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Heartburn and acid reflux disease are the same.
Myth.
Although not one in the same, acid reflux disease and heartburn do share a cause-and-effect relationship. Heartburn—the burning discomfort that is generally felt in the chest just behind the breastbone—is actually a common symptom of a larger problem: acid reflux disease. Acid reflux happens when the natural valve that is supposed to keep the powerful digestive acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus relaxes and allows acid to pass through. This "reflux," or backward flow of acid into the esophagus, is what causes heartburn.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, there are things you can do to help control acid reflux disease, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals. Also, avoid lying down right after eating. Keep in mind that coffee, alcohol, fried and fatty foods, peppermint, citrus fruits, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar can increase the level of acidity or irritate the esophagus directly.
The articles on this website are not intended to provide you with health or medical advice; only your health care professional can do that. Please consult your health care professional before beginning any health-related program. Health Expressions is paid for and sponsored by Oral-B®, Crest®, Vicks®, Prilosec OTC®, Metamucil®, Pepto-Bismol®, and PUR®.
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