Archive for December, 2011

Heartburn on an Empty Stomach

Heartburn can occur any time the acids in the stomach enter into the esophagus. This can occur because of food, because of beverages, or because there is simply too much acid in the stomach.

Heartburn symptoms can also occur because the lower esophageal sphincter is not closing properly and allowing acid into the throat or because gastric pressure is forcing acids up into the esophagus. The stomach can be completely full (too full) or completely empty when heartburn happens.

Changes to your diet and habits also have an impact on acid reflux and heartburn. If you are accustomed to exercising on a regular basis and suddenly stop the routine, it can cause heartburn at times when you would not expect it.

The lining of the stomach secretes acids that are used to help digest foods. Since this is the job of the stomach, the lining in the stomach is usually unaffected by the acids. (In some cases, bacteria and medications can weaken the lining and cause ulcers to forms.) The esophagus is not protected from these acids, leaving us vulnerable to feel the sensation known as heartburn when the stomach acids rise.

When we do not eat for long periods of time, this acid becomes concentrated. This can make heartburn much worse because it is not diluted with food. Chances are, if you experience heartburn on an empty stomach you are also feeling dyspepsia – a general ill feeling in the stomach area. It might be accompanied by nausea and indigestion, as well.

All of these are signals that the acids in your stomach are wreaking havoc on your digestive system.

Relieving Heartburn on an Empty Stomach

It might seem obvious, but eating something is the fastest way to relieve this type of heartburn. Many people have this problem and if it is something that happens often between meals, consider eating more frequently. This can be accomplished without weight gain by simply spreading the calories out over the course of your day. (Some fitness experts believe this can even help with weight loss and kick starts the metabolism.)

Other things you might try include eating foods that are heartburn friendly. Certain foods are well known for causing heartburn. By figuring out what causes you to have heartburn, whether it is because of an empty stomach or the consumption of spicy foods, can help to eliminate it as much as possible.

Remember that a lot of beverages can cause heartburn as well. Alcohol and coffee, as well as carbonated sodas and citrus drinks, can cause significant heartburn in some people. Water is the best beverage to drink on an empty stomach.

Citrus juice like orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lime or lemon mixes can be especially harmful on an empty stomach since it is so high in acid contents. Tomato juice is another highly acidic beverage that can cause heartburn on an empty stomach and should therefore be avoided.

If you do experience heartburn on an empty stomach and decide to eat something to relieve the symptom, avoid heartburn triggering foods. A leafy vegetable, raw fiber, raw yogurt, and other less seasoned foods are the best things to eat if your stomach is already empty. Consuming a fatty hamburger will only increase the amount of acid in your stomach.

Is It Possible to Get Heartburn from Drinking Water?

In general, drinking plenty of water aids in the digestion of stomach contents and is beneficial to people who suffer from heartburn symptoms. However, water can also fill the stomach and cause regurgitation or pressure that induces heartburn. It is best to drink small amounts of water, especially before bed when stomach acids will be at their worst.

Heartburn that occurs as a result of drinking water can be a dangerous symptom to have. Water is a necessary part of a healthy life-style. If it is making you sick, it is best to get to the bottom of the problem.

The big issue with water and heartburn is that when you drink water it mixes with stomach acids. If you are subject to acid reflux or have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the water in your stomach may cause heartburn anyway. If you have a problem with a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the problem may be even more troublesome because this muscle is designed to keep the stomach contents from entering the esophagus. (The reason we feel heartburn in the first place.)

Drinking water really becomes an issue if you have a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia is a term that describes a condition in which part of the stomach is forcing its way into the upper part of this area near the esophagus. If you have really chronic heartburn symptoms because of hiatal hernia, surgery may be necessary to relieve your symptoms.

How to Avoid or Treat Heartburn Caused by Drinking Water
As mentioned earlier, try to avoid drinking a large amount of water right before bed. Stomach acids are produced while you sleep and lying down also increases gastric pressure. Gastric pressure can cause heartburn by pushing stomach contents into the esophagus. The reason for gastric pressure when lying down is that organs shift within the body cavity and apply pressure on digestive organs such as the stomach. The same thing happens when we bend over or wear tight clothing.

Other things you might try include adding a small amount of natural apple cider to the water before you drink it. This can help to lower the pH levels in the stomach and prevent the reaction of the stomach acids that can cause heartburn.

