Many people believe that HEARTBURN (an acidic burning feeling in the chest) is the result of sour or spicy food going down the food pipe.However, that does not explain why even the sweet food like the chocolate causes the heartburn in some people. The fact is the burning sensation does not come from anything in food,but stomach acidity leaking upwards into the food pipe.Stomach acids are powerful enough to burn skin,bleach colored cloth, or remove paint.A tight valve normally keeps the acid in the stomach,which is suitable to withstand its action,but in certain conditions,the valve fails,allowing the acids to creep into the food pipe.
Here are some conditions that can drive the acid write through the valve-over eating,wearing clothes that are tight across the tummy,lifting heavy objects or doing hectic exercise or lying down soon after a big meal. Certain foods,even non- spicy ones,causes production of extra acid or loosen the valve. The usual offenders are coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, tomatoes,peppermint,chocolate,buttery or oily food,onions and heavy milk deserts. Any one can suffer heartburn,but it is commonest in pregnant women and over-weight middle aged men. Cigarettes,alcohol,and erratic eating seem to make it worse.
Experts together have put some preventive tips: Drink water with or after meals to rinse acids out of food pipe and dilute stomach acids.Stay upright after meals;let gravity hold the acids down. If you must lie down after meals, lie on your left side;this pinches the valve shut and make it difficult for the acids to come up. Eat small meals to avoid overflow. If the heartburn is worst when you lie down,raise the whole head-side of the bed by propping it on bricks.Do not consume unlimited antacid pills.To many will block even normal acid,production,giving you indigestion.
Experts together have put some preventive tips: Drink water with or after meals to rinse acids out of food pipe and dilute stomach acids.Stay upright after meals;let gravity hold the acids down. If you must lie down after meals, lie on your left side;this pinches the valve shut and make it difficult for the acids to come up. Eat small meals to avoid overflow. If the heartburn is worst when you lie down,raise the whole head-side of the bed by propping it on bricks.Do not consume unlimited antacid pills.To many will block even normal acid,production,giving you indigestion.