FACTS of Link between Heartburn and Pregnancy

Heartburn is one of the symptoms that pregnant women experience the most. From different estimations, between 60% and 90% of pregnancies will include symptoms of heartburn at one moment or another. Heartburn and the associated condition can show themselves in different ways, such as indigestion, a sensation of pain and burning just below the breastbone and a sour after-taste in the throat.

When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) ceases to work properly, acids and gastric contents can get back into the esophagus. Infrequent heartburn may not be of great concern, but increased frequency can indicate a deeper, chronic condition called acid reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is the unwanted transmission of bile, digestive enzymes and acids that then generates heartburn. These substances transfuse back from the stomach to attack lining cells inside the esophagus. The LES should normally act as a valve to keep the gastric contents in the stomach, without them escaping backwards in a healthy body.

Acid reflux is brought on by many causes. They include:

1. Acid forming foods being eaten to excess: for example, eggs, liver and wine will worsen the problem. Other difficult foodstuffs are those that lead to Candida overgrowth, digestive problems or allergies. Particular examples are meat and dairy products.

2. Poor sleep hygiene can wreck your immune system. When this happens, many related problems can occur, including overgrowth of Candida, a non-reactive digestive system and a build-up of toxins. These are all contributing factors to acid reflux.

3. Excess body weight also puts pressure on the LES, forcing through more stomach juices and acids into the esophagus.

Pregnancy may be yet another factor leading to GERD. This is because pregnancy hormones have a relaxing effect on all muscle tissues that are smooth and that includes the LES. As an additional complication, the enlarging uterus can increase pressure on the abdominal area and therefore pressure on the LES to drive even more stomach acid into the esophagus. This is then coupled with other problems such as indigestion, constipation and bloating during pregnancy. A digestive process that slows and becomes sluggish will also indirectly worsen acid reflux.

Pregnancy and GERD simultaneously makes it difficult to handle the problem, as many drugs present potential risk for women who are pregnant. Any drugs that are permitted for pregnant women can also have certain unwanted secondary effects and are therefore not to be suggested either.

Did anyone tell you that pregnant women can get immediate alleviation from heartburn and cure a fundamental condition of acid reflux by opting for a holistic solution that treats the internal environment that was responsible for the GERD symptoms all along? The natural approach is the one to let you stop and prevent further heartburn in safety and with effectiveness.

Tags: frequent heartburn, causes for heartburn, pregnancy symptoms and heartburn