Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). It can feel like a burning pain in the chest that may worsen when bent over or lying down. Getting heartburn is common and the symptoms can usually be managed on your own, however, there are some instances when heartburn could be more serious.
The good news is that heartburn can not only be managed with over-the-counter medications, it can also be avoided with lifestyle changes. See a list of foods/substances below that could be contributing to heartburn flare ups:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Citrus
- Fried foods
- Onions
- Peppermint
- Spicy foods
- Tomatoes
- Vinegar
If you suffer from heart burn, practice moderation when consuming the foods/substances above, lower fat content in your food and limit the amount of spicy foods you eat. Consult a physician if your heartburn occurs more than twice a week, you experience difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea or vomiting, weight loss due to poor appetite or difficulty eating or if your symptoms continue to worsen.
BSA Amarillo Surgical Group can help treat your heart burn. A physician referral is required.