Why does heartburn occur?

Heartburn is not just an unpleasant sensation, it is a signal that the well-coordinated digestive system has failed. It occurs when stomach contents, saturated with hydrochloric acid, get back into the oesophagus. Since the mucous membrane of the oesophagus is not designed for such “aggression”, chemical irritation occurs, which we feel as burning.

Discomfort “Main red flags”

Red flag 1 Weak sphincter

Between the oesophagus and the stomach there is a muscular ring (sphincter). Normally it works as a one-way valve. But after overeating, because of carbonated drinks or excess weight, it may relax and let acid up.
Red flag 2 Acid excess

Certain products (coffee, citrus, chocolate, hot spices) stimulate the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid than is needed to digest a portion of food.
Red flag 3 Pressure from inside

Tight clothes, lying down right after lunch or physical activity after eating create excessive pressure on the stomach, literally squeezing its contents out.

Our advice How to help the body?

Advice 1 Neutralisation

Using antacids allows aggressive acid to be turned into water and mineral salts.
Advice 2 Eating discipline

Following the rule “do not lie down for an hour after eating” and avoiding overly large portions significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.

Do you know? Acid that dissolves metal

The hydrochloric acid in your stomach is so powerful that it could theoretically dissolve even a razor blade. So why does the stomach not digest itself? The secret is a special protective layer of mucus that is renewed every few days. But the oesophagus has no such “body armour”. That is why even a small amount of gastric juice causes such severe pain — for the oesophagus it is a real chemical burn.