What Is It?

Burning discomfort in the chest/throat/upper abdomen area after food.

What Causes It?

Stomach acid leaks upward from the stomach into the gullet (oesophagus) which can cause a sour taste, difficulty swallowing and heartburn symptoms – gastro oesophageal reflux disease can be when these symptoms are happening on a regular basis – see your GP if these symptoms are frequent.

The sphincter or tight muscular ring that lies at the bottom of the gullet and the beginning of the stomach can be affected by several factors, which can cause this to happen.  These include:

• Eating a large meal (especially if high in fat, as this will stay longer in the stomach as it digests)
• Drinking a lot of alcohol
• Bending forwards or lying down particularly after a meal (eg eating late at night before bed)
• Smoking
• Constipation increases the possibility of having reflux
• Pressure upwards on the stomach if overweight
• Pregnancy
• Coffee
• Peppermint
• Chocolate – these can all adversely affect the sphincter

What Can Be Done?

• Addressing any of the above that may be a cause e.g. eating late
• Medications such as antacids
• Colonic Hydrotherapy to improve the digestion, ease constipation
• Digestive enzyme or acid supplement if deficient
• Avoid fluids at mealtimes, drink no more than half hour before meals and an hour afterwards
• Aloe Vera
• Stool Analysis
• Probiotics