Why stomach burns are more common as you age

The aging body is a surprise after the other. For example, did you know that Your ears look bigger when they get older? Another of the not fun changes that can occur as we age is to be more subject to stomach burns. You can see that some meals with which you had no problem – such as pizza or a spicy curry – now mean having to push an antacid after eating.

While anyone can have stomach burns, regardless of their age, It’s more common with age. According to gastroenterologists, there are three main reasons for this. If stomach burns are something you are dealing with regularly, knowing the reason why is the first step to experience it less often. Knowing the deep cause as well as certain advice recommended by the doctor for what to do in case of stomach burning can make much less likely.

Before entering into the way of avoiding stomach burns, it is useful to know what is really going on in the body to cause it. “Stomach burns occur when gastric acid rises in the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach,” said Dr Vivek Lal, a microbiome scientist and founder of Resbiotic. He explained that this generally happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle ring that acts like a valve, relaxes or is weakened.

Dr Mikhail Yakubov, A gastroenterologist from Manhattan gastroenterology told HuffPost that stomach burns felt like an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest (hence her name) and that she generally occurs after eating. Similar to LAL, he explained that, normally, the lower esophageal sphincter acts as a door to keep the acid where it belongs. But if it relaxes too much or becomes weak, acid can fall back, leading to stomach burns.

Yakubov shared that one of the main reasons why stomach burns become more common than we age is because the Esophageal muscles weaken over timeWhich is something that happens naturally with age. Remember how he explained that it is the work of the lower esophageal spincter to keep the acid where it belongs and not to sneak your throat? The lower this muscle becomes, the worst of a work it does.

In addition, Yakubov said the digestive system slows down as we get older. He explained that it means that there is more time for acid to move in the wrong direction. Together, it is a double blow that can make stomach burns more common.

The probability of developing high blood pressure increases with age. According to the centers for disease control and prevention52.5% of adults between 40 and 59 and 71.6% of adults aged 60 and over have high blood pressure. Although taking hypertension drugs is an important part of treatment, Dr Ali Kazemi, A gastro gastroenterologist in gastro health, told HuffPost that these drugs (especially nitrates and calcium channel blockers) can make stomach burns more likely.

Kazemi shared that erectile dysfunction drugs can also have stomach burns as a side effect and it is a drug that is more commonly prescribed for the elderly (in this case, men). LAL added that in addition to these drugs, certain antibiotics, opioids and analgesic free free such as ibuprofen or aspirin can contribute to stomach burns. Although these drugs are used by people of all ages, it is important to know that they could be a culprit.

If you have gained weight as you get older, you are not alone. Between 40 and 66 years oldMen and women earn an average between half a pound per year. The three doctors told HuffPost that there was a link between weight gain and heartburn. “We think that a larger size causes increased pressure in the abdomen and the stomach, which promotes reflux,” said Kazemi.

In addition to that, Kazemi said obesity is linked to slower digestion. The slower food is digested, the more stomach burns it should cause. “Recently, the GLP-1 receptor agonists used for diabetes and weight loss like Ozempic and Mounjaro were also associated with reflux because of their delay effect in gastric emptying,” added Kazemi.

Now that you know what causes stomach burns and why is it more common with age is the big question: how do you get rid of it? After all, you can’t do much about your esophageal muscles weaken over time; It just happens. Here is the good news: the three doctors said that having specific habits in place can make stomach burns less likely – regardless of your age.

First, if you take one of the previously mentioned drugs related to stomach burns, it is worth talking to your primary care doctor to potentially move to another medication. Yakubov and Kazemi have said that doing what you can to maintain healthy weight can also make stomach burns less likely.

Have you covered? The three doctors highlight the importance of identifying your triggers. “Current culprits include spicy foods, coffee, citrus, chocolate, chocolate and alcohol. Try to remove them for at least two weeks, then reintroduce them at a time to help determine what causes symptoms,” said LAL.

LAL added that something else that can help is to eat smaller and more frequent meals instead of large portions. This, he explained, will reduce the pressure on the stomach because it will not be so full. The three doctors recommend eating your last meal at least two hours before going to bed. When you go to bed, Kazemi said it can be useful to support the upper body of 30 degrees using a pillow.

If all of this fail, talk to your doctor. Kazemi and Yakubov both told HuffPost that there were drugs that can help with stomach burns, but it is best to try to treat it with lifestyle changes first. “The key I always say to patients is not to ignore the persistent symptoms. In other words, take your symptoms seriously; Do not try to live with them.

The key to avoiding stomach burns with age amounts to being a little more attentive. This is another way of having healthy habits in place. And remember, if you need help, ask it. You deserve to enjoy your favorite pain without pain – no matter your age.