Heartburn is a kind of burning sensation felt on the chest area close to the heart which is caused by gastro-esophageal reflux or backflow from the stomach moving upward towards the esophagus. The symptoms of heartburn can often be mistaken by a heart attack, that is why some people would panic and rush themselves to the hospital and seek treatment for heart disease. Although the word ‘heart’ is part of the word heartburn, it is not an issue on the coronary system or heart organ itself. This health problem is focused on the stomach area where digestion of food is taken into consideration. In medical terms, heartburn is also known as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Such health problem can be properly diagnosed and treated with the right kind of medicines. Heartburn is not that serious when experienced occasionally, however when it occurs persistently then further medical intervention is needed. It is just a matter of being compliant to proper food and medicine intake.
It is indeed important to know, what causes heart burn and what types of food are not good for people with such disease. Basically, heartburn is caused by an underactive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which does not tighten up or close as it should. There are two things that contribute to LES – first is overeating or too much food entering the stomach and second is too much pressure put into the stomach such as that of pregnancy or obesity.
Lifestyle can also worsen GERD. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol intake, stress, caffeinated drinks, and spicy foods. Stress free lifestyle is subjective and can be controlled with proper management of time and other stress related variables. There is no alternative for smoking but to simply quit. Professional and medical assistance is needed especially for chain or habitual smokers. Drinking, smoking, and coffee have no place at all during pregnancy as it may hamper normal fetal development. For all other types of drinkers, moderate alcohol intake is suggested. Wine for example even poses health benefits as it promotes normal blood flow and helps alleviate heart palpitations. Caffeine as well, in regular measures only had been studied to be an effective antioxidant.
With focus on spicy foods, not only life style affects the absence or presence of it because some cultures live with these kinds of foods as part of their daily meal habit. These are used as appetizers or actual meals. Spicy cooking is enhanced by condiments and special spices such as peppers and powdered ingredients. Red and bell peppers are common in most meals; Jalapeno is used for Mexican treats; Indian food goes well with Curry powder; and other powders used by spice loving countries like chili, cumin, Cajun, paprika and cayenne.
While some people love the taste of hot and spicy food, it is important to know if it still safe to eat cayenne pepper when you are experiencing heartburn. Yes. It is indeed safe to eat cayenne pepper even if you have heartburn as long as the content is at a minimal amount. It only becomes unsafe when it is taken in huge amounts. Aside from cayenne pepper, there are also spices that belong to the same family such as jalapenos, bell pepper and others; all these must be taken in control.
If you wish to continue, eating foods that cause heartburn it is advisable to at least reduce your intake. Take medical advice in order to be sure of a healthy diet and this will help you eradicate heartburn.
Looking to find the best ways to lose weight? Why not try the cayenne pepper diet and see whether you can lose 21 pounds too. You will be amazed at how cayenne pepper can help your body.