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Wellness 
Written by Malina Mancas 
Reviewed by Mădălina Volonci 
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Symptoms of heartburn
Heartburn feels like discomfort from stomach acid in the chest. The sensation occurs in the esophagus but often radiates into the chest and sometimes the throat. It is a burning sensation that can be mild to severe. Thus, symptoms of heartburn include:
- burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after meals and at night;
- pain that gets worse when you lie down or bend over;
- bitter or acidic taste in your mouth.
The severity of heartburn can also vary depending on the food you eat and the amount. Seek medical help if heartburn occurs more than twice a week, if symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter medicines, if you have difficulty swallowing, nausea or persistent vomiting.
Causes of heartburn
Heartburn occurs when the muscular ring at the lower end of the esophagus relaxes when it shouldn't or becomes loose, and stomach acid gets into the esophagus, where it can cause pain and irritation. Heartburn can also occur when the stomach produces too much acid, such as under stress.
Some people get heartburn no matter what they eat. Others find that symptoms only appear after eating certain foods or after certain meals.
Commontriggers for heartburn include:
- heavy meals;
- Fried, fatty or spicy foods;
- drinks containing caffeine;
- acidic foods;
- carbonated drinks;
- alcohol;
- chocolate, etc.
Other factors that can increase the risk and severity of heartburn include:
- smoking;
- obesity;
- pregnancy - heartburn in pregnancy;
- hiatal hernia;
- some medications;
- physical activity immediately after meals;
- stress and anxiety.
Treatment for heartburn
Treatment starts with some lifestyle changes. To these can be added some medicines, depending on recommendations.
Heartburn - remedies and lifestyle changes
Here are some recommendations:
- Avoid foods that trigger symptoms, depending on the case. You need to know what to eat when you have heartburn and what to avoid. It can be useful to keep a food diary to see exactly which foods cause your symptoms.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals.
- Avoid lying down immediately after a meal.
- Avoid eating late in the evening or at night.
- Reduce excess weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Sleep on your left side. Several data have suggested that sleeping on your right side may worsen reflux symptoms at night.
- Use a higher pillow at night to reduce reflux symptoms.
- Limit carbonated drinks.
Heartburn medicines
The medicines recommended for heartburn are called antacids. Over-the-counter antacids can be helpful and can be taken after meals or as needed. Such heartburn pills often contain calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, as well as different types of extracts such as licorice extract, chamomile extract, etc.
Your doctor may also recommend an H2 blocker like ranitidine, or a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole or esomeprazole. These heartburn pills reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Antacids reduce stomach acid to relieve discomfort. They can also relieve symptoms like stomach pain, indigestion and gas.
Types of antacids
When it comes to antacid medicines, they can be in the form of capsules, tablets, drops. For example, Iberogast drops contains a combination of 9 herbs, relieving digestive symptoms - not just heartburn, but also stomach pain, gastric fullness, meteorism, cramps or nausea.
Another known medication for excess stomach acid and heartburn is Dicarbocalm. It reduces stomach acidity, discomfort, pain, heartburn, reflux and bloating. It has a soothing effect and contains calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and magnesium trisilicate.
NeoBianacid for acidity and reflux is another product that reduces gastric hyperacidity and protects the lining of the esophagus and stomach, forming an active barrier. It is in tablet form and contains poliprotect, a synergistic complex of polysaccharides and minerals, with the effect of normalizing pH in contact with the mucosa and reducing inflammation.
Another effective example of an anti-acid product for heartburn is Gaviscon, a reflux suppressant that forms a protective film around gastric contents so that they no longer leave the stomach. It relieves discomfort and pain, reduces acid regurgitation and the burning sensation in the chest. It contains sodium alginate and calcium carbonate and comes in several flavors: Gaviscon tablets, Gaviscon sachets and Gaviscon oral suspension.
Natural remedies for heartburn
There are also some herbal remedies for heartburn. These may have ingredients such as:
- Chamomile - A cup of chamomile tea may have a soothing effect on the digestive tract. You can also try other digestive teas in different combinations - heartburn tea.
- Ginger - Ginger root is another well-known aid for heartburn. It can be combined with lemon, which neutralizes stomach acid. Ginger has an alkaline, anti-inflammatory and soothing effect.
- Aloe vera juice - Gel from aloe vera leaves can help soothe heartburn, reducing discomfort and gastric irritation.
- Baking soda - Baking soda is widely known for its natural ability to reduce stomach acidity, working as an antacid.
- Digestive enzyme supplements - Sometimes the body does not produce enough digestive enzymes. This can slow down the digestion process and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. A digestive enzyme supplement can help treat heartburn symptoms.
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