If you are a heartburn sufferer, then you already know the common culprits causing heartburn. Spicy foods, caffeine, fried and fatty foods, as well as tomatoes, all top the list. However, we will be looking at some surprising triggers causing heartburn.
Smoking
If you are a smoker and suffer from heartburn, this addictive habit is making it worse for you. Smoking relaxes the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing an easier flow of acid into your throat. Smoking also reduces the amount of saliva made. Saliva usually flushes out the acid from the esophagus, as well as contains a natural acid fighter, bicarbonate.
Fish Oil Supplements
A great supplement helping to fight heart disease and numerous other problems. However, fish oil supplements can cause heartburn. In this case, it is the oil which is the culprit and not the fish. Fish is actually a great heartburn easing food, as it is low in fat with high protein content.
Pills
The next time you feel a pang of pain, don’t be so quick to reach for ibuprofen or naproxen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These pills can cause heartburn, as well as other medication such as, antibiotics, calcium channel blockers and some sedatives are known to trigger heartburn.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular choice of remedy when it comes to easing stomach pain. This isn’t the case for heartburn sufferers, sadly. Menthol creates a numbing, soothing effect, loosening the valve which keeps stomach acid in the stomach. The influx of acid into the esophagus causes heartburn.
Genetics
Inheriting physical traits from your parents, such as stomach function problems, may be responsible for your heartburn. Studies have shown 30% – 40% of your chances of heartburn depend on genetic factors. The rest is all on you! What you eat, exercise and whether you smoke or not (as mentioned above), are all lifestyle choices that can affect your chances of suffering from heartburn.
If you suffer from heartburn, daily or not, contact the Houston Heartburn and Reflux Center to see what is really causing your heartburn.