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Causes Of Indigestion
Causes Of Severe Heartburn
Chronic Heartburn
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Heartburn Drugs Linked to Hip Fractures in Women
Postmenopausal women with a history of smoking who take heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for two years or longer may be more likely to sustain a hip fracture.
FDA Panel Backs New Device for Chronic Heartburn
An implantable device to treat chronic, severe acid reflux disease has moved one step closer to approval.
Study: Acid Reflux Prevalence Increasing
The prevalence of weekly heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux rose by almost 50% over the last decade, according to one of the largest studies ever to examine the issue.
Are Acid Reflux Drugs Overused?
Many people who take popular antacid pills like Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix don't need them, according to a series of studies presented here at the American College of Gastroenterology's annual meeting.
Men, Women May Experience Acid Reflux Differently
Men and women experience symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux differently, a new study shows.
Barrett's Esophagus May Be Less Risky Than Thought
People with Barrett's esophagus, a complication of heartburn and acid reflux disease, are at risk of developing a deadly kind of cancer at much lower rates than doctors previously believed, a new study shows.
Some Acid Reflux Drugs Linked to C. diff
The popular class of acid reflux medication that includes Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix is associated with an increased risk of diarrhea caused by the bug Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
Heartburn, Reflux Seen in 9/11 Survivors
Many people who were exposed to the dust cloud after the terror attacks on Sept 11, 2001, may have developed lasting heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
New Genetic Clues to Esophageal Diseases
Researchers have discovered three genetic mutations that may play a role in the development of esophageal diseases, a study shows.

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading causes of severe heartburn articles and products to help you on your way to success.

What Causes Heartburn
By Cindy Heller
Otherwise healthy people often wonder what the causes for heartburn are when burning sensations are felt in the chest area; especially when lying down or bending forward. This sensation starts from the breastbone and seems to travel up along the neck and throat. Often times, sufferers will complain that the contents of the stomach - food and liquids - seem to be heading back up. They may also report a sour or bitter aftertaste in the mouth during a heartburn episode.

The most likely causes for heartburn are the foods and drinks taken during a meal. Over 90% of heartburn or acid reflux sufferers can attest to this fact. Understanding which types of foods or drinks have a higher likelihood of contributing to heartburn goes a long way to either minimizing or avoiding the pain and discomfort. Controlling the intake of these foods and drinks may prevent the painful conditions from recurring in the future.


The LES' (lower esophageal sphincter) function is to keep the stomach's contents out of the esophagus. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea tend to relax the LES. When the LES is relaxed, it fails to keep all of the stomach's contents intact. Some of the acidic contents push back into the esophagus leading to the burning sensation of heartburn.

Apart from caffeinated drinks; alcoholic drinks and foods like chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products are also main causes for heartburn. They similarly relax the LES and the resultant acid reflux sears the esophageal walls causing heartburn. In addition, fatty foods and the effects of smoking weaken the LES and the loss of pressure causes some of the acidic contents to escape into the esophagus - again causing heartburn.

Heartburn: A Medical Perspective

The LES is a critical factor in the discussion regarding the causes for heartburn. When the LES is functioning properly, the valve opens up momentarily when food and drink arrive from the esophagus above. When the LES is impaired it fails to keep all of the contents of the stomach in. This condition is referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) by doctors. People who suffer from GERD may experience varying levels of discomfort. Although there

Heartburn Drugs Linked to Hip Fractures in Women
Postmenopausal women with a history of smoking who take heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for two years or longer may be more likely to sustain a hip fracture.
FDA Panel Backs New Device for Chronic Heartburn
An implantable device to treat chronic, severe acid reflux disease has moved one step closer to approval.
Study: Acid Reflux Prevalence Increasing
The prevalence of weekly heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux rose by almost 50% over the last decade, according to one of the largest studies ever to examine the issue.
Are Acid Reflux Drugs Overused?
Many people who take popular antacid pills like Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix don't need them, according to a series of studies presented here at the American College of Gastroenterology's annual meeting.
Men, Women May Experience Acid Reflux Differently
Men and women experience symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux differently, a new study shows.
Barrett's Esophagus May Be Less Risky Than Thought
People with Barrett's esophagus, a complication of heartburn and acid reflux disease, are at risk of developing a deadly kind of cancer at much lower rates than doctors previously believed, a new study shows.
Some Acid Reflux Drugs Linked to C. diff
The popular class of acid reflux medication that includes Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix is associated with an increased risk of diarrhea caused by the bug Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
Heartburn, Reflux Seen in 9/11 Survivors
Many people who were exposed to the dust cloud after the terror attacks on Sept 11, 2001, may have developed lasting heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
New Genetic Clues to Esophageal Diseases
Researchers have discovered three genetic mutations that may play a role in the development of esophageal diseases, a study shows.

