Heartburn, or pyrosis, is a very unpleasant condition. Pyrosis is a so-called cardinal symptom that occurs in the context of reflux disease or reflux esophagitis. In this condition, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to, among other things, acid reflux. The gastric juices can even enter the throat.
Heartburn can also be a sign of excessive gastric juice production. This occurs when the stomach produces more hydrochloric acid than is needed to break down food and fight bacteria. This excess gastric acid then damages the stomach lining and can trigger inflammation (gastritis) and ulcers.
10 causes of heartburn
1. Gastritis - inflammation of the gastric mucosa
The most common causes can include irritable bowel syndrome, a stomach ulcer, a diaphragmatic hernia or inflammation of the esophagus or stomach, more precisely the gastric mucosa, i.e. gastritis, which is accompanied by stomach pain.
A distinction is made between types A, B, and C. Only a gastroscopy by a specialist can provide a clear diagnosis.
2. Cancer and other diseases
Other possible conditions include achalasia, esophageal diverticulum , or Barrett's esophagus. Esophageal cancer can also be the cause. The same applies to a peptic ulcer or stomach cancer.
3. Food intolerances
If you suffer from certain food intolerances , these 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, alcohol consumption and smoking have a particularly negative effect on 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 long periods without food
The cause can also be too heavy food , accompanied by a feeling of fullness, or even a prolonged period of abstinence from food.
6. Stress
Stress can also be a factor that affects the condition. Causes can include emotional stress, nervousness, or even excessive demands in everyday life.
7. Pregnancy
The condition is also a common symptom during pregnancy, as the baby presses on the stomach as it grows. Hormonal changes also cause the tissue, including the esophageal sphincter, to loosen.
8.Wearing clothes that are too tight
Another factor can be wearing clothes that are too tight . This can be especially true if the waistband presses on the stomach for extended periods.
9. Obesity
Weight also plays an important role. If you are overweight , your risk of developing pyrosis is increased.
10. Medications
Finally, the possible use of certain medications also plays a role. In particular, medications for cardiovascular diseases, asthma and blood pressure medications, and even hormonal contraceptives can cause heartburn as a side effect.
Heartburn symptoms
Pyrosis is primarily noticeable as a burning sensation under the breastbone. These symptoms occur more frequently when lying down or after eating. This is often accompanied by unpleasant belching of stomach acid, but this is not a mandatory condition. In addition to belching , other symptoms may occur, such as hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, or coughing. Coughing is particularly common in the morning. Furthermore, it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, leading to respiratory problems. Other consequences of heartburn include a bad taste in the mouth and stomach pain.
Heartburn: What helps?
Diagnosing pyrosis is relatively easy by examining the symptoms mentioned. To determine the appropriate treatment and the cause of the symptoms, your doctor may perform a gastroscopy. They will also ask you about your lifestyle to gather important clues.
The symptoms can then be treated symptomatically. However, the cause should always be clarified and eliminated if possible. To alleviate the symptoms, you can take acid-inhibiting medications. It will also definitely help to break any negative lifestyle habits. This includes eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods high in acid, sugar, and fat whenever possible. Avoiding stress and, if possible, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption also helps against heartburn.
Medicines for heartburn
Among the most common medications used to combat burning are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 antihistamines, or antacids. PPIs suppress an acid-producing enzyme. Low doses are available over the counter at pharmacies. However, warnings are increasingly being issued in connection with this medication. Cancer patients, in particular, need to be cautious. Furthermore, research groups have found that the risk of death is 25% higher when taking PPIs compared to H2 antagonists. Long-term use, in particular, carries various risks, including an increased risk of stroke and an increase in dementia.
Home remedies for heartburn
There are also some home remedies for heartburn . Eating almonds is said to neutralize stomach acid. A spoonful of mustard after a meal is also said to suppress reflux. The mustard oils are responsible for this. You can also try the home remedy for heartburn, baking soda . This is found in baking powder, among other things. Ingesting it triggers a chemical reaction in the stomach that counteracts belching.
Potato juice as an alternative, natural solution
In addition to the various methods mentioned above, you can also try to combat your burning sensation with potato juice . You should press this freshly from raw potatoes , ideally using a slow juicer .
This method has been used for over 100 years and has been scientifically studied in various ways. Potatoes are said to contain a specific molecule that acts against the bacteria responsible for the disease. One advantage of this home remedy is that, unlike antibiotics, the bacteria do not develop resistance. Other opinions attribute the healing effect to the potassium content and alkaline effect. Potatoes, for example, have a neutralizing effect on gastric juices. The starch they contain may also be a factor in this effect, acting as an antacid.
The recommended dosage varies depending on the intensity and frequency of the symptoms. If heartburn occurs primarily in the morning and evening, the symptoms can be alleviated with 50-100 ml of the juice. You can also use this as a course of treatment. Drink approximately 50 ml before meals on an empty stomach for a period of three weeks. During pregnancy, you should consume only small amounts of the juice or avoid it altogether.
Recipe for potato juice
You can easily make the juice yourself. All you need is a juicer or slow juicer and four raw potatoes. Peel them carefully and remove any green or brown spots and germs. Then place the peeled potatoes in the juicer. Drink the juice immediately after juicing, as this will retain all of its important nutrients. Furthermore, if it's left standing for too long, it will oxidize and become bitter.
Nutritional information about potatoes
Per 100g, raw potatoes contain 1.7g of protein, 0.3g of fat, 16g of carbohydrates, and 2.1g of sugar. They also contain vitamins C, B1, and B2, as well as niacin, vitamins B5, and B6. The minerals primarily include calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Conclusion
Heartburn can be a source of great suffering, and there may also be a more serious underlying condition. Therefore, it's important to determine the underlying cause. To combat the symptoms, you have a range of natural and medicinal solutions, as well as the time-tested natural remedy of potato juice. This is quick to make with a juicer and is considered free of side effects. Before resorting to other therapies, you should definitely try these options, as they have been proven effective for more than 100 years and support your body naturally.
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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