What is dangerous "just heartburn" and how to avoid it.

Burning in the chest, an unpleasant bitter taste in the mouth, severe bloating - all these signs are associated with acid reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, is a way of describing heartburn medically.



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Acid reflux occurs when the stomach cannot handle what you have eaten and the acid contents of the stomach return to the esophagus.





This seemingly harmless acid causes irritation and inflammation, narrows the esophagus and leads to nausea, coughing, burning in the throat and destruction of tooth enamel. Acid reflux also Increases the risk of esophageal cancer.



Therefore, it is important to remember a list of foods to avoid if you are often concerned about this condition.

Products that cause heartburn

1. Chocolate.
   If you love chocolate and often suffer from heartburn, it’s time to say no to this sweet treat. Chocolate is bad for people with acid reflux for two reasons. First, it contains caffeine and other stimulants such as theobromine that cause reflux. Secondly, chocolate is high in fat, which means it takes longer to digest.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Alcohol
   Any type of alcoholic beverage contributes to reflux. According to studies, the consumption of 210 ml or more of alcohol per week is one of the causes of heartburn.
   
   
   
3. Coffee.
   Caffeine stimulates gastric juice production by increasing the amount of hydrochloric acid. Its excess leads to inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), the main symptom of which is heartburn. Along with coffee, avoid foods and beverages containing caffeine, such as black tea, sugary carbonated and energy drinks.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Tomatoes
   If you already suffer from acid reflux, avoid tomatoes and sauces made from them. Tomatoes are rich in citric, malic and ascorbic acid, which can irritate the stomach and esophagus. When you consume tomatoes, your stomach starts producing too much stomach acid, which causes heartburn and other problems.
   
   
   
   
   

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Carbonated water
Why not drink carbonated drinks? The gas in them accumulates in the stomach and leads to belching. It also weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, so carbonated water and similar liquids should be excluded from the diet.




Prevention of acid reflux Here are tips on how to avoid heartburn and acid reflux.

1. Lose weight
   It has been scientifically shown that losing 8-10% of weight significantly reduces the symptoms of acid reflux.
   
   
   
2. Change the diet
   The first step involves eliminating the main “criminals” from the diet, such as spicy foods, chocolate, alcohol and fast food.
3. Sleep on your left side
   Sleeping on the right side or stomach causes pressure on the intestines and symptoms of acid reflux.
4. Let the food digest.
   Strong physical activity immediately after eating or improperly selected exercises can also cause heartburn. If you decide to exercise, do not start immediately after eating. Twisting exercises, inclinations or activities that cause a sharp change in body position can also cause acid reflux. Keep this in mind when choosing the type of load.
   
   
5. Eat small meals
   Try to eat often, in small portions. An adequate amount of food in the stomach promotes proper circulation of stomach acid.
6. Drink herbal teas
   Tea from fenugreek and chamomile is an effective folk remedy for getting rid of the symptoms of acid reflux. Peppermint tea is another good idea. It helps to cope with digestive disorders or with a feeling of overflow.
   
   
   

At first glance, it seems that the list of restrictions is too large and you will have to forget about your favorite products forever. That's not true.

Of course, during the period of exacerbation of diseases of the digestive system, diet becomes a way of life, but this rarely lasts longer than a few weeks.

See these limitations as an opportunity to improve your health. The result of such work is good health and getting rid of heartburn.