Heartburn is caused by acid from the stomach leaking into the oesophagus and rising upwards, sometimes as far as the throat. This is called acid reflux and it happens if the muscular valve between the oesophagus and the stomach doesn’t work properly.
Acid reflux occurs most frequently after meals when the muscular valve is more likely to relax and allow stomach acid to leak into the oesophagus. This is why most people suffer from heartburn within 60-90 minutes of eating.
Acid reflux is more likely to happen if:
- you wear clothes that fit tightly around your chest
and waist
- you bend forwards after eating
- you lie down or go to bed straight after a meal
Heartburn is closely linked to indigestion and the common
causes are very similar:
- eating too much or too quickly
- gulping down fizzy drinks
- eating rich or spicy food
- drinking too much alcohol
- irregular eating patterns
- stress
 Why Do I Suffer from Heartburn?
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