If you are one of the millions of people who have heartburn, you are aware of how uncomfortable the condition can be. Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest or throat, although that has nothing to do with the heart itself.
What are the causes of acidity?
After entering the mouth, food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. Acid is produced by glands within the stomach called gastric glands. Acid is important for the digestion of food and for killing any germs that may be present. Whenever the gastric glands create an excessive quantity of acid—that is, when they produce additional acid than is required for the digestive process—this results in acidity. This illness is characterized by a burning feeling exactly just above the stomach or directly underneath the breastbone. It can also occur in either location (the hollow part).
Reasons for acidity
Food and beverages
Many people are susceptible to experiencing acid reflux as well as heartburn when they consume particular meals and beverages. Onions, citrus fruits, tomato-based goods (like ketchup), fatty as well as fried meals, peppermint, chocolates, fatty foods, liquor, carbonated beverages, and caffeinated beverages besides coffee and tea are some examples of these types of foods.
Hiatal hernia
Hiatal hernias, in which a piece of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest rather than the abdomen, can interfere with the development of the LES and are a risk factor for acid reflux. Hiatal hernias do not, on their own, result in any symptoms. Heartburn usually happens when the LES is unable to function properly. You can click here to know more about this from a healthcare professional.
Obesity
One of the primary contributors to acid reflux as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is obesity. It is also possible that it will raise the risk of GERD problems such as Barrett’s esophagus, which is a disorder characterized by the presence of precancerous alterations in the cells of the esophagus.
It does not appear that having excess fat is the only factor that raises the risk. The term “central obesity” refers to having a greater amount of fat around the center of your body.
The accumulation of excess fat in the abdomen is thought by specialists to exert more pressure on the stomach, which in turn causes stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. There is also the possibility that hormones play a part. People who are clinically obese have higher estrogen levels, which has been connected with an increased risk of developing GERD symptoms. In addition, postmenopausal women who use hormone therapy have a higher chance of experiencing acidity.
Tight clothing
Because of the strain, it places on your stomach, a too-tight belt or waistband can make acidity symptoms worse. This is because the pressure causes stomach acid to rise to the surface of the stomach. If you feel as though there is a lot of pressure on your stomach, either take your belt off or unbutton the first button of your jeans.
How to avoid acidity
Consume food carefully and gently
It’s possible for there to be more acidity in the esophagus whenever the stomach is completely full. You might want to give the practice of “grazing,” which refers to eating several smaller meals throughout the day rather than the traditional three main meals, a shot if it works with your schedule.
Move not quite so quickly
After eating, you should wait at least two hours before engaging in strenuous activity. A leisurely stroll after supper is perfectly safe, but a more intense activity, particularly one that requires bending over, might cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.
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Maintain moderate weight
You need to get yourself back in shape, and by that, we mean you need to have a moderate weight. To avoid acidity, you should work and exercise enough to lose those extra pounds.
Now you know about acidity and its major causes so take the given precautions above and avoid acuity.
