Despite what the name suggests, heartburn is not a condition of the heart. It is however a condition of the digestive systems. Heartburn is such a common ailment that many people experience the burning sensation at least once in their life and there are many more that battle heartburn on a daily basis. So figuring out what causes heartburn will hoepfully help you decrease your symptoms.

Most people will notice the onset of heartburn after eating a big meal, past the point of being satisfied. Overeating can be a contributing factor of what causes heartburn. After overeating the person may belch and experience a sour taste. Their breathing may become high pitched or noisy because the airway constricts due to the build up of the acidic juices that are creeping up the throat.

With the overeating the acidic juices that are in our stomach back up the esophagus. This back flow can also be caused by eating too fast, which can be another cause of heartburn. When you eat fast you tend to not chew your food properly which is also what causes heartburn.

There are also different foods that can be the cause of heartburn. Foods that are spicy, alcoholic drinks, teas, coffee and chocolates may all contributing factors to what causes heartburn. However, it is best to eep a food diary to identify the trigger foods that cause your heartburn as they can differ from person to person. Medications may also heartburn triggers. There are also emotional factors that can cause heartburn such as stress and eating when stressed.

Overeating and eating quickly or eating under stress are not the only causes of heartburn. There are physical conditions that may also cause heartburn. Some of these conditions include pregnancy. In pregnant women the baby in the womb pushing on the stomach which then pushed the stomach contents back up the esophagus whenever the pregnant women eats is what can possibly cause heartburn in pregnant women.

People who are obese have more fat in their abdominal cavities. This fat puts more pressure on the stomach. This increased pressure may possibly push the food back up out of the stomach and into the esophagus.

The esophagus is not meant to be contact with the acidic juices in the stomach. When the esophagus does come into contact with the stomach contents there is a signal that is sent to the brain, and this is what causes heartburn pain. There are times that this pain can be so intense that people may think they are having a heart attack. Though as we stated heartburn is not a heart condition.

As you look at what causes heartburn it becomes very apparent of how to control the heartburn flare ups. Make sure that you are taking your time when you eat and not over eating. Chew your food and make sure that when you are stressed that you are not alleviating stress with food.

It is advisable to discuss any symptoms with you health care professional so that they can determine the cause of your heartburn.