What are Heartburn and Acid Reflux?
The feeling of heartburn (also called pyrosis) is caused by acid burning the lower part of the gullet (through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach). The pain can be felt in the chest and often radiates to up to the neck.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) separates the gullet from the stomach and normally relaxes to allow to food to enter the stomach. If the sphincter relaxes for some other reason, the contents of the stomach including the gastric acid can enter the gullet. This is know as reflux and may eventually turn into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Foods know to aggravate or cause heartburn/acid reflux include:
- Spicy and fatty foods
- Citrus fruits
- Chocolate and sugar-based products
- Tea, coffee and alcohol