Why long-term heartburn relief involves finding” your food allergies

Why long-term heartburn relief involves finding” your food allergies

Heartburn – despite its name, it is not a heart disease, but a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive disorder that often includes a burning sensation.

GERD sufferers associate this unpleasant feeling in the lower chest, behind the breastbone, along with a sore throat and a bitter taste in the mouth, especially after eating. Heartburn also occurs when lying down because digestive juices rise with digested food, causing what is known as gastroesophageal reflux or belching.

Heartburn is most often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, but it can also be caused by other digestive problems. Low production of stomach acid leads to hypochlorhydria, which affects the absorption of nutrients and the digestive process, resulting in heartburn.

Stress and medications are also associated with heartburn. Excessive use of antacids, corticosteroids and asthma inhalers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or aspirin), and anti-anxiety medications can lead to various digestive problems, including GERD.

The causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease can vary from patient to patient. However, the most common triggers are food allergies, pregnancy, obesity, various poisonings, smoking or anatomical abnormalities. Many GERD sufferers have unhealthy eating habits or “hidden” food allergies that lead to digestive illnesses.

To prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease, researchers recommend heartburn sufferers reduce their intake of acidic foods such as oranges and other citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods and peppermint. Fatty and processed products, chocolate, pizza or fried foods, and sodas containing caffeine and alcohol are known to trigger GERD and heartburn.

Sometimes products that seem harmless at first can cause gastroesophageal reflux. Food allergies can be caused by hypersensitivity to bread, milk, garlic, onions, mint and chili sauces, peanuts, fish and shellfish, eggs and soy products, among others.

In addition to the burning sensation, the typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include a dry cough and difficulty swallowing. Sufferers also notice a feeling of pressure in the chest, which is often confused with heart pain or angina.

Heartburn can be easily prevented with a few lifestyle changes. Smokers should give up their habit and overweight people should incorporate a little more exercise into their daily routine.

To keep gastroesophageal reflux disease away, eat smaller and more frequent meals, avoid drinks that worsen symptoms, and learn as much as possible about your most likely food allergies, as these can be eliminated through noninvasive electrodermal testing and appropriate enzyme therapy. In addition to these changes, try not to lie down for at least 2-3 hours after eating.

If you suffer from heartburn, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation and a program of relief, including proven, natural treatments to eliminate your food allergy. If not treated properly, GERD can lead to serious problems.

Inspired by Dr. Mark Joachim