What is the cause of heartburn?


Question:
I have been suffering with heartburn for about 2 months. Does anyone know what could be causing it? No daft answers please!!

Answers:
Heartburn and acid reflux is caused by a faulty muscle at the end of your esophogus, which when functioning properly, closes off and prevents acid from regurgitating back up from the stomach. Many people experience acid reflux when foods or digestive juices escape the stomach and come back up through the esophagus.

Several things can aggrevate symptoms: large meals, eating acidic or spicy foods, not drinking enough water, drinking too much alcohol or caffiene, and obesity.

Eating large meals. increases pressure on the stomach causing the stomach contents to be forced out and up into the esophagus. You will need to give your body at least two hours to digest your food properly. In addition, never ever lie down immediately after eating a large meal. Obesity can also increase abdominal pressure, and your risk of suffering from acid reflux as well. If you are overweight, cutting back on the amounts of food that you eat at each meal, and exercising daily should put you on the right path to helping you shed a few pounds. Acid reflux is caused in some people when the sphincter muscle at the end of the esophagus becomes weak or does not close correctly. Prescription drugs, certain foods, alcohol, and smoking have been known to weaken the sphincter muscles.
Eating too fast can do it. My wife used to do that all the time and have heartburn until I told her off and now she's eating properly.


More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007 YouQA.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Resources