Also, losing weight can prevent many heartburn causes – including water. Obesity is another way that gastric pressure causes heartburn. It also cause production of more stomach acids.

Try to avoid starches, sugars, and carbonated drinks and stick to water. Sometimes water just fills up the stomach and causes the real heartburn triggers to gain closer access to the esophagus.

Take an antacid when you drink water. Antacids work to neutralize the stomach acids and help prevent them from being so volatile. Over the counter medications like Maalox and even baking soda can help neutralize stomach acids.

Proton pump inhibitors that help to prevent acid from being secreted into the stomach are now also available in over the counter varieties. Medications like Zantac 75, Pepcid AC, and Axid AR are proving to be very effective for many people.

Remember that water is not the enemy here, stomach acids and weak esophageal muscles are the problem. Try to address the production of acid in the stomach and the ways that acid reacts with the foods and beverages you consume.

If you do find yourself battling heartburn after drinking water and you haven’t eaten anything, try to eat a solid food that is not going to set off your heartburn. If you have already eaten, you might be experiencing heartburn because of an offending food. Try eating a few almonds or chewing gum to help saliva production and induce swallowing to keep acids where they belong.

Quick Remedies for Heartburn

Quick heartburn remedies are ideal for people who are accustomed to dealing with the burning sensation of stomach acids. It is best to act quickly and attack the problem before heartburn symptoms have time to get any worse.

Before trying a quick remedy, be sure that you are doing the best thing for your own acid reflux. Some remedies only work for some people, but if you keep trying you will find the right treatment. Some people find that no home remedy will work and need to seek medical attention while other people have great success with homeopathic options.

If you find that nothing works fast enough to help you avoid the pain of heartburn, ask a doctor about medications that are specifically designed to block acid production that is responsible for your heartburn. A local pharmacist can also help you located an over0the-counter acid reducer that may help you prevent heartburn altogether.

Quick Home Remedies for Heartburn

Chewing Gum – Chewing gum for about 30 minutes can help stimulate the production of saliva and promoted swallowing. Both of these activities can help keep acids in the stomach and out of the esophagus where the acids cause heartburn. The same effect can be obtained by sucking on a lozenge or sugar free hard candy for 30 minutes after a meal. Just be sure to avoid peppermint flavors if peppermint is one of your trigger foods. This method was proven by studies in London in 2005 when a group of researches tests the levels of acid in the esophagus of volunteers who participated in the studies.

Baking Soda – Baking soda is a natural antacid and a teaspoon of the power dissolved in about 8 ounces of water can help neutralize the acids in the stomach. Just be aware that this can also cause gas in the stomach. Belching can release some pressure and ease discomfort, but it can also allow acid into the esophagus. It may not be the best home remedy for heartburn if you’ve had too much food for this reason. However, if you are experiencing heartburn with bloating, you may be having heartburn because of too much pressure. If this is the case, carbonated beverages might help. Just remember that carbonation can contribute to gastric pressure if you do not easily release the gas.

Apple Cider Vinegar vs. Apples – ACV as it’s known in the homeopathic medical communities many people claim they’ve had great luck with it as a successful remedy for heartburn. However, ACV is very acidic and logic tells us that can add to the heartburn problem. Apples on the other hand may be very beneficial in combating your heartburn.

Dilute with Water – Water is one of the best things for what ails you, regardless of what ails you. When stomach acid is a problem, water can help dilute the acids so the heartburn isn’t as painful. However, it doesn’t really remedy the problem.

Ginger or Herbal Teas – Tea that does not contain caffeine can help soothe stomach acids.

Almonds – Chewing almonds after a meal is known to have soothing effects on stomach acids.

Quick Over-the-Counter Remedies for Heartburn

Over-the counter remedies can include antacids and medications that were formerly available by prescriptions only.

Rolaids, Maalox, and other forms of antacids can provide immediate relief of heartburn in most people. Here are a few of the over-the-counter remedies that can help:

* Alka-Seltzer
* Tums
* Milk of Magnesia
* Alternagel
* Amphojel
* Gaviscon
* Pepto-Bismol
* Gelusil
* Mylanta
* Gaviscon

There are some proton pump inhibitors available over-the counter as well. Many if these were formerly available by prescription only and help to prevent acid from being pumped into the stomach.

* Axid AR
* Pepcid AC
* Tagamet HB
* Zantac 75

Do not use any of these over the counter prescriptions for more than the recommended 7-14 days before consulting with a doctor. These are not necessarily meant for long-term use.