are several factors that may trigger heartburn, these same factors may contribute to the excessive production of acids in the stomach. Coupled with a weak LES and subjecting the stomach to additional stresses - dressing in tight clothes or lying down right after heavy meals - may bring on heartburn. In summary, the causes of heartburn are largely dependent on one's dietary and lifestyle choices.

Many Cures For Heartburn Are Readily Available

Humans have been searching for a cure for heartburn since ancient times. This common malady has been often treated with natural remedies passed down the generations. Sensible lifestyle choices regarding food and drink selections and combinations and when heavy meals are taken can reduce the onset of heartburn. Although the occasional heartburn is discomforting and largely harmless, chronic sufferers will need to seek medical attention.

A common and natural cure for heartburn is fennel tea. The relief from heartburn by consuming fennel tea should be rather quick. Fennel is also a key ingredient in many medications developed to treat heartburn.

No single cure for heartburn is effective for all patients. Patients tend to react differently to a variety of medications - some medications work for some and not for others. Some experimentation under medical guidance might be necessary to find a cure for heartburn. While medical options are being considered, it would be sensible to make some lifestyle changes. These changes will not cure heartburn, but they will minimize their onset and intensity of heartburn.

Discovering a cure for heartburn may involve understanding the triggers that cause heartburn and making an effort to avoid those triggers. After ensuring that one is not allergic to acid reduction medicaments, taking an antacid may be a simple cure for heartburn.

What the typical American consumes today are foods laden in unhealthy fats and low in plant fiber. A diet rich in leafy vegetables and avoiding tomatoes which are highly acidic, may be a simple cure for heartburn. Dietary changes have proven to be useful in the treatment of heartburn. In conjunction with suitable medications relief from heartburn can be achieved.
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit herbal heartburn remedies to learn more about natural cure for heartburn and foods that cause heartburn.

