How to Deal Heartburn and Upset Stomach during Summer

Heartburn is characterized by a burning or painful sensation in the chest. It is indicative of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and is often accompanied by bloating. It is not associated with the heart in any way, but is related to the esophagus or the food pipe. The esophagus is a tubular structure that connects the mouth and stomach. Burning and discomfort caused by heartburn may also be experienced in the throat, jaw and neck.

Why Heartburn and Upset Stoma Occurs

When an individual consumes food, it passes through the esophagus and reaches the stomach. There is a small structure located at the point where the esophagus meets the stomach. This muscular structure is known as the lower esophageal structure and is responsible for preventing the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. In some cases, this muscle may have inherent abnormalities or may become weak. When this happens, the contents of the stomach are allowed to flow back into the esophagus. An accumulation of too much acid in the stomach could also cause this to happen. When the acids of the stomach flow into the esophagus, inflammation and burning occurs as the esophagus does not have a protective lining to protect it from gastric acid. Certain factors may increase the risk of heartburn. These include caffeine and alcohol intake and consumption of foods that are acidic. Pregnant women and obese individuals may also suffer from heartburn due to excess pressure on the stomach.

Safe Remedies to Use

There are various home remedies for heartburn that help to alleviate burning and discomfort caused by the reflux of gastric acids. Vinegar is known to have a neutralizing effect on the stomach acid and hence provides relief from heartburn. Vinegar may cause some damage to the dental enamel and hence must be consumed along with water. Ginger helps to prevent stomach upset and aids in proper digestion. Ginger may be taken in the form of capsules. It can also be added to tea or food.  Papaya enzymes are also known to assist in digestion and prevent heartburn. Poor digestion may occur due to inadequate intake of fiber. It is essential to incorporate fiber into the diet so that digestive problems are eased. It is also important to avoid foods that cause heartburn such as citrus fruits, spicy foods and fried foods. Herbal teas are beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of heartburn. Drinking green tea everyday is one of the most beneficial home remedies for chest pain caused by heartburn.