Heart burning or acid indigestion causing burning feeling in the chest, is a common condition causing great discomfort.

Heart burning spreads from the chest to throat and angle of lower jaw.
Heart burning is usually associated with acidity and gastric reflex. It is the esophageal tube that connects the mouth and stomach.

Food carried through the esophagus passes in to the stomach through the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring muscle that acts as a valve. This valve remains closely shut at other times.

At times of gastric acid reflex, lower esophageal sphincter gets dilated and the food as well as fluids from the stomach is brought back to the esophagus. Its taste is felt at the back of the mouth as well. The action of the refluxed gastric acid on the epithelial lining of the esophagus causes burning sensation. The weakening or relaxing of lower esophageal sphincter also causes heart burning.

Food and Heart Burning

Heart burning that occurs more than twice a week is considered to be a symptom of GERD. Food, if not properly chosen can make heart burning frequent. Soft drinks, coffee etc. can increase the acidity of gastric acids and worsen it.

Food items that are high in fat content, cholesterol, alcohol etc. can loosen the lower esophageal sphincter muscle which in turn can cause the entry of undigested food and gastric acids in to the esophagus. Over eating also can cause heart burning since it exerts high pressure on lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Diet Control

Follow bland diet which consists of those foods which will help to reduce the synthesis of gastric acids. Whole grain cereals, potato barley, beans etc. consists of complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. Herbal tea and honey can also be included in your diet.

Vegetables like leafy greens, beets, carrots, green peas, lettuce etc. and fruits like bananas, apples, avocados, apricots, olive, dates etc. act as alkaline foods that can reduce acidity of gastric acids.

Include adequate amounts of protein rich foods in your daily diet. Protein helps to tone up LES and thus prevent heart burning. Skimmed milk, other dairy products, eggs, small fishes, sea foods etc. are those protein rich foods that can help you to prevent heart burning.

Restrict use of caffeinated drinks, alcohol, pepper, mustard, vinegar etc. Avoid taking nap soon after having food. Also lie down on your left side keeping your head in an elevated position to prevent heart burning during sleep.