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Check nowHeartburn is a common symptom as a result of acid reflux – but it can be extremely uncomfortable and debilitating, especially if it is a recurring problem. Here our Digestive expert Ali Cullen explains exactly why your symptoms may be occurring, and what can be done to help as she offers a number of home and herbal remedies.
‘Heartburn’ is a commonly used phrase – if you’ve been in the company of someone having eaten their dinner too fast, or a heavily pregnant woman, you might have heard them complain about heartburn – but what exactly is this? In severe cases, people can even worry that they are having a heart attack as the pain is so extreme. But more often than not, heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux.
Acid reflux is the result of the acidic contents of the stomach travelling backwards and upwards into the oesophagus, normally as the result of the improper functions of our lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). The LOS is a circular ring of muscle which acts as the gateway between our oesophagus and our stomach. In theory, this muscle should open to allow food into the stomach, but should close in order to prevent food from travelling backwards. However, a number of factors and situations can allow for the improper functioning of this sphincter and we end up with what we call acid reflux.
If the highly acidic contents of our stomach travel into our oesophagus, it is inevitable we are going to experience pain – what we call heartburn.
The reason being, our oesophagus isn’t as prepared as our stomach – in that it doesn’t have a robust mucous layer to help protect it from low pH contents. Our stomach has a pH of around 3-4 by the time our highly acidic stomach acid is diluted slightly by other secretions – but the specialised cells and structures within the stomach are very much equipped to deal with this. Our oesophagus, not so much, and the more delicate lining here will soon come under fire, quite literally.
There are some steps you can take at home to try and keep symptoms the symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn, under control:
There are some herbal remedies which may come in useful for instances of heartburn:
If heartburn is recurrent, your doctor of pharmacist should be able to help. Antacid medication may help to address some of the discomfort in the short-term but be prepared to keep an eye on your symptoms longer-term.
Looking for help easing those symptoms of indigestion such as, bloating, fullness and flatulence associated with over-indulgence?
Then look no further than Digestisan Oral drops.
"Excellent product for digestive issues"
To find local independent stores in your area that sell Digestisan Oral drops, simply type your postcode below.
Looking for help easing those symptoms of indigestion such as, bloating, fullness and flatulence associated with over-indulgence?
Then look no further than Digestisan Oral drops.
"Excellent product for digestive issues"
To find local independent stores in your area that sell Digestisan Oral drops, simply type your postcode below.
Check the health of your digestive system using our simple test.
Check nowDigestisan Oral Drops: A traditional herbal medicinal product used for indigestion, sensation of fullness and flatulence associated with over-indulgence in food or drink, or both, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy.
Always read the leaflet.
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