Millions of people all over the world suffer from a condition called chronic heartburn. It can be so painful that many people dread eating a meal in fear of having heartburn afterwards. A person gets heartburn when the acid that forms in their stomach to aid in digestion travels back up their esophagus and occasionally their windpipe. The foods that you eat can make this condition worse but it is not the necessarily caused by food. The symptoms of chronic heartburn occur most often when you lie down or when you bend over. Sometimes you can be standing or sitting when it happens. Many people are awakened during the night with signs of heartburn and it can cause chest pains and make you feel as if you are choking.

Some of the foods and beverages that can relax the esophageal sphincter muscles and increase your risk of chronic heartburn include tomatoes, chocolate, fatty and fried foods, caffeine, citrus juices and alcohol. Although these and some other foods increase the risk of heartburn there are a number of other things that can contribute as well. For instance, eating and going straight to bed is a bad idea; you should wait at least three or four hours. Skipping meals is not a good idea because this contributes to overeating at your next meal. Overeating causes your stomach to form extra acid to help digest this food and that increases your risk of having chronic heartburn.

Did you know that if you wear tight clothing that you are putting pressure on your stomach and pressing the contents of your stomach towards your esophagus? This is definitely contributing to your condition. If you smoke tobacco this is also making your heartburn worse so it is suggested that you either quit or cut way back. If you are overweight those extra pounds are also putting pressure on your stomach. Start up an exercise plan to lose those extra pounds and you will begin to feel a lot better in more ways than one. At night when you go to bed, try elevating your head to eliminate or reduce waking up during the night with heartburn.

Different things can trigger chronic heartburn in different people, so it is important that you find out and avoid the things that cause your heartburn. If you are having a lot of problems with this condition and the suggestions above do not help, then you need to see your doctor. Leaving chronic heartburn untreated can cause more serious conditions to arise. Don’t let this happen to you, see your doctor and let him help you find ways to get your condition under control and improve your health.

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