subject: Heartburn Pregnancy - Keep Off Heartburn With Proper Diet [print this page] Heartburn, acid reflux, or other problems of acidity can cause an unpleasant and burning sensation in the area of the chest. The condition involves the escape of gastric juices from the stomach, up into the throat. This can cause severe irritation and inflammation to the lining of the throat. The chest pains that are caused by the same phenomenon are referred to as heartburn, and they are in no way related to any heart problem although the associated chest pain can cause a lot of worry to some.
Heartburn can be caused by a variety of correctible factors, but it can also be caused quite often as a consequence of pregnancy. It is not a serious cause for worry and will resolve naturally. The reason why it is so common during pregnancy is because of the release of progesterone, a pregnancy hormone that exercises a relaxing effect on the muscles. This means that it also causes a relaxation of the cardiac sphincter, which functions as a valve between the throat and the stomach. It normally prevents acidic fluids from escaping the stomach, but when lax this can happen more easily. The reduced space for the stomach in the abdominal cavity also contributes to the problem. The main concern here would be to make adjustments to your diet and lifestyle to compensate for and manage the condition without resorting to drugs that could harm your baby. Dietary measures are the most effective solution for heartburn.
Here are some tips to help you prevent or restrict heartburn during pregnancy-
*Substitute the usual two or three large meals with five or six smaller meals through the day. This will put less stress on the digestive system.
*Don't consume too much of fluid with your meals as they do utilize a lot more stomach space and also dilute the digestive juices, increasing the time needed for digestion.
*Maintain a good water intake through the rest of the day as this helps maintain hydration and will improve overall digestive activity.
*Reduce your intake of any foods that will cause higher levels of acidity. Fatty foods that are very heavy and rich, creamy or sugary will all cause heartburn. Citric fruits and juices can also contribute to the problem and it would be best to restrict your intake of tomatoes, raw onions, lemon, grapefruits, and oranges.
*Avoid consuming alcoholic, caffeinated or carbonated drinks, as they can all aggravate heartburn. Smoking is also a cause for heartburn.
*Keep track of your diet and observe what kind of foods affect your body so that you can identify triggers and take action.
*Improving the digestive functioning by eating smaller and at fixed times. Chew your food thoroughly and eat slower.
*Try not to eat soon before lying down or reclining, as the reclined posture makes it easier for the juices to flow up from the stomach.
*Probiotic curd, yogurt, and other such drinks can also help lessen the pressure significantly.
by: Kevin Pederson
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