Heartburn

Overview

Heartburn, the burning sensation in the chest, can range from a mild nuisance to a significant disruption, particularly when it interferes with sleep. Women, due to factors such as age, stress, and hormonal changes, often experience more frequent sleep disturbances caused by heartburn. This lack of quality sleep can, in turn, exacerbate heartburn symptoms during the day.

It’s essential to understand the distinction between heartburn and reflux. Heartburn refers to the sensation of burning in the chest, while reflux describes the physical movement of stomach contents into the esophagus or mouth.  Some reflux is expected and normal and should not cause heartburn. Excessive or prolonged reflux can cause esophageal damage and is classified as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many of the upcoming therapies will be for heartburn related to normal or abnormal amounts of reflux, as some women can effectively manage heartburn without medication. 

Certain foods, especially those high in acid (pH 4.6 or lower), are common triggers for heartburn. Examples include tomatoes, citrus fruits, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. For women, these triggers can worsen symptoms, particularly when combined with other risk factors like stress or poor sleep. However, not all heartburn results from abnormal amounts of reflux—other underlying causes may contribute.

Proper sleep positioning can alleviate heartburn symptoms. Sleeping on the left side at a 45-degree angle helps prevent stomach contents from moving into the esophagus. Additionally, taking melatonin before bed may address age-related declines in production, strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, and reduce esophageal sensitivity to normal stimuli. Melatonin at night can help with gastroesophageal reflux and complement traditional therapies [6].

Weight loss, dietary changes, and brain-gut therapies are often highly beneficial. For example, losing 10% of body weight can significantly reduce symptoms and reliance on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Dietary changes like following a low-acid diet can help relieve heartburn symptoms. Supplements such as melatonin and B vitamins may also provide relief. Additionally, some people have heightened esophageal sensitivity, which can create a pain cycle that contributes to the perception of heartburn. Brain-gut therapies can help manage this by improving how individuals process and experience symptoms. Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH), a form of brain-gut therapy, is effective in alleviating symptoms of functional heartburn [8].

Other natural remedies can effectively alleviate symptoms. For instance, researchers believe deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) increases mucus production, protecting the esophagus and stomach lining from acid exposure. Ginger promotes stomach emptying, which reduces the likelihood of reflux and heartburn.

While many of these therapies above will work for heartburn, it is essential to remember that there are other causes besides GERD. Burning in the chest may stem from anxiety, stress, autoimmune disorders, or inflammatory processes. Proper evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause. Diagnosis often begins with a consultation and may include an endoscopy or other esophageal tests, such as pH or impedance monitoring.

Heartburn Causes

This list focuses on the root causes of heartburn in women. It does not cover all possible mechanisms or causes of these symptoms and does not represent a comprehensive differential diagnosis for any disease.

• Anxiety
• Cardiovascular disease
• Dietary Triggers
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Esophageal sensitivity
• Food allergy
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (Acidic)
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (Non-acidic)
• Hiatal Hernia
• Lower esophageal sphincter weakness
• Lying Down After Eating
• Medications
• Obesity
• Overeating
• Pregnancy
• Slow gastric emptying
• Smoking
• Stress

Signs & Symptoms

• Bad breath
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Burning in the chest
• Burping
• Chest pain
• Chronic Cough
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
• Erosion of Tooth Enamel or Bad Breath
• Erosions of teeth
• Excessive Belching or Burping
• Feeling of a Lump in the Throat (Globus Sensation)
• Heartburn (Burning Sensation in the Chest)
• Hoarseness or Sore Throat
• Nausea
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Regurgitation
• Refluxing
• Trouble swallowing
• Upper endoscopy with ulcers or rings
• Upset stomach
• Mucus on toilet paper (indicating hemorrhoid flare)

GutsyRx Treatments For Heartburn

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