Another of the not-so fun changes that can happen as we get older is being more prone to heartburn.
While anyone can get heartburn no matter how old they are, it’s more common with age.
Before getting into how to avoid heartburn, it’s helpful to know what is actually happening in the body to cause it.
Advertisement 3 Reasons Heartburn Is More Common With Age 1.
Heartburn is common, but if it’s frequent or severe, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease or something more serious.
One surprise after another is revealed to the aging body. One of the less enjoyable changes that can occur as we age is becoming more susceptible to heartburn. For instance, did you know that your ears appear larger as you age? Pizza and spicy curry are two examples of foods you might no longer have an issue with, but now you might need to take an antacid after eating them.
Although heartburn can strike anyone at any age, it is more prevalent as people age. Gastroenterologists say there are three primary causes for this. Understanding the cause of your frequent heartburn is the first step to reducing its frequency. Heartburn can be significantly reduced by understanding its underlying cause and following some advice from a doctor on what to do in its wake.
Anyway, what is heartburn exactly?
Before discussing ways to prevent heartburn, it’s useful to understand what the body is doing to cause it. According to Resbiotic’s founder and microbiome scientist Dr. Vivek Lal, “heartburn occurs when stomach acid travels up into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.”. This typically happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle that functions as a valve, relaxes or weakens, he explained.
Doctor. Heartburn, as its name suggests, is an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest that usually happens after eating, according to Manhattan Gastroenterology gastroenterologist Mikhail Yakubov, who spoke to HuffPost. Like Lal, he clarified that the lower esophageal sphincter typically preserves acid in its proper place by functioning as a gate. Heartburn can result from acid sneaking back up if it relaxes too much or weakens.
Three Causes of Heartburn’s Increase with Age.
1. . Over time, the esophageal muscles weaken.
According to Yakubov, esophageal muscles weaken with age, which is a natural occurrence, and this is one of the main reasons why reflux becomes more prevalent as we age. The lower esophageal spincter’s function is to keep acid in its proper place and not sneak back up your throat; you may recall that he said that the weaker this muscle gets, the worse its function.
Yakubov added that as we age, our digestive systems slow down. This gives acid more time to go in the wrong direction, he clarified. When taken as a whole, they can increase the prevalence of heartburn.
2. . Some medications.
As people age, their risk of developing high blood pressure rises. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that high blood pressure affects 52.5% of adults aged 40 to 59 and 71.6% of adults aged 60 and above. Although taking blood pressure medication is a crucial part of treatment, Dr. Ali Kazemi, a gastroenterologist with Gastro Health, told HuffPost that certain medications, particularly calcium channel blockers and nitrates, can increase the risk of heartburn.
According to Kazemi, heartburn is another adverse effect of erectile dysfunction medication, which is typically prescribed to older adults (in this case, men). In addition to these drugs, Lal stated that some antibiotics, opioids, and over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen can also cause heartburn. People of all ages use these drugs, but it’s vital to be aware that they may be the cause.
3. . gain in weight.
You’re not the only one who has put on a few pounds as you’ve aged. Males and females gain between half a pound and a pound annually on average between the ages of 40 and 66. Weight gain and heartburn are related, according to all three doctors who spoke to HuffPost. According to Kazemi, “a wider waist circumference is thought to result in higher abdominal and stomach pressure, which encourages reflux.”.
Furthermore, Kazemi stated that slower digestion is associated with obesity. The longer it takes for food to cause heartburn, the slower it is digested. Because they delay stomach emptying, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are used to treat diabetes and aid in weight loss, have recently also been linked to reflux, Kazemi continued.
How to Handle Consistent Heartburn.
You may be wondering how to get rid of heartburn now that you know what causes it and why it’s more common as you age. After all, there isn’t much you can do about your esophageal muscles weakening over time; it just happens. The good news is that regardless of age, heartburn can be prevented by adopting certain habits, according to all three doctors.
First of all, it’s worthwhile to discuss with your primary care physician the possibility of switching to a different medication if you are currently taking any of the previously listed medications that have been connected to heartburn. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce the likelihood of heartburn, according to Kazemi and Yakubov.
Got that covered? The three doctors stress how important it is to know what triggers you. “Spicy foods, coffee, citrus, chocolate, and alcohol are common offenders.”. To aid in identifying the cause of symptoms, try taking these out for at least two weeks and then reintroducing them one at a time, Lal noted.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than big portions can also be beneficial, Lal continued. Because the stomach won’t be as full, he explained, this will lessen the pressure on it. Eating your last meal at least two hours before bed is advised by all three doctors. According to Kazemi, using a pillow to raise your upper body by 30 degrees before bed can be beneficial.
Consult your physician if none of this works. Although there are drugs that can help with heartburn, it’s best to try treating it with lifestyle changes first, Kazemi and Yakubov told HuffPost. My main advice to patients is to not disregard lingering symptoms. Although heartburn is normal, if it occurs frequently or is severe, it may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease or another more serious condition. According to Yakubov, getting evaluated keeps you feeling your best and aids in ruling out complications. Put differently, don’t try to live with your symptoms; instead, treat them seriously.
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Being slightly more aware of your surroundings is the key to preventing heartburn as you age. It’s yet another way that adopting healthy habits can benefit you. And don’t forget to ask for assistance if you need it. No matter your age, you should be able to enjoy your favorite foods without experiencing any pain.
