Heartburn or Acid Reflux?

"Do you also confuse heartburn with acid reflux?" 

"Or do you struggle with deciding what that burning sensation in your chest is?" 

Let’s understand the difference in order to tackle it better.

Acid Reflux vs. Heartburn:

Acid reflux, as the name suggests, occurs when stomach acid reaches up to your throat, causing discomfort while heartburn is the burning sensation in your chest after the acid reflux.

Suggested Read: Where Do Stomach Acid Come From?

Causes of Acid Reflux and Heartburn:

Common causes of Acid Reflux and Heartburn are fatty foods, stress, pregnancy, being overweight, and certain medications.

Tips for Prevention of acid reflux or heartburn:

Here are some simple yet effective tips:

1.       Balance Your Meals:

• Eat smaller and more frequent meals to reduce acid reflux risk.
•  Maintain a food journal to identify and improve eating habits.
•  Chew food thoroughly and take your time while eating.

2.       Limit Alcohol Intake:

•  Drinking too much alcohol damages your food pipe leading to acid reflux.
• Limit alcohol consumption to maintain proper sphincter function.

3.       Avoid Fatty Foods:

•  Fried and oily foods like chips, sausages, cheese, and butter can trigger acid reflux.
• Reduce consumption of these foods if you experience acid reflux frequently.

4.       Include Fibers in your diet:

•  Eat food rich in fiber like beans or broccoli to prevent acid reflux.
•  Fiber accelerates digestion, reducing the acid production in the stomach.

Small changes in your daily habits can reduce the complications related to acid reflux and heartburn. Seek your doctor’s advice for personalized guidance and treatment.

Suggested Read: Best Home Treatments For Acid Reflux!