Heartburn is a burning pain starting from behind the breastbone and ribs and radiating upwards towards the throat. Basically, heartburn is caused by hydrochloric acid spilling upward into the esophagus from the stomach. The lining of the esophagus, unlike that of the stomach, is not protected against acid. The acid, being corrosive, inflames and irritates the esophagus and causes the heartburn.

There is a one-way valve between the stomach and the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which seals the stomach and keeps the acid inside the stomach. Due to weak LES, relaxed LES or any other disease affecting the LES, the sphincter muscle allows acid to flow backwards into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

Foods that loosen or relax the LES include alcohol, citrus fruits, mint and chocolate. Foods that are acidic and irritate the esophagus directly are citrus fruit juice, tomato and spicy foods. Foods that increase the acid secretion in the stomach include caffeine beverages or carbonated beverages, alcohol, fatty foods, spicy foods, raw onions, garlic, black pepper and vinegar.

Pressure on the stomach causes it to eject acid into esophagus. Overeating, certain exercises, tight clothes, bending down, and stomach fat due to excess weight or pregnancy are some factors which increase pressure on the stomach. The acid secretion is also increased through stress, smoking and the practice of going to bed immediately after eating. Aging is another factor that may relax the LES valve, thereby causing heartburn.

Heartburn can also be a symptom of conditions like gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), pregnancy, hiatal hernia, acid regurgitation, peptic ulcer, stomach emptying disorders, gastrointestinal motility disorder or even coughing too hard. Medications to treat respiratory problems, heart problems, blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression, insomnia, Parkinson's disease and cancer are also known to cause heartburn. The use of aspirin can also cause heartburn.

From the causes of heartburn, it can be clearly deduced that generally, heartburn can be avoided or lessened by effecting some lifestyle changes, like altering our food intake, exercising, avoiding smoking and intake of alcohol, changing sleeping habits and avoiding certain medications.

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