Heartburn does in not in fact involve the heart but rather the oesophagus.The oesophagus a muscular tube whose function is to push the food or drink you swallow into your stomach.This is intended to be a one way action although stomach acid sometimes rises back up, causing the sensation we call heartburn.

Heartburn Symptoms often include burning or painful sensations in the upper chest behind the breastbone, a sour taste in the mouth, belching, coughing and difficulty sleeping after eating,

If you often suffer from heartburn,dont panic you are not alone,44% of adults have reported experiencing heartburn at least once a month and twenty-five percent of women have heartburn during their pregnancy. People are usually given a diagnosis of GERD when they have symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation at least once a week.

Occasional heartburn can be caused by eating chocolate or drinking coffee these relax the muscle known as the oesophageal sphincter or lying down after a meal the angle allows acid to escape. But a chronic heartburn can indicate acid reflux or gastroesohageal reflux disease GERD, a condition that occurs when the sphincter stops working properly.

Heartburn Relief Diet

Firstly Eat small, frequent meals and avoid overeating. A distended stomach increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter, making heartburn more likely.

Try to avoid or lessen eating food or drinking substances that we know can cause heartburn,particularly fats chocolate, cola drinks, coffee. Citrus fruits and tomatoes may also increase the risk of heartburn, especially when eaten before bedtime.

 Some people drink milk to ease heartburn. This is only a temporary fix. Milk actually increases acid levels after it reduces stomach acid.

Many people believe that tea and alcohol cause acid refluxor heartburn Two recently undertaken large studies in Norway with over 47,000 participants indicate that neither tea nor alcohol, in any quantity, affected them. Instead, researchers found that smoking daily for 20 years, or adding salt to foods for 20 years, were each linked to a 70% increased risk for heartburn.

Some foods which may help reduce or avoid heartburn include pineapple, brown rice, potatoes, beans, whole wheat pasta, yogurt, salmon, tuna, sunflower seeds, asparagus, mushrooms and Brazil nuts.

Over the counter antacids. If you use antacids regularly,they can contribute to many more serious problems including arthritis, asthma, depression, digestive problems, and osteoporosis. Antacids don't cure heartburn. They just treat the symptoms.

If you are overweight and even if you're not on a diet or exercise program,being active and Increaseing your energy levels will help  take pressure off the oesophageal muscular ring, helping to reduce heartburn Researchers found that people who swam or jogged for 30 minutes once a week were 50% less likely to suffer from the condition than inactive people were.

Remember if you are suffering regular heartburn attacks visit you doctor for the correct advice