Don’t Feel the Burn

The reason it’s called heartburn is obvious—it feels like a flame is crackling at the base of your breastbone. You might even feel an acidic, sour taste at the back of your throat. Heartburn can go on for minutes or hours, but why does it happen?

The ailment is a symptom of acid reflux, or stomach acid traveling back up your esophagus. People with conditions such as pregnancy, hiatal hernia, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or who take anti-inflammatory drugs are at higher risk for heartburn. However, the Centers for Disease and Prevention says food also can trigger heartburn, including alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, chocolate, citrus, fatty or fried foods, onions, spicy foods and tomato (or tomato products like ketchup).

The Food and Drug Administration classifies three medication types as a treatment for heartburn — antacids (like Tums), histamine-2 (H2) blockers (like Pepcid) and proton pump inhibitors (like Prilosec). These medications can neutralize stomach acid, reduce acid production or shut down pumps that release acid into your stomach. Though you can take these medications for heartburn, other ways to avoid that nighttime burn are to:

• Drink more water. Water not only aids digestion, but a 2019 study found that water with electrolytes can help neutralize stomach acid.
• Eat earlier. You’re less likely to have a flare-up if you don’t lie down at least three to four hours after eating. It also helps to eat smaller portions and eat slower.
• Sleep on your left side. Studies show that position reduces the chances of reflux and exposing the esophagus to stomach acid.
• Wear looser clothes. The Mayo Clinic reports belts and tight clothing can sometimes trigger heartburn.

To diagnose the cause of your heartburn, your healthcare team might want to test to see if your ailment is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is moderate to severe and occurs several times per week. Testing for GERD might include an X-ray, endoscopy or acid probe tests. However, your doctor might recommend surgery if medication cannot control your GERD.

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