Have you ever experienced a burning pain in the chest after eating? And it worsens when you lie down or bend over? That’s called heartburn, and it’s something many people experience at some point in their lives. Understanding how it happens, what causes it, and when to be concerned is the first step toward finding relief and protecting your long-term health.
How Does Heartburn Occur?
After we eat, food travels down the oesophagus and enters the stomach through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is supposed to close tightly after food passes through, keeping stomach acid from escaping. But what happens if this valve isn’t strong enough or doesn’t close at the right time? Stomach acid can flow backwards into the oesophagus. 😟 Since the esophageal lining isn’t built to handle acid, you feel a burning sensation in your chest — that’s heartburn.
Symptoms of Heartburn
Common symptoms include:
- Burning sensation in the chest (usually after eating)
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Discomfort that worsens when lying down or at night
If these symptoms occur more than twice a week, it may be a sign of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and you should consult a healthcare provider.
Causes of Heartburn
- Weak or relaxed lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) ️
If this muscular valve is weak or relaxes at the wrong time, then stomach acid can escape upwards, causing acid reflux. - Overeating
Eating too much causes our stomach to expand, and the valve at the top of the stomach may not close completely. - Consumption of certain foodsSpicy food contains capsaicin, which irritates the oesophagus lining, while fatty food delays stomach opening, hence increasing the likelihood of reflux. Some other foods include citrus fruits, acidic juices, chocolate and caffeinated drinks.
- Pregnancy
Heartburn is common during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. As your baby grows, your uterus expands and pushes up against your stomach. This extra force will cause acid to rise, especially after meals.
Over-the-Counter Remedy for Heartburn
Need fast relief from heartburn? These OTC options are easy to find and work quickly:
💊 Gaviscon Double Action– Neutralizes stomach acid and forms a barrier to stop it from rising into the oesophagus. Great for fast and lasting relief.
💊 ENO Fruit Salt – A fizzy powder that works quickly to neutralize acid. Perfect for occasional indigestion or mild heartburn.
