WHAT'S CAUSING YOUR HEARTBURN?

Beat uncomfortable symptoms and embarrassing burps with this expert advice

- ALI HORSFALL

WHETHER it's just mildly uncomfortable or incredibly painful, acid reflux is no fun. 

According to statistics, this condition is extremely common, with 25% of people suffering from it regularly. "It happens when the muscle at the entrance to the stomach relaxes, causing stomach acid to move upwards in the wrong direction, burning the oesophagus," says Dr Stuart Sanders, a GP at The London General Practice in the UK.

Heartburn, the most common symptom of acid reflux, usually feels like a burning sensation behind the breastbone and moves up to the neck and throat.

Acid reflux occurs for a variety of reasons and the good news is there are ways to relieve the nasty burning sensation it causes. Here's how to pinpoint what's causing it and some easy treatment tips you can try.

IF YOU SUFFER AFTER EATING

Is your favourite meal often followed by feeling uncomfortable? Foods that are high in fat, such as fried or greasy food, or sugar, coffee and alcoholic drinks, are common causes of heartburn because they stimulate excess acid production, Sanders says.

Over-the-counter antacid medications are the most common remedy for post-indulgence heartburn and usually contain aluminium or magnesium to help neutralise stomach acids. Some of them help stop reflux by coating the stomach with a protective layer.

WHAT TO DO