Two Common Causes for Heartburn in Young Adults

Heartburn in young adults is a sign of acid reflux and is commonly due to medications or the consumption of foods that relax the muscles that keep acids that are produced in the stomach from entering the throat (esophagus).

Certain foods can cause the over production of acids while relaxing these muscles, but this is more common in people who have reached a more mature stage of life. Alternatively, a person can develop chronic acid reflux during adolescence, a disease known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),

More commonly however, heartburn in young adults is attributed to alcohol consumption and medication side effects. Regardless of the cause of heartburn however, the reason young adults might experience heartburn is similar to those who have acid reflux symptoms at any age.

How Heartburn in Young Adults Happens

Heartburn in young adults is the result of increased acid production and a weakened LES. The LES, or lower esophageal sphincter, is the muscle that prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus.

When we eat certain foods or take certain medications there are two primary reasons it can cause heartburn; the substance relaxes the LES or causes an increased production of stomach acids. Some substances cause both to occur and this is usually the case with heartburn in young adults.

Substances that relax the LES muscle include chocolate, alcohol, and some medications.

Substances that cause a higher production of acid in the stomach include medications, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks of any kind, and alcohol.

Consuming any of these substances can lead to heartburn in young adults. When consumed in combination, such as citrus mixed drinks, the risk of acid reflux increases.

Why Alcohol Consumption Causes Heartburn in Young Adults

By understanding what types of things commonly cause heartburn in young adults, we can easily see how alcoholic beverages can cause heartburn in young adults.

The first (and perhaps most important) component of heartburn is a relaxed LES. All alcoholic beverages cause this muscle to relax. With the LES open, any extra production of stomach acid can cause heartburn if it is allowed to enter the esophagus.

The second component is increased stomach acid. Since many of the most common alcoholic beverages include items that directly increase the risk of stomach acid production, heartburn in young adults who drink these beverages can be inevitable for some.

Citrus is a common component in alcohol based cocktails. Margarita mixers are made from lime, vodka is often mixed with orange juice, and grapefruit juice is commonly used as a mixer, as well. These three citrus fruits makes up the base for hundred of mixed drinks alone.

Carbonated soda is another very common mixer for alcoholic beverages. To add to the likelihood of heartburn, many carbonated sodas used as drinks mixers are flavored with lemon and lime (citrus). Carbonation also causes gastric pressure, another reason for stomach acids to be pushed up and into the esophagus. Carbonation is the reason beer makes us burp and the reason it is so filling for some people.

Why Medications can Cause Heartburn in Young Adults

Not all medications cause heartburn in young adults. Those that do are likely to cause heartburn in mature adults, as well. Some of the most common types of medications to cause this side effect include over the counter pain medication and analgesics like ibuprofen and aspirin.

It should be noted here that these two drugs are often taken for the residual effect of alcohol consumption, as well. With alcohol still in the stomach and the LES relaxed, these two items can cause a triple-threat of sorts for heartburn in young adults that drink alcohol.

Tricyclic antidepressants, antibiotics, potassium and iron supplements, and even sedatives can carry the side effects related to acid reflux.

Less likely to be a cause for heartburn in young adults simply because they are less likely to need them, but still worth mentioning are medications that control blood pressure and some supplements that target bone strength.

Why Heartburn in Young Adults is Less Common

In most people, heartburn is caused by short term acid reflux, a chronic acid reflux disease like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), or certain foods that cause higher amounts of acid to be excreted by the stomach. These acids in the stomach that are meant to help us digest food can find their way into the esophagus as a direct result of a relaxed or weakened LES.
As we age, stomach acids erode the health of the LES and it becomes weaker, so heartburn in older adults occurs more frequently than heartburn in younger adults will occur.

What to Do About Heartburn that Won’t Go Away

Persistent heartburn can be a sign of a significant problem, usually a digestive issue of some kind. In some cases, heartburn that won’t go away can be confused with the signs of heart problems. More often it’s a sign that you may have an acid reflux disease known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD.)

There are some significant differences in heartburn that won’t go away because of acid reflux and the sensations caused by cardiac arrest. Pain from a heart attack is sudden and feels crushing in many cases. Chances are, if you have GERD you know what heartburn really feels like and can tell the difference.

