Health & WellbeingGeneralDo you suffer from heartburn?
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Do you suffer from heartburn?

By Melina - Assistant Editor Apr 26, 2019

Dyspepsia is an uncomfortable condition that often occurs at night

Dyspepsia, otherwise known as indigestion or heartburn, is a common disorder that can be managed without drugs.  Here we look at causes, lifestyle treatments and medication.

Reported as a burning feeling and discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen along with feeling nauseous and bloated, dyspepsia or heartburn is caused by stomach acid rising up and irritating the lining of the pipe that connects your stomach to your mouth known as the oesophagus.

Preventing indigestion and heartburn

There are lifestyle changes that can be made that may help with preventing dyspepsia which include:

  • quitting smoking
  • reducing caffeine
  • avoiding alcohol
  • keeping a healthy weight for your height (BMI)
  • eating smaller meals, more regularly to aid digestion
  • avoiding eating just before going to bed or late at night
  • being aware of foods that may aggravate heartburn (see below)

Foods to avoid

Diet is a major factor in causing dyspepsia and controlling it. Below is a list of foods which should be avoided:

  • spicy foods
  • foods high in fat (including ‘healthy’ fats such as nuts and avocados)
  • tomatoes
  • garlic and raw onions
  • chocolate
  • citrus juice
  • carbonated (fizzy) drinks
  • mint – often thought to soothe the gut may, in fact, cause heartburn

Foods to choose

Foods that may help with heartburn include:

  • green vegetables
  • bananas
  • oatmeal
  • melon
  • ginger

Does medication help?

Hand in hand with lifestyle changes, lansoprazole is often recommended by doctors.

Lansoprazole is a PPI (proton-pump inhibitor) and works by blocking the acid-secreting system (proton pump) in the cells of the stomach lining which in turn limits the amount of gastric acid produced. Other PPIs include esomeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole.

Another group of medications used to treat heartburn and acid reflux are H2 (histamin-2) blockers which include ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine and nizatidine. H2 blockers work by interfering with the chemical reaction that creates acid and so less is produced.

Antacids can also be purchased over the counter to treat heartburn and acid reflux but as they are not suitable for everyone it is important to consult with the pharmacist first.

If you have tried the lifestyle changes and foods to avoid as listed above and you are still suffering from heartburn then it is advised to make an appointment with your GP so the best treatment plan can be made for you.

Take a look at the article how to keep your gut healthy for more useful advice.

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Melina - Assistant Editor

Hi I'm Melina, a mother of 3 teenage children and with a particular interest in all things health related. I run a busy household and smallholding alongside my work with Silversurfers, which currently includes dogs, fish, hens, ducks and pigs!

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