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We all know that heartburn is a common problem but many of us may be a little puzzled at those who complain of heartburn pains. Is heartburn really painful or just an annoying irritation? The answer is “yes” to both questions. Heartburn is definitely an annoying irritation but it can also be classified as painful. If you are among those who have never experienced the painful side of heartburn consider yourself fortunate. Heartburn pains are frequently so severe that they are confused with a heart attack. It is not uncommon for someone to end up in the ER fearing that their heart is the source of their pain only to discover that their problem was simply heartburn. To be clear, if you are experiencing severe pain in your chest then you should seek medical help. Don’t be embarrassed at a heartburn diagnosis. Better safe than sorry. Moreover, severe heartburn can be a warning sign of a more serious problem. So it is vitally important to see a physician. Heartburn has absolutely nothing to do with the heart. No doubt heartburn takes its name from the region from which we experience pain and discomfort. Heartburn emanates from the diaphragm and spreads into the chest cavity. Often times the pressure and pain from behind the breastbone can be excruciatingly painful and you are desperate for relief. Heartburn pains frequently come at night AFTER we have fallen asleep. Suddenly and without warning, acid reflux erupts like a volcano, sending gastric acid into the esophagus which produces a painful burning sensation in the throat and a vile taste in the mouth. Then comes coughing and choking as the acid pools in your throat. Within minutes you are rummaging through the medicine cabinet for an antacid or drinking water to try to put a stop to the pain. When heartburn escalates to the point of reflux you may find yourself trying to get some sleep while sitting upright in a chair for fear that the reflux will return. So what’s the best thing you can do to get relief? More importantly, what can you do to stop heartburn pains once and for all? First and foremost, do you need to lose weight? The leading cause for severe heartburn is obesity. Undoubtedly you have seen the frightening statistics on obesity in our generation. If you are overweight, and odds are that you are, the number one thing that you can do to rid yourself of the heartburn curse is to lose weight. Yes, there are over the counter meds but they only provide a temporary fix. Your doctor can prescribe pharmaceuticals that can help but even they fall short of providing you with the healing that you need. True enough, there are natural remedies, but even they fall short. If obesity is a reality for you then the only way that you can really get heartburn under control is to do that one thing that you should have done a long time ago. Lose weight! Not only will you need to diet…you will also need to change what you eat. Fatty, greasy, and fried foods are definitely off the list. In fact, they are among the leading causes of your obesity and your heartburn. It’s like playing “Heartburn Double Jeopardy.” Spicy and acidic foods must also be avoided. Out are carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, and (sorry to say) chocolate. I know, we have all read how chocolate is supposed to be good for you. That may well be true but chocolate contributes to your heartburn problem. Probably the reason that so many of us suffer from heartburn is because we don’t really want to do the one thing that will fix the problem. Lose weight. Richard Weirich co-hosts the internationally popular Health at Last Radio and has written numerous publications on heartburn, acid reflux, weight loss, health, and wellness. For more articles on controlling heartburn click here and you can also visit the author's website here.
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