Put Out The Fire

Are you suffering from heartburn/acid reflux? Overeating or too much food in the tummy or too much pressure on the stomach causes heartburn. But don't worry, it has nothing to do with the heart, it's merely an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid. I have also read that occasional heartburn is not serious but chronic heartburn may indicate something serious and may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

If you're worried about it, stay away from fatty and oily foods, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, garlic, onions, citrus fruits and peppermint. Stress and smoking are also great contributors.

To sidestep it, follow these easy steps: SLEEP ON YOUR LEFT SIDE. According to experts, the esophagus curves as it enters your stomach and sleeping on your left forces it into a sharper angle. That way, acid can't rise easily. EAT MORE PROTEIN. Protein is a muscle builder and it can strengthen the sphincter, the muscle at the end of the esophagus, that can prevent stomach acid from rising. BEND WITH YOUR KNEES, NOT YOUR BACK. Bending at your waist puts more pressure on your stomach and that can force acids up, causing heartburn.


Comments

super! Will show this to my mother and husband who need this kind of help!
Unknown said…
wow thanks for the tips. ive always had problems with heartburn. ive been taking acid blockers every so often. this post is good.
Anonymous said…
added ur link as " mommy's littel corner"... thnx for adding my link
cherry said…
hi liza,i have new blog. hope you can drop by one of these days. i'm giving away my stuff...=)

http://garagesaleswap.blogspot.com/
Pippin Party said…
Great tips! I have heartburn and of course these are my favorite foods. Its going to be tough to stay away from that chocolate!
Anonymous said…
I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing the info.
Madz said…
Hiya Liz, got an award for you: http://madzlifesdiary.blogspot.com/2009/01/fabulous-inspiring-blogger-and-you-make.html

God bless, take care
Anonymous said…
These are really great tips, thanks. Who knew just sleeping on your other side could do so much!
Anonymous said…
My boyfriend suffers under heartburn since ages. So I thank you for your tip. I hope we can enjoy eating even more now.
Anonymous said…
My husband has that, he maintains this pill zantacs and tums.
Umma said…
Hello Mommy Liz... this is a great info. I've been suffering from heartburn too.. I may try this one.
MizĂ© said…
Hi Liza.
Sometimes I have it. I also had hartburn all pregnancy, it was awful.
Avoiding everything you mentioned really works. Another thing that worked well for me, besides medication, was eating a few peeled almonds.
A good Wednesday xxx
Kelly said…
AAAH...a blogger after my own heart! My husband and I are both making efforts this year, not to diet, but to put more good things in our body than bad.

What was our wake up call? When I drove past McDonald's with my 2-year-old in the car and she pointed to it and said "French fries!"

Eeek!
Swubird said…
Liza:

Very good advice. I happen to have all of those digestive problems. Everything you advise is exactly what my doctor told me to do.

Happy trails.