Heartburn

Many people sometimes suffer from acid reflux after meals. What causes these acid refluxes and what can you do about them?

Stomach acid is made in the stomach to digest food. Stomach acid can also end up in the esophagus and cause a burning sensation because it is not neutralized there as it is in the stomach. The stomach acid enters the esophagus when the sphincter of the stomach does not work properly (e.g. in case of a ruptured stomach, if you are overweight or when lying down after a meal) or if too much stomach acid is produced (e.g. during stress or large meals).

You can prevent acid reflux by avoiding stress, avoiding anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, avoiding heavy protein-rich meals, avoiding too much coffee, not smoking and avoiding smoky places, avoiding too much alcohol and avoiding chocolate.

If acid reflux persists, a visit to the doctor is recommended. They can prescribe medicines that inhibit stomach acid production.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024