What is heartburn?

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What is heartburn?

Despite its name, heartburn has to do with the heart. Some of the symptoms, however, are similar to those of a heart or heart disease.
Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach . This can create a burning discomfort in the upper abdomen or below the bone.
With gravity's help, a muscular valve called the esophageal sphincter, or LES, keeps stomach acid in the stomach. The LES is located where the esophagus meets the stomach - below the rib and slightly left of center. Normally it opens to allow into the stomach or to permit belching, then again. But if the LES opens too often or does not close tight , stomach acid can reflux, or seep, into the esophagus and cause the burning sensation.
Occasional heartburn isn't dangerous, but heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes lead to serious problems.

What causes heartburn?

The basic cause of heartburn is a lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, that doesn't tighten it should. Two excesses often contribute to this problem: too much food in the stomach (overeating) or too much on the stomach (frequently from obesity, pregnancy, or constipation). Certain foods commonly relax the LES, including tomatoes, citrus , garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, caffeinated products, and peppermint. Meals high in fats and oils (animal or vegetable) often to heartburn, as do certain medications. Stress and lack of sleep can increase acid and can cause heartburn. And smoking, relaxes the LES and stimulates stomach acid, is a major contributor.