Heart attack pain can also be slow, starting with mild discomfort that increases in your whole upper body and spreads to your neck, jaw, and arms. You may feel short of breath, dizzy, and sweaty, too. Heartburn that won’t go away lasts longer than this kind of pain and is associated with feeling sick to your stomach.

However, if you have not been diagnosed with GERD or you are experiencing heartburn for the first time, it may be a foreign feeling for you. A quick way to tell the difference is the taste in your mouth. Heartburn makes your mouth taste sour, especially if you lay down. Also, the pain will usually occur right after you have eaten, especially if you are a spicy or large meal with a lot of animal proteins and fat).

Pain in the chest that may seem like heartburn can also be caused by muscle spasms in the esophagus and gallbladder problems. If it’s a gallbladder issue, you will also feel sudden pain in your back and abdomen.

Chronic Heartburn is a Symptom Acid Reflux

Heartburn is a very common symptom of GERD. Heartburn feels like a burning sensation right behind your breastbone where your throat runs through. This is where the esophagus is located and it is the organ that is hurting when you feel this symptom.

Heartburn that won’t go away is usually caused by either an overproduction of acid in the stomach that forces its way into the esophagus or stomach acids that get into the esophagus because the LES is not closing properly. The LES, or lower esophageal sphincter, is a muscle that closes after you swallow to keep all of the contents of your stomach away from the esophagus.

The LES normally relaxes several times a day and in most people, this is when occasional heartburn occurs. It can also occur after you have eaten too much or when you eat something that increases acid production and gastric pressure. (Like carbonated soda or fatty foods that are high in animal proteins.)

For people with GERD, heartburn may be persistent because the stomach is producing a large amount of acids to digest foods and the LES isn’t closing all the way or as often as it should.

Heartburn Treatments

If you have heartburn that won’t go away, it is very important to see treatment. Heartburn caused by GERD will occur several times a week and can eventually cause permanent damage to the esophagus.

A doctor can prescribe medications that help prevent the excessive buildup of acids in the stomach. A special kind of medication known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) prevents the ducts that pump acid into your stomach from doing their job. Less acid means less acid reflux and fewer instance of heartburn.

H2 blockers are also beneficial in the treatment of heartburn that won’t go away. These medications prevent the creation of too many stomach acids.

If you are not experiencing consistent heartburn episodes and have heartburn that won’t go away after eating a meal, you may benefit from a simple approach to extinguish heartburn caused by a food trigger. (Spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, citrus fruits, and carbonated drinks are among the most common triggers.)

Simple remedies include chewing a handful of almonds or eating some raw yogurt with high probiotic content. Over the counter antacids may help treat heartburn symptoms, but shouldn’t be used to treat them for a long period of time.

The best way to treat heartburn is to prevent it altogether. Whenever possible, avoid foods that can cause heartburn. Stress is a heartburn trigger as well, so try to reduce the amount of stress you are experiencing.

Heartburn and Gas Are Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux and Ulcers

Heartburn and gas are common symptoms of digestive problems related to acid reflux. They may also be related to the development of stomach ulcers. These two symptoms are very common among the general population and most people experience both a few times in their lives or more.

While not usually a cause for significant concern, heartburn symptoms and gas can be uncomfortable or painful. Heartburn happens when stomach acids rise up into the esophagus, a part of the body that is not protected from acids. When this happens, we feel a burning sensation in the chest. Gas can be just as painful, especially in cases where it is difficult to belch.

There are two types of digestive gasses; the kind that develops in the stomach and the kind that develops in the intestines. Gas that is associated with heartburn develops in the stomach and can make us feel bloated and full. This is called gastric pressure and it is the same force that can cause stomach acids to rise up and cause heartburn.

People who experience gas and heartburn often regurgitate stomach acids as well. Regurgitation happens when the acids that cause heartburn make it all the way up the esophagus and into the mouth. It causes a sour taste in on the tongue and can leave a sore throat behind in its wake.

What Causes Gas with Heartburn?

Heartburn is always caused by acid reflux. This may happen because of food we have eating, some beverage we have consumed, or because the stomach is producing too much acid. Another common cause of heartburn that was mentioned above is gastric pressure – which includes the accumulation of gasses in the stomach.

Gas can also accumulate when we drink carbonated beverages like sodas or sparkling water and juices. Swallowing too much air while we are eating or drinking will cause air to be trapped in the stomach as well. (This can happen if we try to eat too quickly.)

