Heartburn is definitely simply one other identify for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or acid reflux disease for brief. Folks name acid reflux disease “heartburn” as a result of it actually appears like your chest is on fireplace, says Matthew Bechtold, MD, a gastroenterologist at College of Missouri Well being Care. “Heartburn is the widespread time period individuals use as a result of they really feel a burning sensation within the chest, nevertheless it’s actually acid reflux disease developing out of your abdomen into your esophagus and inflicting ache,” he explains.
But it surely’s not simply a burning sensation. In accordance with Dr. Bechtold, individuals with acid reflux disease may additionally:
- Really feel like meals is coming again up into their throat;
- Have a persistent cough, particularly at evening once they’re laying down flat;
- Or have bother swallowing due to irritation within the esophagus.
As for why this occurs, there’s just a few causes. Dr. Bechtold says that sure meals can loosen up the decrease esophageal sphincter, permitting reflux to be introduced again up into the esophagus extra simply. These meals, based on Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Windfall Saint John’s Well being Middle in Santa Monica, California, are a trifecta he calls the “three huge sins”: “Caffeine, chocolate and alcohol—particularly purple wine—will all loosen up the decrease esophageal muscular tissues and permit acid to come back again up,” he explains, including that spicy meals and acidic meals similar to tomatoes and citrus fruits are additionally widespread culprits.
Fortunately, there are additionally meals that will help you fight heartburn by both stopping it or serving to to alleviate it. Right here, 11 meals you would possibly wish to take into account including to your weight loss plan to assist cool the burn.
