Tight belts arouse heartburns

By Grace CanadaOften I get telephone calls from people who suffer from heartburn ( acid reflux) asking about its cause and management.Here are facts about heartburn:How heartburn occurs:There is a muscular tube known as the oesophagus. It is lined with a mucous membrane that is not protected against acid. The oesophagus connects the mouth to the stomach and it serves to carry food from your mouth to the stomach. At a lower end of the oesophagus, there is a ring-shaped muscle called the oesophageal sphincter. The oesophageal sphincter stays tightly closed except when you swallow food or anything else. When you swallow, the oesophageal sphincter opens, allowing food into the stomach. After that, it closes to prevent the food from flowing back into the oesophagus.If the lower oesophageal sphinchter is weak, or becomes lax, the stomach acid and undigested food sip back into the oesophagus, irritating the unprotected oesophagus membrane. The irritation is what causes the burning pain known as heartburn. Some people experience acid reflux as a burning sensation in the chest that may start in the upper abdomen and radiate into the neck; regurgitation of sour or bitter tasting material into the throat and mouth, especially when lying down or sleeping.According to research, about one in 10 people has heartburn at least once a week; one in three has the problem at least once a month; and one in four pregnant women experience heartburn daily, especially during advanced stages of pregnancy.Here are some factors that may cause the lower oesophageal sphincter to become relaxed:- Alcohol and cigarettes smoking- Hormonal changes and increased pressure within the abdomen during pregnancy.- Chocolate, peppermints, fat, fried foods and coffee.- Being overweight , wearing tight belts and clothing. ( This can increase pressure within the abdomen).- Medications such as birth control pills, antihistamines, antispasmodics, some heart and asthma medications.Irritation of the oesophagus can also cause heartburn. For example- Aspirin , because it is acidic- Medication, especially capsules if they remain tuck in the esophagus. one has fungal infection because the throat becomes irritated.- Injuries from sharp objects such as fish bone and others occur.Handling heartburn:- Avoid all soft drinks. They contain a lot acid. This can make heartburn worse.- Avoid sugary refined foods such as cake, biscuits, white bread, refined maize flour number 1. These increase stomach acidity.- Avoid fats, fatty fried foods and spicy or highly seasoned foods. They tend not to be easily digested.- Eat slowly and chew your food well. Eat five small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. This helps to reduce stomach acid.- After you eat supper, wait three hours before going to bed.- Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, peppermints and chocolate, coffee- When taking capsules or tablets drink a large glass of water along with them. Never take capsules and lie down. One has to remain upright for at least 30 minutes.- If a capsule or a tablet, is stuck in your throat, take a few bites of a ripe banana. This helps to lubricate the esophagus membrane, hence pushing the object down.- Elevate the head of your bed at least six inches using blocks or a foam wedge.- Drink six to eight glasses of water daily.If you take antacid for heartburn, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using them. While antacid provides relief, they may contain excessive amounts of the minerals: sodium, aluminum, calcium and magnesium. Prolonged use of products containing these minerals may cause dangerous mineral imbalances. The writer has an MSC in Human nutrition, foods and dieteticsEnds