Most Common Causes Of Heartburn: Nutritionist Shares Prevention Tips For Treatment

Warmer weather is here to make you suffer from frequent heartburn. So, food-based get-togethers may not be your cup of tea. But before you spend money on your antacids, it is essential to note it may not be your food’s fault. Clinical Nutritionist Dr Vikki Petersen tells us lifestyle factors causing heartburn and why we shouldn't let go of the problem untreated.  

What are the causes of heartburn? 

1. Overweight: Being obese is linked with weak abdominal muscles and an enlarged abdomen. Good core strength is essential to balance proper digestion. In addition, your muscles are very involved in the tone and function of your diaphragm. It sits above your stomach and causes heartburn while malfunctioning.
2. Sleeplessness: Resulting from heartburn, insomnia creates irritation by acid reflux when lying down at night. Are you inclined to heartburn? Try to eat right before bed to get a better night's sleep. 
3. High-fat food: Excess fats put stress on the gall bladder, stomach and liver. Such irritation can cause the presence of inhospitable organisms in your gut. Try including lower-fat foods in your meal. 
4. Excess caffeine: Excessive caffeine can cause heartburn because caffeine can relax the lower oesophagus, preventing food from moving in the wrong direction.
5. Smoking: Smoking could prevent your oesophagus from moving food in your stomach. In addition, integrity can be compromised by smoking. 

So how can we treat heartburn? Tips to prevent heartburn naturally: 

1. Don't lie down: Lying down may seem tempting but remember, your digestive tract moves from head to toe. So if you hunch down or lie over, it can conflict with the efficient food movement from your small intestine to your stomach. 
2. Exercise: Wait for at least 40 to 50 minutes, or until you have a sensation of being full, before beginning training. Note: Don't include a stroll after a meal. Gentle walking after food assists digestion. 
3. Chew your food: Overeating can cause it to move upwards, resulting in heartburn. Instead, take time to chew food or try eating slowly.