SO WHAT EXACTLY IS HEARTBURN?
Many people suffer every day from heartburn without truly understanding what causes it. Heartburn is a symptom of GERD and occurs when stomach acid enters your esophagus, causing pain and discomfort in your upper belly or below your breast bone.
You’re not alone.
Over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and about 25 million battle it at least once a day. Over 50% of the U.S. adult population will experience some type of heartburn within a 12-month period and 20 to 30% will have weekly symptoms.
Heartburn Symptoms
A burning sensation in the chest: This burning sensation usually starts behind the breastbone and may travel up to the throat. This usually occurs after eating and can last from a few minutes to several hours.
A burning feeling in the throat: A common cause of this burning sensation is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). There can also be a sour or acidic taste in the mouth. This is a sensation of burning, usually high up in the throat, though it can occur lower. The pain may worsen with swallowing.
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth: This sour or bitter taste can occur when stomach contents reflux up into the esophagus and may reach the back of the throat. When the contents enter the back of the throat, a person will often have a sour or bitter taste in their mouth.
Wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms: Several studies suggest a significant link between GERD and asthma. The study results show that a high percent of people with asthma also have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Heartburn can feel just like a heart attack, but there is a difference, if you have heartburn along with nausea, sweating, weakness or trouble breathing, do not assume it is simply heartburn. Get help immediately, especially if what you think is heartburn turns into chest pain or becomes pain in your left shoulder, arm, or jaw.
Occasional heartburn is common. However, protect your health by letting your doctor know if you have heartburn repeatedly or more than twice a week.
70% of diseases start in the gut. As a natural daily supplement, Praxid’s prebiotics and probiotics safeguard the esophagus and stomach lining where drugs can cause inflammation.
Tips to Prevent Heartburn
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid foods known to cause acid reflux or heartburn
- Eat healthier and smaller meals
- Don’t lie down on a full stomach
- Elevate the headrest of your bed by approximately 6 to 8 inches
- Don’t eat for at least three hours before bedtime
- Sleep on your left side, avoid sleeping on the back, belly or right side.
- Don’t use medications that cause acid reflux or heartburn
- Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol
- Try to reduce stress and get more sleep
- Don’t wear tight belts or clothes.
- Take Praxid daily to help promote digestive health.