Gastric pressures in the stomach are usually cause by the digestion of food. As the food breaks down, it releases carbon dioxide and other gasses into the stomach. When the pressure becomes more than the lower esophageal muscles (LES) can handle, we belch.

The LES is responsible for keep the contents of our stomach in our stomach. But when gas builds up, the LES opens to let it out. If there is a high amount of stomach acids present, they may come out with the gas. Since the gas is forced to rise all the way out of our esophagus, any acids in front of the gas are going to come up too –this is regurgitation.

Another common cause of gas is a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers and gastritis (swelling of the stomach lining). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers are often present at the same time.
The bacteria, known as h. pylori, survive in the acid environment of the stomach by creating ammonia to neutralize nearby stomach acids. It created ammonia by converting a naturally occurring urea into ammonia. During this process, carbon dioxide is produced. This gas can also lead to excessive belching, which can be a sign of h. pylori infection.

Gas with heartburn is most commonly a product of our diet, however. Fatty foods that are rich in animal proteins are harder to digest and remain in the stomach for a longer period of time than other types of food. While they are there, the stomach is creating as much acid as it takes to digest the substances.

If the LES opens during this period, we can experience heartburn. This type of food also causes gasses to be released as it is broken down into something that can pass through the stomach to the intestines, which leads to a rise in gas.

Heartburn and Sore Throat: Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease

If you have frequent bouts of heartburn and find that you have a sore throat, it may be time to seek medical attention for acid reflux. When the throat is exposed to stomach acids over long periods of time, it can become significantly damaged. Esophageal damage can lead to serious complications, including cancer.

Sore throat is caused by the swelling of the pharynx, a part of the throat that is located behind the tonsils and at the top of the esophagus. Most of the time, a sore throat is the temporary symptom of some type of cold or flu. But for people who suffer from chronic heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these heartburn symptoms can be persistent problems.

Normally, a sore throat can be treated with lozenges and warm liquids until the offending virus is defeated by the body’s immune system. In some cases, such as with an infection and with heartburn, relieving the pain of a sore throat means solving the root problem.

Sore throat for people who suffer chronic heartburn is a very aggravating condition. The cause of the pain is damage by regurgitating acids from the stomach. As the throat becomes raw after repeated exposure to these acids, heartburn can occur again and irritate it even more; essentially adding salt to the wound.

How does Heartburn Cause Sore Throat?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acids rise up into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation behind the breastbone. This may also include regurgitation, a symptom in which the acids make it all the way up the esophagus and into the mouth. This is where the stomach acids can cause the most pain.

Normally, the muscle at the base of the esophagus known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents this from happening. Each time we swallow a food or liquid, the LES opens momentarily to allow the substance into the stomach. It then closes again to keep the substances in the stomach. The stomach produces acids to help digest what we have consumed so that it can move further through the digestive system.

In people who suffer from GERD, this process becomes altered so that the acids are allowed to enter into the esophagus and up to the throat to cause damage. This can occur for a couple of reasons.

The LES can become weak after repeated exposure to stomach acids, reducing its ability to remain constricted and block the acid. Aging and esophageal conditions can also weaken the LES. People who drink a lot of alcohol can experience problems with this type of heartburn because alcohol relaxes the LES.

Gastric pressure can cause acid to be forced through the LES and into the esophagus to far enough to irritate the throat. Gastric pressure can be caused by eating foods that produce large amounts of gas as they are digested, by drinking a lot of carbonated liquids, by lying down with a full stomach, and by wearing clothing that is too tight or bending over after eating a large meal.

Pregnancy and obesity increase gastric pressure because the organs in the body become displaced and leave less room in the digestive organs. Obesity can also cause the LES to stretch, making it impossible for the muscle to close tightly and block acids.

H. pylori bacteria living in the stomach can also cause an increase in gastric pressure. These bacteria can lead to gastritis – the chronic swelling of the stomach lining. Over time, it can cause sores to form in the stomach and stimulates the production of more acids.

Problems with the LES closing are complicated by conditions that cause overproduction of stomach acids which lead to heartburn.

Heartburn Friendly Sore Throat Remedies

The very best method to remedy heartburn and sore throat is to avoid the causes in the first place. GERD is triggered most often by the foods that we eat. Avoiding foots that are high in fat and heavily seasoned can help prevent much of the pain caused by heartburn. Citrus fruits and items that lead to LES relaxation such as alcohol and chocolate can also be avoided.

