Post-meal tips to ease heartburn

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Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
It is not uncommon to have heartburn, especially after eating spicy food or a large meal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 1 in 10 adults experience heartburn at least once a week. However, if you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive disorder that causes stomach acid to back up into the throat. Frequent heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, which is why the burning sensation is often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth.

1. Difference Between GERD (Reflux Esophageal) and Heartburn

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux. Most people experience it from time to time, and in general, occasional heartburn is not a cause for concern.
But if you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have GERD.
GERD is a type of chronic acid reflux that can cause complications if left untreated. Learn the difference and connection between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD.

2. What is heartburn (heartburn)?

sour is a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by a bitter taste in the throat or mouth. Heartburn symptoms may get worse after you eat a large meal or when you are lying down.
Overall, you can successfully treat heartburn symptoms at home. However, if frequent heartburn makes it difficult to eat or swallow, your symptoms could be a sign of a more serious medical condition.

3. What causes heartburn?

Heartburn usually occurs when food from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
Your esophagus connects to your stomach at a junction called the cardial sphincter or lower esophageal sphincter. If the sphincter of the cardia is working properly, it closes when food leaves the esophagus and enters the stomach.
In some people, the cardiac sphincter does not work properly or it becomes weak. This leads to substances from the stomach leaking back into the esophagus. Acid in the stomach can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn symptoms. This condition is called reflux.
sour can also be the result of a hiatal hernia. This happens when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest.
sour is also a common condition during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. This allows stomach contents to enter the esophagus, causing irritation.

4. Health or lifestyle conditions can make heartburn worse

Smoking Being overweight or obese Consuming caffeine, chocolate or alcohol Eating spicy foods Lying down right after eating Taking certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen

3. When should I see a doctor about heartburn?

Many people experience heartburn from time to time. However, you should contact your doctor if you experience heartburn more than twice per week or the heartburn does not improve with treatment. This could be a sign of a more serious condition.
acid often occurs with other digestive conditions, such as ulcers, sores in the lining of the esophagus and stomach, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Contact your doctor if you have heartburn and develop:
Difficulty swallowing Pain when swallowing Dark, tarry or bloody stools Shortness of breath Pain from your back to your shoulders Dizziness Lightheadedness Sweating with chest pain Heartburn is not related to heart attack pain. However, many people with heartburn believe they are having a heart attack because the symptoms can be very similar. You could have a heart attack if you have:
Severe or crushing chest pain Shortness of breath Jaw pain Arm pain

4. Heartburn Treatment

If you experience occasional heartburn, there are a number of home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help ease your symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, can help relieve your symptoms. You should also avoid:
Lying down after meals Using tobacco products Consuming chocolate Drinking alcohol Consuming caffeinated beverages

5. Why does heartburn happen after eating?

When you swallow food, it goes down your throat and through your esophagus to your stomach. The act of swallowing causes the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach, called the esophageal sphincter, to open, allowing food and liquid to move into your stomach. Otherwise, the muscle remains tightly closed.
If this muscle doesn't close properly after you swallow, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus. This is called "reflux". Sometimes, acid in the stomach reaches the lower part of the esophagus, leading to heartburn.
Heartburn relief after eating
Eating is essential, but heartburn is not an inevitable result. There are steps you can take to ease the feeling of heartburn after a meal. Try the following home remedies to relieve your symptoms.
Don't lie down right away
You can be lured into a chair after a big meal or go to bed right after a late dinner. However, doing so may lead to heartburn starting or worsening. If you feel tired after a meal, keep moving by moving for at least 30 minutes. Try washing the dishes or going for an evening walk.
You should also finish your meal at least 2 hours before lying down for bed and avoid snacking right before bedtime.
Wearing loose clothing
Tight belts and other constricting clothing can put pressure on the abdomen, leading to heartburn. Loosen tight clothing after meals or change into more comfortable clothes to avoid heartburn.

No access to tobacco, alcohol or coffee
Smokers may want to smoke after dinner, but this decision can be costly in many ways. Among the many health problems that smoking can cause, it also encourages heartburn by relaxing muscles that normally prevent stomach acid from backing up into the throat.
Caffeine and alcohol also negatively affect the function of the esophageal sphincter.
Elevate the head of your bed
Try to raise the headboard about 4 to 6 inches off the ground to prevent heartburn and reflux. When the upper body is elevated, gravity causes less stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. It is important to note that you must actually raise the bed, not just raise the head. Adding high pillows puts your body in a hunched position, which can increase pressure on your abdomen and worsen heartburn and reflux symptoms.
You can raise your bed by firmly placing 4 to 6 inch long wooden blocks under the two bed posts at the head of the bed. These blocks can also be inserted between the mattress and the box spring to lift your body from the waist up. You can find lifting blocks at medical supply stores and some pharmacies.
Sleeping on a special wedge-shaped pillow is another effective approach. The air mattress pillow elevates the head, shoulders, and torso to prevent reflux and heartburn. You can use a mattress pillow when sleeping on your side or on your back without straining your head or neck. Most pillows on the market are raised by 30 to 45 degrees, or 6 to 8 inches at the top.
Next steps
High-fat diets can also prolong symptoms, so low-fat meals are ideal. In many cases, the lifestyle changes mentioned here are all you need to avoid or relieve heartburn and other symptoms of GERD. However, if your symptoms persist or become more frequent, see your doctor for examination and treatment.
Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medicine, such as a chewable tablet or a liquid antacid. Some of the most common medications used to relieve heartburn include:
Calcium carbonate antacids Aluminum and magnesium antacids Calcium and magnesium antacids

More severe cases may require prescription medications, such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), to control or eliminate stomach acid. H2 blockers provide short-term pain relief and are effective for many GERD symptoms, including heartburn. Includes:
Cimetidine Famotidine Nizatidine PPIs including omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). These medications tend to be more effective than H2 blockers and can often relieve severe heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Natural remedies like probiotics, ginger tea, and slippery elm are also available. can be useful.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy weight, taking medication, and maintaining good habits after meals are often enough to ease heartburn. However, if heartburn and other GERD symptoms continue to occur, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may perform various tests to assess the severity of your condition and determine the best course of treatment.
Department of Endoscopy - Gastroenterology is one of the key specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital. For timely examination, advice and treatment of digestive diseases, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or register online on the website for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.