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Acid Reflux Recipes - Enjoy & Share Your Own
<p>Do you have some favorite recipes but think you can't enjoy them any longer because of your acid reflux? The good news is that you can, with a few changes. Substituting heartburn-producing ingredients with those that don't give you problems, without losing the flavor, can be quite simple.</p> <p>You can enjoy these <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/heartburnfreerecipes/tp/Acid-Reflux-Recipes.htm" target="_blank">acid reflux recipes</a>, and you can share your own favorite heartburn-friendly recipes.</p> <p><strong>Related Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm">Safe Foods for Heartburn Sufferers</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods2.htm">Foods Okay in Moderation</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods3.htm">Foods Heartburn Sufferers Should Avoid</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm">Why Certain Foods Can Cause Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm">Meal Planning Tips to Prevent Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/schoollunches.htm">Heartburn-free School Lunches</a></li> </ul>
Creating Your Acid Reflux Diet
<p>There is a significant amount of debate going on between researchers and other professionals as to whether certain foods can cause heartburn. Granted, if you don't have an underlining condition that leaves you open to chronic heartburn, what you eat may not be a big deal. But if you are like me, there are certain foods that will trigger heartburn.</p> <p>Over the last couple of decades I've learned what my food triggers are, and what foods are safe for me to eat. If you are still struggling with the whole food / heartburn link, or if you want to know how you can help your friend or loved one suffering from chronic heartburn, you can use this <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/Acid-Reflux-Diet.htm" target="_blank">acid reflux diet guide</a> to help you get started with creating your heartburn free diet.</p> <p><strong>Related Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/l/bl_hrtbrnrecord.htm" target="_blank">Heartburn Diary</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm" target="_blank">Why Some Foods Cause Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm" target="_blank">Foods Least Likely to Cause Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/heartburnfreerecipes/tp/Acid-Reflux-Recipes.htm" target="_blank">Acid Reflux Recipes</a></li> </ul>
Living Well with GERD: Watch What You Eat
<p>One of the leading triggers of heartburn is the food we eat. Since we all have to eat, we need ways to prevent food from causing heartburn. This involves making wise food choices.</p> <p>There are <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm">foods you should avoid if you suffer from heartburn</a>. Along with avoiding certain foods if they trigger your heartburn, there are some <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm">meal planning tips</a> to have you avoid heartburn.</p> <p>Everyone is different; what may be a heartburn trigger for someone else may be safe for you to eat, and what others can eat with no problems will cause you a lot of discomfort. For this reason it is important that you keep a food diary to determine which foods are problematic for you.</p> <p><strong>Related resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm">Foods with little risk of causing heartburn</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/heartburnrecipehub.htm">Heartburn friendly recipes</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/bb/heartburneatout.htm">Dining out without heartburn</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/nohrtbrnpicnic.htm">Heartburn-free picnics</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/schoollunches.htm">Heartburn-free school lunches</a> </li> </ul>
Book Review: Healthy Digestion the Natural Way
<p>This is my review of the book "<a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/gifts/fr/Book-Review-Healthy-Digestion-The-Natural-Way.htm" target="_blank">Healthy Digestion the Natural Way</a>" by D. Lindsey Berkson. If you have read this book, you can share thoughts on it by clicking on the Comments link below this post.</p> <p><strong>Related Information:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/notdiagnosedyet/a/050503.htm">Heartburn</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/knowaboutgerd.htm">GERD</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/understandingheartburn/ht/hiatalhernia.htm">Hiatal Hernias</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/pepticulcers/a/knowaboutulcers.htm">Peptic Ulcers</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/otherdigestivedisorder1/a/what_gallstones.htm">Gallstones</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/homeremedies.htm">Natural Remedies for Heartburn</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm">Dietary Changes for Treating Heartburn</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm">Lifestyle Modifications for Treating Heartburn</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/antacid1/a/needantacid.htm">Antacids</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/h2blockers.htm">H2 blockers</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/protonpumpPPIs.htm">Proton Pump Inhibitors</a> (PPIs)</li> </ul>
Book Review: Coping with Chronic Heartburn
<p>This is my review of the book "<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/gifts/fr/Book-Review-Coping-With-Chronic-Heartburn.htm">Coping with Chronic Heartburn</a>" by Elaine Fantle Shimberg. If you have read this book, you can share thoughts on it by clicking on the Comments link below this post.</p> <p><strong>Related Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/notdiagnosedyet/a/050503.htm">Heartburn</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/knowaboutgerd.htm">GERD</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/understandingheartburn/ht/hiatalhernia.htm">Hiatal Hernias</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/pepticulcers/a/knowaboutulcers.htm">Peptic Ulcers</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/infantschildrenandreflux/a/infantgerdguide.htm">GERD in Infants</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/infantschildrenandreflux/a/childgerdguide.htm">GERD in Children</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/pregnancyhrtbrn.htm">pregnancy and heartburn</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/longtimesufferer/a/a051103.htm">Barrett's esophagus</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/understandingheartburn/a/heartburn_myths.htm">Myths About Heartburn</a></li> </ul> <ul> </ul>
