Everyday Habits You Didn't Know Cause Heartburn

It's fascinating how seemingly innocuous routines can sometimes have unexpected physiological consequences. Let's delve into ten such habits, exploring the mechanisms behind their potential link to that uncomfortable burning sensation. One common culprit, often overlooked, is the habit of eating large meals, especially in a short period. When you consume a substantial amount of food quickly, your stomach becomes significantly distended. This increased pressure can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular valve that normally prevents stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. A relaxed or overwhelmed LES allows gastric contents, including acid, to escape, leading to the characteristic symptoms of heartburn. Furthermore, larger meals stimulate the stomach to produce more acid to aid digestion, increasing the potential volume of reflux.