Also known as gastric reflux or regurgitation is becoming increasingly common. Symptoms usually start within 30 minutes of food intake. If symptoms are persistent or worsening over time, it can lead to complications like asthma, chronic cough, laryngitis or worse esophageal cancer.

Eating heavy meals, eating foods fried in harmful oils, excessive stress, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes and medication side effectsare some of the common causes of heartburn.

How can you tackle it?

• Eat smaller meals. If it leaves you hungry, increase the frequency of meals
• Avoid acidic foods like coffee, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus.
• Make sure the oils used for cooking are expeller pressed and good quality.
• If you are overweight, try to lose weight using healthier options.
• Try antacids for 4- 6 weeks. However, don’t try to play doctor. These antacids can have serious side effects. 

If symptoms don’t improve, follow up with your doctor as you might need endoscopy and further evaluation.