Lifestyle Factors and Heartburn: Identifying Triggers and Symptom Aggravators
Heartburn affects more than one-third of Americans at least once per week according to research published by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). If you're suffering from heartburn symptoms and acid reflux, you've probably tried a variety of treatments. But did you know that lifestyle factors can influence your heartburn?
Some of the most common heartburn triggers such as diet, alcohol, and caffeine before bed. From acid reflux to gut health, this guide has everything you need to know about GERD, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
We've rounded up a few common causes of heartburn and how to treat it. Let's jump in and see how to stop your heartburn symptoms once and for all.
What are Heartburn and Acid Reflux?
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest. It's often caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. Heartburn can be caused by eating too much, eating too quickly, or eating certain foods.
Other lifestyle factors may also play a role in causing heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. You may feel acid reflux after eating or at bedtime. Some heartburn sufferers feel acid reflux symptoms more often throughout the entire day.
You will feel acid reflux while swallowing, sitting, or sleeping. The burning sensation will make you nauseous at times. You also lose your appetite in some cases making it difficult to eat and swallow.
Acid reflux is often caused by food, drinks, weight, and smoking. Making simple changes to these triggers will do wonders for your reflux and pain. There are also natural supplements available to reduce your symptoms such as GerdLi.
Common Causes of Heartburn and GERD
Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to heartburn and GERD. Smoking can increase your risk of developing acid reflux disease by reducing blood flow to the esophagus. If you smoke, it's important that you quit so that you can reduce your chances of developing further health problems in addition to heartburn or GERD symptoms.
Being overweight may contribute directly or indirectly to episodes of acid reflux disease. For example, if an individual is obese then this person has more fat tissue surrounding his/her internal organs. This extra fat around our organs puts pressure on them.
With the extra pressure comes the feeling of burning in your chest or throat. Certain foods also trigger heartburn. Foods that are high in fat, spicy, or acidic, can cause acid reflux.
Drinks such as alcohol or those containing caffeine may also cause heartburn. Drinking these drinks right before bed is especially triggering. You will likely notice stronger symptoms when you lay down for the night.
Acid Reflux Symptoms
Heartburn and indigestion are the most common symptoms of acid reflux. This can include a burning sensation in your chest or throat that may feel like a lump of hot coal has been placed on your skin. It makes it difficult to swallow or sleep.
You may also experience pain in the middle of your abdomen that spreads up to your jawbone and down into your back. In some cases, this pain can be severe enough to wake you up at night or prevent you from falling asleep altogether. Acid reflux takes a toll on your sleep, comfort, and quality of life.
A sour taste in your mouth also known as acid taste is another common symptom. If this symptom is accompanied by other heartburn-related symptoms like belching or nausea, it's likely due to acid reflux. You may feel like you have bad breath even after brushing your teeth.
Nausea is another symptom of severe acid reflux. It'd common to feel sick after swallowing acid. Acid reflux sufferers feel nauseous, sick, and experience pain while eating.
Gut Health and Heartburn Triggers
Gut health is a major factor in heartburn triggers. If you have chronic heartburn, it's important to address any digestive issues that may be at the root of your discomfort. Although you feel heartburn in your throat it starts with your gut.
If you're experiencing frequent acid reflux symptoms, there are steps you can take to relieve them. Avoiding known triggers like spicy foods and alcohol is one way to reduce symptoms. If this isn't enough on its own, try using natural supplements such as GerdLi.
Avoiding known causes such as smoking cigarettes can also help prevent heartburn from occurring again soon after eating. Eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of large ones at night may help prevent nighttime bouts with acid reflux.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will keep everything moving along smoothly. Staying hydrated helps reduce acid reflux symptoms and the pain it comes with. This also helps you maintain a better weight and sleep better.
Heartburn Treatment and Remedies
You may be able to treat your heartburn at home with simple lifestyle changes. If that doesn't work, there are natural supplements that you can try. GerdLi offers natural relief from heartburn symptoms.
GerdLi is an antacid alternative. GerdLi works to promote gut health from within reducing acid reflux. Using these combined with lifestyle changes will help reduce symptoms.
Consider eating spicy foods later in the day. You can also reduce your alcohol or caffeine intake at night. Maintaining a healthy weight will also help to keep your symptoms at bay.
If you have frequent bouts of this painful sensation and are experiencing difficulty, speak to your doctor as well. Acid reflux has a huge impact on your quality of life. A doctor will also take a look at underlying causes if needed.
Start Shopping for Relief from Heartburn Symptoms Today
Heartburn is a common condition that can be the result of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. When you have heartburn, food travels from your stomach back into the esophagus and irritates it. Heartburn is often misdiagnosed because there are many factors that may contribute to its onset.
If you are suffering from acid reflux, it's time to get help. Click here to start shopping for natural supplements for acid reflux and more. It's time to get relief from your acid reflux pain.