Common heartburn may indicate serious problems in the body and serve as a significant reason for a doctor's visit. However, first and foremost, one wants to get rid of it as soon as possible or at least alleviate the discomfort. There is a way.
Food passes into the stomach through the esophagus, at the end of which there is a valve. It allows food to pass in only one direction, after which it closes. Then, gastric juice comes into play, which digests the food.
When the valve allows some food to return back into the esophagus for any reason, heartburn occurs. If this happens regularly, it may indicate serious problems in the body.
According to Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Manchester (England) Peter Worrell, if pain and/or burning in the chest after eating occurs frequently and lasts for a long time, one should consult a doctor immediately. To improve well-being and alleviate heartburn symptoms, the professor recommends drinking a glass of milk.
The scientist explained that the action of heartburn medications is based on sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate, which coat the walls of the esophagus and neutralize hydrochloric acid. Milk has similar properties and can temporarily relieve discomfort from heartburn.
The main factors provoking heartburn, Peter Worrell noted, are fatty and fried foods — fish, meat, potatoes, as well as butter and fast food. Such foods slow down digestion, increase pressure in the stomach, leading to the return of its contents into the esophagus, reports the Daily Mail.
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