Not all foods cause heartburn in all people, so it is important to identify which foods cause heartburn and try to eliminate them. When elimination is impossible, try to consume them only in moderation. Also avoid lying down, bending over, and wearing tight close after eating to reduce gastric pressure.

If you develop a sore throat because of heartburn, consider seeking medical attention for GERD. There are medications that are specifically designed to prevent these symptoms from occurring.

Home remedies may help provide immediate relief and include warm, non-caffeinated beverages like green tea with honey. Lozenges, fat-free hard candies, and some over the counter throat sprays can assist in temporarily relieving sore throat pain.

Are Heartburn and Upper-Back Pain Normal with Acid Reflux?

It is not typical of acid reflux to feel heartburn and upper-back pain. It is typical of another condition related to digestive acids, however.

Heartburn is the sensation we feel when acids in our stomach rise into our esophagus, causing heartburn symptoms like discomfort and sometimes even regurgitation. Most people will feel the effects of this process, known as acid reflux, on occasion.

Sudden upper-back pain in people who suffer from heartburn caused by acid reflux may be experiencing an uncommon symptom of gallstones, especially if there is also the presence of upper right abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Gallstones that cause this type of pain require medical attention because it can be life-threatening.

Though there is no clear link between gallstones and heartburn, the gallbladder is a part of the digestive system. The fatty foods that can cause acid reflux and heartburn to occur in some people are also processed by the gallbladder.

Diets that are high in cholesterol from fatty foods can cause the cholesterol and bile pigments to form small stones, hardened compounds, in the gallbladder. Gallstones are usually asymptotic, which just means that you may not even know they are there until something changes.

The Difference between Acid Reflux and Gallstone Symptoms

Most people who do experience the rare symptoms of gallstones only feel pain because a gallstone is stuck in a bile duct that carries gastric acids from the liver to the intestines. People who are familiar with heartburn will notice that the pain associated with gallstones is not the normal pain, nausea, or vomiting that they associate with acid reflux.

People who suffer from food related heartburn and upper-back pain for other reasons, such as a back injury may only notice symptoms of there is nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain involved. However, most people report that the pain associated with gallstones is unique and persistent. Other symptoms of gallstones include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, and stool that is clay colored.

When it becomes a life-threatening problem, it is one of the few human organs that can be removed with little negative effect on the rest of the digestive system. Conditions that may arise in the gallbladder include gallstones, cholecystitis, gallbladder cancer, and gallstone pancreatitis.

Gallstones and gallbladder disease can cause symptoms that feel like those associated with acid reflux and can be triggered by similar foods. Heartburn and regurgitation are rare symptoms of this disorder but it should be noted that some of the most common symptoms of gallbladder conditions feel much like those of acid reflux.

Most people do not experience symptoms from gallstones (about 90%). For those that do have symptoms, you may feel pain sometimes during the first 10 years that gallstones have formed. After this time, there is less chance that symptoms will exist.

Who is at Risk for Heartburn and Upper-Back Pain

Chronic heartburn can increase the chance of gallbladder problems. There are also quite a few risk factors associated with gallbladder disease that are also directly associated with heartburn and acid reflux related conditions.

People who are older than 55 years of age are at a high-risk for developing gallstones. This age group is also more susceptible to heartburn because of a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that helps to keep acid out of the esophagus.

Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of heartburn and upper-back pain caused by gallstones. Gallstones are known to develop in 25% of people who are significantly obese and take on a strict diet to lose weight. Obesity is also a leading risk factor for acid reflux. Also, gastric bypass surgery to assist in curing obesity causes an increase in heartburn and gallstones.

Pregnancy significantly increases the rate of heartburn and back pain in general. It is a significant risk factor in the development of gallstones, especially in families with a history of gallbladder conditions. (This is true for gallstones in general.)

When to Seek Medical Treatment

Heartburn and upper-back pain can be unrelated. If you have acid reflux and injury, you may experience this pain occasionally or frequently. When the onset of pain is sudden, is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, or if you have diabetes or an immune system deficiency it is best to seek a doctor’s opinion right away.

Many doctors will wait to see if your symptoms persist or go away. Many people are able to pass a gallstone through the bile duct and never have symptoms again. Most doctors will want to wait to perform surgery until you’ve had gallstone symptoms more than once.

