We hope you enjoy our special feature Health Pulse a special section supported and researched by some of Canada's leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. Take the time to read and to learn more about the prevention and management of heart disease, stomach disorders and osteoarthritis.
When your heart's burning... and it's not from yearning.
How do you deal with heartburn?
Heartburn affects different people in different ways. That painful burn can be brought on by spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fruit juices, chocolate, or even stress.
So how do you deal with it? Avoid the foods you love? Suffer? Take antacids? Or, have you tried the new class of heartburn drugs called acid controllers?
Let's take a look at what causes heartburn, and your choices for dealing with it.
What causes heartburn?
Heartburn symptoms can occur when acid moves up from the stomach and into the food pipe (called the esophagus). It's normal for the stomach to produce acid, but sometimes too much acid is produced. Some foods, beverages and activities can stimulate the production of stomach acid and weaken the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus.
The result is that burning feeling of heartburn.
Besides the obvious pain and discomfort, heartburn can be disruptive to everyday activities. Whether you're enjoying an afternoon with the family, or just trying to get a good night's sleep, heartburn can come between you and the more important things in your life.
What can you do?
The best way to deal with heartburn is to make lifestyle changes that can help you avoid the obvious triggers. The "How to Avoid Heartburn" section on this page provides some helpful advice.
But avoiding heartburn isn't always possible. You can't always predict what will trigger it. Some situations simply can't be avoided. And maybe you just don't want to resist the foods you love!
Antacids relieve heartburn
Traditionally, Canadians have treated heartburn with antacids. Antacids work by neutralizing existing stomach acid. Excess acid continues to be produced and, therefore, another dose of antacids may be required to neutralize the acid again and again. So, although antacids are effective, redosing may be necessary.