Share Your Stories About Living With Chronic Heartburn
<p>Living with heartburn that occurs&#160; two or more times a week isn't easy. There are times when it can be very disruptive to your life and livelihood if the heartburn can't be brought under control. Many of us have found ways, other than medication, to get our heartburn under control.</p> <p>Maybe you have learned how to prevent heartburn from occurring at night, or you know what foods cause you heartburn. You may have also learned how you can eat out without suffering from heartburn afterward.</p> <p>You can share your <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/dailylife/tp/Your-Stories-About-Living-With-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">stories about living with chronic heartburn here</a>. There are several opportunities to share your stories and tips, and to see what others have to say.</p>
Do You Have Barrett's Esophagus?
<p>Have you been diagnosed with <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/longtimesufferer/a/a051103.htm">Barrett's esophagus</a>? You can <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/u/sty/barrettsesophag2/barrettsesophagusstories/form.htm">share your experiences</a> with symptoms, what prompted you to go to your doctor, and how a diagnosis was made.</p> <p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/u/sty/barrettsesophag2/barrettsesophagusstories/form.htm">Share your story about living with Barrett's esophagus</a>!</p> <p><strong>Related resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/longtimesufferer/a/a051103.htm">What is Barrett's esophagus</a>?</li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/barrettsesophag2/qt/treatbarretts.htm">Treating Barrett's esophagus</a></li> <li> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/articles/a/esophaguscancer.htm">Complications of Barrett's esophagus - Esophageal Cancer</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Studies concerning Barrett's esophagus and / or esophageal cancer:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/b/2011/07/27/research-finds-genetic-link-to-barretts-esophagus-esophageal-cancer.htm" target="_blank">Research Finds Genetic Link to Barrett's Esophagus, Esophageal Cancer</a></li> <li> <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/b/2011/07/26/257017.htm" target="_blank">Higher Esophageal Cancer Risk in Patients with Fewest Symptoms?</a></li> <li> <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/b/2011/06/16/those-with-barretts-esophagus-at-lower-risk-of-cancer-than-previously-thought.htm" target="_blank">Those with Barrett's Esophagus at Lower Risk of Cancer Than Previously Thought</a></li> <li> <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/b/2011/05/29/improved-endoscopy-method-increases-detection-of-esophageal-pre-cancer.htm" target="_blank">Improved Endoscopy Method Increases Detection of Esophageal Pre-Cancer</a></li> </ul>
What Do You Wish Others Understood About GERD?
<p>What type of reaction have you gotten when you told someone you have GERD or acid reflux disease? Some of you have doubtless had someone, who may suffer from heartburn once a year, try to tell you they understand what you are experiencing. Or worse still, having someone tell you it's no big deal, pop an antacid and you'll be fine.</p> <p>Unfortunately, having a flare up with our GERD isn't just annoying. It can have a big impact on our lives. "Blakelylaw" describes it well:</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>"Those at a distance who are not familiar with the disease have no idea how debilitating a major attack can be and that it can take a few days for your body to recuperate afterwards &#038; get back to normal."</strong></p> <p>There are many aspects about living with GERD that non-sufferers don't understand. We often have to educate those around us.</p> <p>So, <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/u/ua/gerdacidrefluxdisease/What-Do-You-Think-Family-Friends-Should-Know-About-Gerd.htm" target="_blank">what do you wish others knew about living with GERD</a>. You can either leave your thoughts by clicking on the Comments link at the end of this post, or you can <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/u/ua/gerdacidrefluxdisease/What-Do-You-Think-Family-Friends-Should-Know-About-Gerd.htm" target="_blank">submit your reply here</a>.</p>
Avoid Heartburn While Traveling
<p>Warm weather, the open road, and the urge to get out of town - yes, vacation season is upon us. Traveling has many joys, but it can also be tough, particularly for people with heartburn. Unusual foods, eating on the run, and the overindulgence that often goes hand in hand with being on vacation can all contribute to a flare up of acid reflux disease. Combine that with the stress of jet lag and sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings, and you've got a recipe for putting the burn back into heartburn. However, by <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/dailylife/a/travel-hrtburn.htm">taking a few precautions when you travel</a>, you can have the vacation you dreamed of and leave your heartburn symptoms behind.</p>
Top GERD Treatments - Fundoplication Surgery
<p>Fundoplication is the standard surgical treatment for GERD. The purpose of the surgery is to reduce heartburn caused by acid reflux. For more information, check out the following resources:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/faq1/f/fundoplication.htm" target="_blank">What is Fundoplication Surgery?</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/faq1/f/fundotypes.htm" target="_blank">Types of Fundoplication Surgery</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/faq1/f/fundoperformed.htm" target="_blank">When Fundoplication Surgery is Performed</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/faq1/f/expectoffundo.htm" target="_blank">What to Expect After Fundoplication Surgery</a></li> </ul> <p>Have you had fundoplication surgery? You can share your experiences by clicking on the links below:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/u/sty/medicalprocedures/fundoplicationexperiences/" target="_blank">What Made You Decide to Have Fundoplication Surgery?</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/u/sty/medicalprocedures/wishyouknewaboutfundoplication/form.htm" target="_blank">What Do You Wish You Knew Before Your Fundoplication Surgery?</a></li> </ul>