Heartburn? Lose Weight for Relief

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It can be a very uncomfortable and even painful experience. While there are many different factors that can contribute to heartburn, one of the most common is being overweight or obese.

Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and intestines, which can cause the stomach to produce more acid. This acid can then reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn. In addition, being overweight or obese can also increase the risk of developing a hiatus hernia, which is a condition in which the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm. Hiatus hernias can also lead to heartburn.

If you are overweight or obese and experiencing heartburn, losing weight can be an effective way to relieve your symptoms. Even a modest amount of weight loss can make a big difference. For example, losing just 10% of your body weight can reduce your risk of heartburn by up to 50%.

In addition to losing weight, there are a number of other things you can do to relieve heartburn, including:

* Eating smaller meals more frequently

* Avoiding foods that trigger your heartburn

* Elevating your head and shoulders when you sleep

* Avoiding alcohol and caffeine

* Taking over-the-counter medications to reduce stomach acid

If your heartburn is severe or does not improve with lifestyle changes, you may need to see a doctor. There are a number of prescription medications that can be used to treat heartburn.

Losing weight can be a challenging but rewarding way to relieve heartburn and improve your overall health. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about how to safely and effectively lose weight.