Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, is a very uncomfortable condition. Pyrosis is a so-called leading symptom that occurs as part of reflux disease or reflux esophagitis. In this condition, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which among other things leads to acid reflux. Gastric juice can even reach the throat.
However, heartburn can also be a sign of excessive gastric acid production. In this case, more hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach than would be necessary for the digestion of food and the fight against bacteria. This excess stomach acid then damages the stomach lining and can trigger inflammation (gastritis) and ulcers.
10 Causes of Heartburn
2. Cancer and other diseases
Other possible conditions include achalasia, an esophageal diverticulum, or Barrett's esophagus. However, esophageal cancer can also be the cause. The same applies to stomach ulcers or stomach cancer.
3. Food intolerances
If you suffer from certain food intolerances, they can also cause heartburn if left untreated.
4. Alcohol, Tobacco, Coffee, Tea, Fat, and Sugar
Certain factors can exacerbate the unpleasant burning sensation. For example, consuming alcohol or smoking particularly negatively affects the symptoms. The same applies to caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea. Very acidic, sweet, and fatty foods can also trigger heartburn.
5. Heavy meals or prolonged fasting
However, the cause can also be a too heavy meal, accompanied by a feeling of fullness, or a prolonged fasting period.
6. Stress
Furthermore, stress can also be a factor that affects the condition. The causes can lie in emotional strain, nervousness, or feeling overwhelmed in daily life.
7. Pregnancy
In addition, the condition is also a frequent companion during pregnancy, as the growing baby presses on the stomach. Hormonal changes also cause a loosening of tissues, including the sphincter located in the esophagus.
8. Wearing too tight clothing
Another factor can also be wearing too tight clothing. Especially if the waistband presses on the stomach for a long time, the condition can manifest itself.
9. Overweight
Weight also plays an important role. If you are overweight, the risk of developing pyrosis is increased.
10. Medications
Finally, the possible intake of certain medications also plays a role. Especially drugs for cardiovascular diseases, as well as asthma and blood pressure medications or hormonal contraceptives, have heartburn as a side effect.
Heartburn Symptoms
What helps with heartburn?
Diagnosing pyrosis is relatively straightforward, considering the symptoms mentioned. To find the right therapy and the cause of the symptoms, your doctor can perform a gastroscopy. He will also ask you about your lifestyle habits to find important clues.
The symptoms can then be treated symptomatically. However, the cause should always be clarified and, if possible, eliminated. To alleviate the symptoms, you can take acid-reducing preparations. In addition, it will certainly help to abandon any negative lifestyle habits. This includes eating a healthy diet and, if possible, avoiding acidic, sugary, and fatty foods. What also helps against heartburn is to avoid stress and, if applicable, to stop smoking and consuming alcohol.
Medications for Heartburn
Among the most common medications used to treat the burning sensation are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-antihistamines, or antacids. PPIs are responsible for suppressing an acid-forming enzyme. Low doses can be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy. However, there are increasing warnings associated with this medication. Cancer patients, in particular, must be careful. Furthermore, results from working groups indicate that the mortality risk among PPI users is said to be 25% higher compared to H2-antagonists. Especially long-term use carries various risks such as an increased risk of stroke and a rise in dementia.
Home remedies for heartburn
There are also some home remedies for heartburn. For example, eating almonds is said to have a neutralizing effect on stomach acid. A spoonful of mustard after a meal is also said to suppress reflux. This is due to the mustard oils. You can also try the heartburn home remedy baking soda. This is found in baking powder, among other things. When ingested, it causes a chemical reaction in the stomach that helps against burping.
Potato Juice as an Alternative, Natural Solution
Depending on the intensity and frequency of the symptoms, the recommended dosage varies. If heartburn occurs primarily in the mornings and evenings, the discomfort can be alleviated with 50-100ml of juice. You can also do a cleanse with this. You drink about 50 ml over a period of 3 weeks, each time before meals on an empty stomach. During pregnancy, you should only consume small amounts of the juice or avoid it entirely.
Recipe for potato juice
You can easily make the juice yourself. All you need is a juicer or slow juicer and 4 raw potatoes. You should carefully peel them and remove any green or brown spots and sprouts. Then, place the peeled potatoes into the juicer. You should drink the juice as soon as possible after juicing, as it still contains all the important nutrients. Also, if it sits for too long, it would oxidize and become bitter.
Nutritional information for potatoes
Raw potatoes contain 1.7 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 16 g carbohydrates, and 2.1 g sugar per 100 g. They also contain vitamins C, B1, and B2, as well as niacin, vitamin B5, and B6. In terms of minerals, you'll find calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Conclusion
Heartburn can cause significant discomfort, and a more serious condition may be underlying it. Therefore, it is important to find out the causes. To combat the symptoms, in addition to a range of natural and medicinal solutions, you also have the option of resorting to the tried and tested natural remedy of potato juice. This is quickly made with a juicer and can be classified as free of side effects. Before resorting to other therapies, you should definitely try these options, as they have proven effective for over 100 years and support your body in a natural way.
Sources:
https://mein-tag.de/mein-rat/sodbrennen-versuchen-sies-mal-mit-kartoffelsaft/
https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/Sodbrennen
https://www.netdoktor.de/symptome/sodbrennen/
https://www.sodbrennen-welt.de/gastro/200610-Schnelle-Kartoffel-Hilfe-bei-Sodbrennen.htm
https://www.sodbrennen-helfer.de/hilfe-vorbeugen/kartoffelsaft/
https://www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/fileadmin/mediapool/08_institute/rechtsmedizin/pdf/MTP08S19.pdf
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