If you occasionally experience heartburn, you’re not alone. About 60 million people have heartburn at least once a month. So what do you think triggers heartburn? Stress? Spicy, greasy foods? They certainly can. But there are other culprits you may not be aware of.
Peppermint is usually thought to soothe an upset stomach. But if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peppermint can cause heartburn. Those with GERD experience heartburn more often than others because their stomach contents leak into and irritate the esophagus. The menthol of peppermint, which is known to soothe, can actually do its job too well - relaxing the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach. When that valve relaxes, stomach acids can enter the esophagus and lead to heartburn.
Plenty of people take fish oil in pill form - and for good reason. Its omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes; breast, colon and prostate cancer; and depression. It can also help relieve arthritic symptoms. However, the oil can upset your stomach and lead to heartburn.
Medications are another culprit. Prescriptions such as antibiotics, high blood pressure medication, sedatives, osteoporosis drugs and albuterol can cause heartburn in some people. So can ibuprofen. If you think your medication is causing heartburn it’s best to inform your physician.
Recent research indicates that overweight, premenopausal women are also more likely to have heartburn. Researchers believe chemicals released by fat, excessive fat in the abdomen and poor diet may be the causes.
Smoking is also a factor. It can weaken the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus. It can also reduce your body’s natural acid-fighting defenses by decreasing the amount of saliva you produce to wash out acids from your esophagus.
And then there is the genetic factor. If heartburn or GERD runs in your family, visit your physician to see what diet and exercise changes you can make to prevent these conditions.
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