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Heartburn is a painful and burning sensation in the esophagus that usually occurs due to the regurgitation of gastric acid. The causes of heartburn may be lifestyle changes, eating habits, age, stress and many more and almost everyone faces this condition sometimes in their life. If heartburn occurs in your chest and throat occasionally after eating certain food or due to any other reason, there is nothing to worry about it. You can avoid the condition by identifying the cause and avoiding it thereafter. Those who suffer from heartburn regularly such as twice or thrice a  week, it comes under the category of chronic heartburn more commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Visit your doctor as it could be an indication of severe illness.  

What triggers or causes heartburn?
Heartburn occurs due to the rise of stomach acid through a valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), into your esophagus that irritates the esophageal lining. Some foods trigger heartburn so every time you eat a food that results in heartburn, avoid eating them. Other than food, lifestyle and habits could be blamed for heartburn. Some common causes of heartburn are listed below:
Foods such as chocolate, soda beverages, coffee caffeine beverages or foods, fried fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, etc could trigger heart burn.
Habits such as eating snacks just  before going to bed, weight issues, wearing tight clothes or belts around the waist, smoking, etc are some common causes of heartburn.

Symptoms:
The symptoms of heartburn are burping, burning sensation in your chest or throat, bile rises in your throat, or bitter or salty taste. If these symptoms are persistent, seek medical advice as you may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).

Remedies for Heartburn:

• Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda in one glass water and drink it to neutralize stomach acid. The remedy is quite effective as it eases the condition instantly, but it is not advised for regular usage as soda increases your salt intake that may pose a health risk.
• Ginger provides instant relief from the burning sensation so drink ginger tea or chew a small piece.
• Chewing a handful of almonds would ease the condition.
• Those who suffer from heartburn regularly should eat pineapple just after meals or when burning sensation hits you.
• Yoghurt is a very effective remedy to treat the condition, just eat two-three spoons of yoghurt whenever you feel the burning sensation. Including yoghurt in your diet will help to avoid the condition for a long term.
• Drinking lemon juice would also provide instant relief from heartburn.
• Peppermint tea should be consumed at the time of attacks or after meals to stop the condition.