Heartburn happens when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) becomes weak and stomach acid is forced up the esophagus thus causing burning sensation.

There are several causes of heartburn. The food you eat is the most common factor. Drinking coffee, tea, soda and other drinks that contain caffeine will weaken the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and cause the stomach acid to reflux.

Spicy, fatty and greasy foods are slower to digest because they strain the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).

Eating spaghetti can also trigger heartburn. Tomatoes, tomato juices and sauces calm the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). You can still eat pasta dishes, just make sure it doesn’t have the red sauce.

Drinking orange, lime or lemon juice also triggers heartburn. These citrus fruits relax the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).

Milk and dairy products take more time to digest and stays longer in the stomach which stimulates acid production.

Beverages with alcohol content also relax the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and increase production of acid in the stomach. You might want to get rid of the stock beer and liquor in your fridge to avoid temptation.

Don’t be tempted to eat chocolate. Chocolate makes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relax.

Food is not the only cause of heartburn. Cigarette smoking causes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) to fail.

Eating a midnight snack can also trigger heartburn. Since you are lying down, food in your stomach will be forced up to the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).

Wearing tight fitting clothes like girdles, corsets and belts squeezes the stomach and causes the food to reflux into the esophagus.

Tough exercises can force your stomach and LES (lower esophageal sphincter) to go into spasm. Avoid exercise after meals.

If you are suffering from other illnesses, ask your doctor if the medicines you are taking can trigger heartburn.

Want to find out more about Heartburn, then visit Andrew Benford’s site Heartburn Safe Foods to help.

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