Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful or burning sensation in the oesophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is also identified as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma.

The sensation of heartburn is caused by exposure of the lower oesophagus to the acidic contents of the stomach. Normally, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) separating the stomach from the oesophagus is supposed to contract to prevent this situation. If the sphincter relaxes for any reason (as normally occurs during swallowing), stomach contents, mixed with gastric acid, can return into the oesophagus. This return is also known as reflux, and may progress to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if it occurs frequently. Peristalsis, the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the oesophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES and is responsible for ultimately clearing refluxed stomach contents. In addition, gastric acid can be neutralised by buffers present in saliva.

The food causes of heartburn can include:

• Raw onions
• Garlic
• Black pepper
• Alcohol, particularly red wine
• Spicy food
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruit like oranges
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Peppermint
• Tomatoes

Not only should you stay away from the above mentioned food, but you should also not over eat. Eat smaller meals throughout the day. Don’t eat anything 2 hours before bedtime. Lying down makes digestion difficult and increases your chances of heartburn.

You can also opt for Ozone Therapy. Ozone Therapy neutralises excess acids in the body and prevents indigestion. Ozone Therapy can also speed up digestion, increase oxygen levels in your body, reduce inflammation, prevent ulcers and improve your overall health.

Heartburn, when ignored, can become more frequent and can seriously damage your oesophagus. If you think you suffer from heartburn, make an appointment with your GP today.

For more information on Ozone Therapy feel free to contact us:

Salvagente

[email protected]

+27 (0)72 422 1967

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