When food is swallowed, it enters a foot long tube that connects your throat to your stomach. This is called the esophagus. A ring of muscles known as the lower esophagal sphincter is located at the bottom of the esophagus. The food travels down the esophagus to the esophagal sphincter, which then relaxes to allow the food to pass into the stomach. Once this happens the sphincter tightens again, awaiting the next particle of food. This is the normal action of this muscle group. However, if the sphincter fails to tighten, stomach acids can back up into the esophagus. When this happens, a painful condition called heartburn occurs. Heartburn is also called indigestion.
Symptoms are a pain in the lower abdomen or upper chest, a bloated sensation, and a bitter taste in the mouth, all of which occur right after eating. Twenty to thirty percent of Americans experience these conditions. There are probably many more as many people self medicate for indigestion and heartburn so the case is never recorded. There is a large supply of antacid medications available over the counter and there are also many alternative treatments. Smokers and people who are overweight suffer are most susceptible to these conditions.
In addition to medications, there are preventative measures to follow. One should not eat hurriedly and should relax following a meal. It is important to wait an hour or two before exercising. Exercise will draw blood away from the stomach where it is needed for the digestive process. Wait at least two hours after eating or even three before lying down. Avoid consuming large meals. Heartburn and indigestion often accompany holiday dinners such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Eat moderately of foods that are particular offenders such as greasy, high fat foods, citrus fruits, and tomato products. Some people also benefit by reducing their intake of caffeine.
There are also many alternative remedies available. A very popular one is to take a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. However, be sure the baking soda you have is the type that can be used for this. Some containers of baking soda specify it is not to be used for indigestion. Read your product information carefully. A popular Asian remedy is to take ginger root after eating. Ginger helps to absorb the acid and the capsules are available in any health food store. Teas made from herbs such as peppermint, catnip and fennel help some people.
Many times indigestion and heartburn are associated with stress. In this case, the conditions can be prevented by stress reduction techniques such as yoga, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback. Acupuncture has also been helpful for some people. In some cases certain foods such as exceptionally greasy or fatty foods trigger attacks. Such attacks can be easily prevented by identifying and avoiding the trigger foods. Just about everyone suffers from an occasional episode of heartburn or indigestion. However, if these conditions recur, people should inform their doctor. Recurring bouts of acid reflux can damage the esophagus through scar formation. Also, recurrent symptoms can indicate or lead to more serious illnesses.
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