Rarely, someone with no symptoms at all may need surgery. This procedure is only performed in cases where a person is at great risk for developing cancer, has sickle cell disease, or is in the process of obtaining an organ transplant.

The Facts about Heartburn and Yogurt

There are many conflicting reports about heartburn and yogurt. Some sources will tell us that yogurt is a heartburn trigger. Others tell us that yogurt is an effective treatment for the symptoms of heartburn. So, which one is correct? Believe it or not, they are both correct.

It is important to understand that there are several variables involved when discussing heartburn and yogurt. What we have eaten earlier in the day, what kind of yogurt we consume, what medications we have taken, and even our physical activity can determine whether or not we will experience heartburn.

Heartburn and Yogurt: How Yogurt Might Trigger Heartburn

Heartburn can occur for a number of reasons; these reasons are known as “triggers”. In addition to heartburn triggers, there is sometimes an underlying cause that makes us more likely to get heartburn and other digestive upsets such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and esophagitis (inflammation and swelling of the esophagus).

Yogurt ends up on the “heartburn trigger” list of foods because it is a dairy product that usually contains milk fat. Milk fats like those found in yogurt can trigger heartburn for the same reason that any fatty food triggers heartburn.

Fatty foods remain in the stomach longer because they take longer to digest. Not only is the stomach creating more acid during this time, the esophagus is exposed to the acid longer and may eventually relax – letting acid reflux occur and heartburn to begin.

Heartburn and yogurt that is high in fat may be very aggravating to some individuals. Therefore, it is best to avoid whole fat yogurt and choose a low-fat variety instead. The only sure way is to avoid yogurt entirely, but that may not be necessary – especially if you really like yogurt.

Some foods can actually prevent or relieve heartburn and yogurt is one of them, if you know where to look and what type of yogurt you need.

Heartburn and Yogurt: Using Yogurt as a Remedy

If we want to consider home remedies for heartburn and yogurt seems like a good alternative, it is very important to know that there are different types of yogurt. Two of them (raw and commercial) are comprised of different types of ingredients that affect stomach acids in different ways.

Commercial yogurt is the kind we can readily buy at any grocer or ask for in some drive-thru restaurant windows. Heartburn and yogurt of this variety is more likely to be a problem because of all the added ingredients.

Commercial yogurt, even the low-fat variety, contains artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and flavors that disrupt the pH balance in the stomach, resulting in the production of more acid. The extra activity in the stomach acids can cause acid reflux and heartburn.

Raw yogurt, however, is actually good for digestive health and can reduce acid reflux and ease heartburn. If one suffers from chronic heartburn and yogurt is a favorite food, raw yogurt is definitely the best option.

This type of yogurt contains probiotics which help to balance the pH levels in the stomach. The probiotics actually reduces acid in the stomach and therefore provides an environment where heartburn is much less likely to occur.

One might say that heartburn and yogurt with probiotics can be considered enemies since the probiotics in raw yogurt can prevent heartburn in the first place and also soothes the symptoms of acid reflux once it has begun to make us feel sick.

Raw yogurt is less commonly available, though there are a few brands carried by major grocery store chains. (Look for those that mention digestive health on the label and be sure they are free of additives.)

In general, yogurt should be consumed with discretion if you are susceptible to heartburn triggered by food. If you find that you experience heartburn symptoms immediately following the consumption of yogurt, try to avoid it in your diet or switch to raw yogurt.

It may be easier to purchase at a holistic health food store or at an organic grocer. As part of a regular diet regiment, yogurt containing probiotics can yield many other health benefits as well.

There are Many Benefits of Yogurt and Heartburn Prevention is just One

Yogurt is good for our overall digestive system. In addition to preventing acid reflux and soothing heartburn, yogurt contains bacteria that help amino acids from protein become absorbed into our system.

If you drink whole milk or like to eat other dairy products, yogurt can help to digest lactose as well. Raw yogurt is also helpful for those who are lactose intolerant. Just remember that milk fats can cause acid reflux, so drinking whole milk should still be avoided by heartburn sufferers if yogurt doesn’t help when dairy products are consumed.

Finally, yogurt effectively reduces the overall number of bacteria in the digestive system that can cause illness. Our bodies are riddled with natural, necessary germs. However, an imbalance between the different types of bacteria can make us sick and even lead to serious disease. Raw yogurt helps to balance the population by introducing active cultures into our intestines and colon.

