Heartburn: Myths and truths
there are many myths about heartburn that people believe or are confused about. Heartburn is not a medical condition, but it can be a symptom of a medical condition.
Listen to your body and seek medical attention if you can’t find relief from heartburn. Making healthy changes will improve your digestive and overall health and help keep heartburn under control.
Learn the truth about these commonly held misconceptions about heartburn.
> Myth: Heartburn is not a big deal.
Fact: Apart from the occasional bout, an ongoing battle could be signaling a serious condition. Causes may be hiatal hernia, ulcer, an inflammatory condition called gastritis, or you could have GERD > Myth: I can get heartburn relief with antacids. Lots of antacids. Fact: Antacid medication may seem to be a simple medication. If you’re popping antacids all day that needs to be addressed by your doctor. They have side effects like constipation or diarrhea. >Myth: Only medication can treat my heartburn. Fact: Changing your diet, your meal times, eating well in advance of bedtime and your portion sizes can help you find relief from heartburn.
>Myth: Heartburn is just caused by the “bad” foods I eat.
Fact: Heartburn is actually caused by a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter which is the muscle wrapped around the base of the esophagus. Food definitely plays a role in heartburn and reflux.
> Myth: I just have to deal with heartburn — I can’t stop it.
Fact: Heartburn is a symptom, not a health condition. Consult your doctor.
> Myth: Chewing gum can help with heartburn.
Fact: When you chew gum, your mouth makes more saliva. This acts as a buffer to acid. > Myth: Using a lot of pillows when you sleep can make heartburn better. Fact: If your heartburn is worse when you lie down, try raising the head of your bed. Try putting sixinch blocks under the bed posts at the head of the bed rather than the pillows. Sleeping on your left side also can help.
> Myth: If you are overweight, the best way to stop heartburn is to drop some pounds.
Fact: Pressure on your stomach from too much weight can allow acid up into your esophagus. A study by doctors at Stanford University who reviewed more than 2,000 studies about heartburn found no evidence that giving up certain foods makes it better. That said, if you know something gives you heartburn, don’t eat or drink it.