What Is Excess Stomach Acid Or Heartburn?
The esophageal sphincter muscle is located where the esophagus joins the stomach. This muscle relaxes after swallowing to allow passage of food through to the stomach, after which this muscle promptly closes. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) back-washes up to the esophagus due to the sphincter muscle either being weak or relaxing when it isn’t supposed to. The symptom of heartburn is a burning, tingling or painful feeling in the lower part of the chest, just below the breastbone, which may also extend upward. Food Triggers Experiencing a burning sensation in the esophagus is a symptom of heartburn if you have just eaten one of these food triggers: chocolate, soda, peppermint, coffee, fatty or fried foods, alcohol, black pepper, ketchup, mustard, orange juice, tomato sauce or vinegar. These foods and beverages can trigger heartburn in some people, as they can cause extra acidity that irritates the digestive system. Eliminate these foods from your diet, and see if t