Don’t Know What to do About Heartburn? Answer these 3 Questions

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux that we will all experience at least once in our lifetime. For some of us, acid reflux is a part of our daily lives or happens frequently enough to prompt us to find out what to do about heartburn.

Whether you have heartburn only occasionally or find that you are constantly chewing antacids to battle the burn, there are many ways to treat and prevent heartburn. Before deciding what to about heartburn it is important to understand the mechanics of acid reflux – the condition that causes us to feel heartburn in the first place.

Acid reflux occurs when the secretions in the stomach that help us digest food (acid) are able to make their way from the stomach and into the throat (reflux).

Normally, a muscle known as the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) that is located right where the stomach and esophagus meet prevents this from happening. The LES remains closed until we swallow food or drink when it opens only briefly to allow the contents into the stomach.

The LES relaxes several times a day on its own and if it relaxes at a time when the production of stomach acids are high, like after eating an orange fruit, acid reflux may occur. Also, certain conditions can cause the LES to be relaxed more often or prevent it from closing completely including pregnancy, hiatal hernia, and esophagitis.

In any event, what you choose to do about heartburn should be based on a few factors that may make your treatment more effective.

1. How often do you feel heartburn?

Occasionally: If you only experience heartburn occasionally, but it seems to be severe when it does happen you may have the most success with antacids. Also, consider the foods that you have eaten. Figuring out that your problem is lined to a certain food you only eat occasionally makes it easy to figure out what to do about heartburn. (See trigger foods below.)

Frequently: If you find that you have heartburn frequently, you may be suffering from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can be severe in some cases and a visit to the doctor for prescription medication may be necessary. However, the majority of people that experience frequent heartburn find that making simple changes to their diet is most effective. If you have tried this already and still don’t know what to do about heartburn that keeps occurring, there may be another reason for your heartburn symptoms.

2. When do you usually experience heartburn?

Heartburn can be more likely to occur under certain conditions. You can figure out what to do about heartburn if any of these apply to you by changing your habits. Remember, it’s often about trial and error. If a prevention method doesn’t work, your heartburn may be caused by something else.

Heartburn when lying down – this can happen for purely physical reasons. If you just finished eating, you can bet that your stomach is producing acids to digest the food. If you lie down while that is happening then gravity alone can allow the acids into the esophagus. To make matters worse, your organs shift slightly when you are lying down which can increase pressure in the stomach. Gastric pressure forces the LES open. What to do about heartburn in this case is simple: remain upright after eating to allow time for digestion. If you fancy a nap after eating like many of us do, try to nap in a recliner or with your upper body propped up.

Heartburn after eating – barring any medical condition such as GERD and any medications that may carry heartburn as a side-effect you may experience heartburn after every meal by overeating and wearing tight clothing. Both of these circumstances (and pregnancy) cause increased gastric pressure that can force the LES open or force acids into the throat. What to do about heartburn caused by gastric pressure? Simply loosening your clothing and eating smaller meals, even if more frequently, can help to alleviate your symptoms.

Heartburn before eating or on an empty stomach – the stomach is always producing fluids to digest food. If you experience heartburn without eating anything it may be because of a concentration of acids and a relaxed LES. Because there is no food to dilute the acid, even the smallest amount of reflux on an empty stomach can be painful. What to do about heartburn for this reason is probably obvious: eat something and make sure it’s not one of your trigger foods. If you find that this happens a lot when you have an empty stomach, try to eat small meals or snacks throughout the day.

3. Do you eat a lot of well-known trigger foods?

Trigger foods are those which cause acid reflux. The most common offending foods are citrus fruits, fatty foods (including whole milk dairy products), spicy foods (heavily seasoned), and caffeine or carbonated drinks. Carbonated drinks increase gastric pressure, as well.

Acid reflux can also occur when we have consumed something that causes the LES to relax. Foods like chocolate and drinks containing alcohol can cause the LES to become relaxed and lead to acid reflux.

What to do About Heartburn that is Severe

It is reasonable to seek assistance with daily heartburn because of the discomfort is causes. It is important to treat heartburn for medical reasons too, however. Over time, heartburn can cause significant damage to your esophagus and leads to even more heartburn and even throat cancer in some cases. Though it is an uncomfortable symptom of acid reflux, heartburn is not as harmful if it only occurs occasionally.