properly as this can take some of the pressure off of the stomach and the saliva secreted in the mouth while chewing may also aid in neutralizing the secreted digestive acids.