Heartburn is that uncomfortable, fiery feeling in the chest felt after eating that despite trying to cut foods many still experience it. Sometimes they even interchange it with acid reflux, but not all who have acid reflux can also have heartburn.
Understanding what is going on in the digestive tract will also help solve the problem of heartburn and prevent future episodes. But first, it is important to know what happens during acid reflux and why it is different from heartburn.
Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux
To understand the difference between acid reflux and heartburn, it is necessary to know how acid reflux forms. According to the website Self, acid reflux forms when there is weakness or relaxation in the lower esophageal sphincter that allows food to pass to the stomach. That means the valve does not close as tightly as it should so acid and partially digested food come up into the esophagus.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) said that this upward flow of acid and partially digested food back to the esophagus is called gastroesophageal reflux also known as acid reflux.
On the other hand, heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest that is a symptom of acid reflux. If there is heartburn, then there is also some form of reflux building inside the body. But having acid reflux does not mean that there is also heartburn.
Experts said that heartburn implies that the acid reflux already reaches the level of the heart and usually becomes worse after eating the trigger foods, such as tomatoes and chocolates, or when eating and drinking while lying down. Aside from heartburn, acid reflux symptoms also include difficulty swallowing, nausea, regurgitation, coughing, sore throat, difficulty breathing, halitosis, and difficulty sleeping.
But when acid reflux becomes chronic or something that occurs more than twice a week, then it is now considered a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). NIDDK said that about 20% of people in the US have GERD and without treatment, it could cause complications.
5 Foods to Help Fight Heartburn
For people suffering from heartburn, they are not recommended to eat alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, spicy or fatty foods, peppermint and spearmint, full-fat and dairy products, and tomatoes.
But if these foods can trigger heartburn, experts have also identified some food items that can help fight it and prevent gastrointestinal issues, according to IOL:
- Green vegetables - Examples of low-acidic green vegetables are broccoli and celery, which can soothe the esophageal lining. Other recommended green vegetables also include asparagus, green beans, and even those fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables that are considered safe for those who have acid reflux.
- Oatmeal - Food rich in fiber, such as oatmeal, prevents acid reflux buildup so it is recommended for a breakfast meal.
- Banana - Bananas are low in acid and high in alkaline content, which is great in the digestive tract and prevents stomach acid production while also helping things run smoothly in the digestive tract.
- Yogurt - Fermented foods rich in probiotics promote good bacteria that improve digestion and reduce frequency of acid reflux.
- Ginger - A cup of ginger tea reduces inflammation and aid in preventing and treating heartburn.
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