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.
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