About Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. Normally, when you swallow, a band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (your lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then the muscle tightens and contracts again. If your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn.

Heartburn is a common condition that affects millions of people. A number of things can cause heartburn, like stress, spicy foods, acidic foods and beverages, overeating, and foods with a high fat content. It’s possible these things may cause stomach pain as well.

Gaviscon antacids are doctor recommended and can keep stomach acid down for hours.

Heartburn Prevention

When it comes to diet, it can be difficult to properly manage and prevent heartburn and acid reflux. Instead of avoiding certain foods altogether, try keeping track of what foods trigger heartburn for you and eating milder versions of those foods instead.

You can also try remaining upright after eating or laying on your left side while sleeping. Maintaining an active lifestyle by doing small things, like taking walks after eating, can have a positive impact on preventing heartburn.

Diet and Heartburn

When you think of heartburn triggers, you might think of spicy foods or highly acidic foods. But those aren't the only food-related heartburn triggers – things you eat and drink every day could contribute to your heartburn pain.

Heartburn can be caused by a variety of foods. Fatty foods, peppermint, and chocolate slow down the natural emptying of the stomach; this can cause stomach acid, placing pressure on the esophageal sphincter. Foods high in acid are likely to cause acid reflux symptoms, which can trigger heartburn, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.

Alcohol, like peppermint, opens up the esophageal sphincter and allows stomach acid to creep up into your esophagus. Carbonated beverages cause gastric distension, which places pressure on your esophageal sphincter. This also causes acid reflux, which can trigger heartburn.

Gaviscon Products

Gaviscon is available in both extra strength liquids and tablets. Gaviscon liquids come in Cherry and Cool Mint flavors and Gaviscon tablets come in Original and Cherry flavors.