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What is heartburn?
After you eat or drink, it's normal for your stomach to produce acid to help digestion. However, habits such as eating too much or too fast, consuming spicy or fatty foods, and using alcohol and tobacco can result in the production of excess acid that can end up in the wrong place. The symptoms of excess stomach acid may include sour stomach, stomach upset (acid indigestion), or the burning sensation (heartburn) that starts in the stomach and moves up through the upper chest into the throat. Other indicators may be general discomfort and an unpleasant feeling of fullness. All these symptoms can interfere with everyday activities.
Normally, the food you eat is swallowed and passes through the esophagus into the stomach. A circular band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), then closes and prevents food and stomach juices from re-entering the esophagus. If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or becomes weakened, stomach acid can wash back up (reflux) into the esophagus and cause irritation, with the resulting symptoms of heartburn. A number of factors can influence the frequency and severity of acid reflux, including the ability of the LES muscle to open and close properly, the type and amount of stomach juices that flow back into the esophagus, the ability of the stomach to empty properly, the clearing action of the esophagus, and the acid-neutralizing effect of saliva.
What can relieve heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when acid moves from its natural place in the stomach to where it does not belong, that is, up into the
food pipe or esophagus, causing burning pains under the breastbone or at the bottom of the esophagus. Relief is
possible by both natural and artificial means. In many cases, acid indigestion and heartburn can be reduced in
frequency or even stopped altogether by simple changes in diet and lifestyle. The following are general measures that
may help reduce the incidence of reflux:
- Do not lie down right after eating or within two to three hours of bedtime.
- Elevate the head of the bed four to six inches.
- Lose weight if overweight.
- Stop smoking.
- Instead of large meals, eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid:
- Chocolate
- Coffee and alcohol
- Fried and fatty foods
- Mint products (i.e., peppermint, spearmint)
- Carbonated beverages and citrus fruits or juices
- Tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar
- Aspirin and most pain medicines (other than acetaminophen).
While these measures often prove very effective, at times some consumers feel they must resort to the use of antacids or acid controllers, including:
Antacids that work by neutralizing acid in the stomach on contact, providing fast, soothing relief within minutes. Over-the-counter antacids are widely available and can be found in liquid or tablet form. They may generally be taken as needed to relieve most heartburn symptoms quickly. Because antacids are short-acting and do not prevent heartburn, they are less useful for frequent or severe heartburn than are some other methods.
Acid Reducers, also known as acid controllers, that reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. These preparations go directly to the source of the stomach acid and inhibit acid production, the underlying cause of heartburn and acid indigestion. By lowering the rate of acid being released into the stomach before a meal, acid reducers can also prevent symptoms of heartburn. Relief by means of acid reducers can last for up to 12 hours. Some of these compounds are available over the counter, but the most potent, longest acting medications are available only by prescription.
Most people with heartburn can be successfully treated with lifestyle and dietary modifications or with medication. If
you suffer occasional heartburn, Cell Tech’s new product Contain may provide just the relief that you need. Unlike
common antacids and acid reducers, Contain is designed with a combination of all-natural ingredients that help keep
stomach acid where it belongs in the first place.* Rather than being neutralized or controlled, stomach acid is
‘contained.’ The antacid effect is minimal, in fact far less than that of over-the-counter preparations, and this is a
good thing. Contain is a natural and effective way to manage occasional heartburn.*
Ultimately, as with any health issue it is up to you to decide the best course of action. At times it may be necessary to consult with a physician, alternative health care practitioner, or nutritionist to determine the best course of treatment should heartburn become a serious health concern.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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