Despite the name, heartburn isn't a condition of the heart but is associated with a burning feeling in your chest that occurs when stomach acids flow back up into your oesophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. The discomfort can range from mild to a sharp sensation, which may also result in pressure or tightness in your chest or a sour or acidic taste in your mouth.
Many factors can cause or trigger heartburn. Some people even complain that milk, which is a widely popular drink, also worsens heartburn. But is the claim true? We asked an expert.
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Common Heartburn Triggers
Dr Sanjay Bhat, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, says, “Heartburn is caused when you consume more coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods.”
“It leads to a burning sensation that originates from the chest and spreads towards the throat. It is very common and mainly occurs after taking meals in the evening or while lying down and can last for several hours,” he adds.
Usually, people who diet or fast may experience heartburn very frequently. Medical conditions like hiatal hernia can also increase the risk of heartburn, according to the doctor.
Can Milk Worsen Heartburn?
Heartburn that occurs frequently is also a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) which occurs in 13.98% of the adult population worldwide, according to a study published in BMC Gastroenterology.
Finding its underlying causes and triggers is of utmost importance.
As far as milk is concerned, Dr Bhat says that some people find temporary relief from heartburn by consuming milk. However, it depends on the type of milk consumed.
“Whole milk comes with 2% fat, which can provoke acid reflux, is one of the most common triggers for heartburn, and can even worsen the symptoms,” he says.
He adds, “Milk substitutes like soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, and rice milk can be healthy alternatives for people who experience heartburn after consuming any dairy products.”
These substitutes can make you feel better, as they are made out of nuts and other plant materials; they provide the benefits of fibre and less animal fat.
Also Read: GERD: Foods That Trigger Acid Reflux and Heartburn
On Managing Heartburn
You can treat heartburn with minor changes to your lifestyle, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight by eating a nutrient-dense, balanced diet.
- Quit smoking or using tobacco in all its forms, as nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
- Avoid chewing gum, as it increases the amount of air swallowed.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating, and avoid late-evening snacks.
- Do not wear tight clothes or bend over after eating.
- Stick to small, frequent portions of meals; avoid overeating.
If lifestyle modifications do not fix the problem, you can always consult a medical practitioner, who can recommend the right course of treatment, which includes medications like antacids, alginates, histamine receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors, Dr Bhat concludes.