How do you stop heartburn?

[dharani0022]

In order to assist digestion, the stomach produces a very strong acid called hydrochloric acid. We are normally unaware of this since the stomach is designed to withstand this acid. However, the esophagus or swallowing tube is not so protected. If acid escapes back from the stomach into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux), it irritates or damages it. We experience heartburnwhen reflux – the back-flow of stomach contents – occurs. To prevent this reflux, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a band of muscles at the lower end of the esophagus acts like a gate or valve. It permits food to pass down, and then closes to prevent gastric contents from coming back up (Figure One).

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