Can Exercise Cause Heartburn?
Thursday October 2, 2003
Can exercise cause heartburn? Can anything be done to prevent an acid reflux episode? There are a couple of things persons can do to reduce the chances of a heartburn flare-up during exercises.
Exercise is rarely the cause of heartburn if a person doesn't suffer from chronic heartburn otherwise. But some exercises can induce episodes of acid reflux. Acid reflux happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is loose, opens inappropriately and allows stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux usually happens during certain types of exercise, not necessarily during all exercise.
Things to remember and do before exercise:
1. A jarring type of exercise, such as jogging, can increase your chances of suffering from acid reflux. Less jarring exercises, such as riding a bike or walking, will produce few acid reflux symptoms.
2. Try taking an antacid before you exercise, or during exercise. If this brings no relief, other medications that suppress stomach acid production may need to be considered.
If heartburn is a problem during exercise, before you try anything, you should discuss this with your doctor. Ask what types of exercise will cause the least amount of discomfort for you, and what you can do to ease the heartburn if it happens again.
Exercise is rarely the cause of heartburn if a person doesn't suffer from chronic heartburn otherwise. But some exercises can induce episodes of acid reflux. Acid reflux happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is loose, opens inappropriately and allows stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux usually happens during certain types of exercise, not necessarily during all exercise.
Things to remember and do before exercise:
1. A jarring type of exercise, such as jogging, can increase your chances of suffering from acid reflux. Less jarring exercises, such as riding a bike or walking, will produce few acid reflux symptoms.
2. Try taking an antacid before you exercise, or during exercise. If this brings no relief, other medications that suppress stomach acid production may need to be considered.
If heartburn is a problem during exercise, before you try anything, you should discuss this with your doctor. Ask what types of exercise will cause the least amount of discomfort for you, and what you can do to ease the heartburn if it happens again.
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