The Main Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by several factors. In fact, the main cause is intake of spicy and oily food. Though this is the main cause, a lot of other causes of heartburn are known. Understanding them is very important to prevent or find the right cure in form of natural or herbal remedies.


Caffeine
Caffeine contained in coffee, tea and other drinks relaxes the LES thus prompting the stomach to push acids into the esophagus.

Chocolate
The theobromine concentration contained in chocolate also relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle causing the stomach to pump up acid into the esophagus.

Food
Deep fried and spicy foods are slower to digest and hence stay in the stomach for a longer time. This produces a pressure inside the stomach which pressurizes the LSE to reflux the stomach contents into the esophagus. In addition to this tomatoes and tomato based foods are known to relax the LES.

Alcohol
Alcohol also has the same effect on the LES and relaxes it thus easing pressure and allowing the stomach to pump up acids. In addition to this, alcohol also produces more acid in the stomach, especially when taken on an empty stomach.

Smoking
Cigarette smoking and tobacco also cause the LES to weaken when the by-products are assimilated with the blood stream.

Overeating
Eating to the stomach?s full puts an extra pressure on the LES and some food might be pumped into the esophagus from the stomach.

Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits and juices also relax the LES and can cause a reflux.

Bedtime
Lying and preparing to go to bed right after eating puts an extra pressure on the LES thus causing a reflux. A little between eating and going to bed, say 2-3 hours can do wonders for digestion.

The above are some of the main causes of heartburn and if these can be handled and prevented with a little discipline, you can say goodbye to heartburn. Heartburn is one of those simple but annoying things that can dramatically impact your quality of life. That is why having a great heartburn remedy is a must if you frequently suffer from this condition.