The condition with the medical name pyrosis is associated with burning pain in the chest area, behind the sternum, along the esophagus and in the upper abdominal cavity. Often, the burning sensation spreads to the throat, neck and base of the jaw. This pain is caused by stomach acids entering the esophagus, which severely damages its covering tissues and causes a burning sensation. According to medical statistics, every second person suffers from stomach acid at least once in his life.
The sensation is often taken as a sign of a heart attack , because the neural pathways for signaling pain from these places are common to those of the heart.
The causes of pyrosis can be food poisoning, a side effect of medication, eating too much spicy food or a metabolic disease. Symptoms usually range from mild to moderate, usually lasting only with severe discomfort lasting up to an hour. But if the pain is more severe and prolonged, it is often necessary to take antacids - drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice and thus prevent irritation of the gastric and duodenal mucosa.
Some are intolerant to their ingredients, while others - such as those with chronic kidney disease - should not take them at all. Antacids can cause diarrhea or metabolic alkalosis as side effects. However, they also have an alternative: bananas .
Two bananas contain a sufficient amount of potassium - an alkalizing mineral with a high pH value. The higher the pH, the lower the acidity of a system, making bananas a potent antidote to acids. Another component of them causes the gastric mucosa to secrete larger amounts of mucus, which further protects it from acids. The best effect is achieved by eating slightly overripe bananas, because they contain more potassium than greens.
Cold milk is rich in calcium - another mineral that not only prevents the accumulation of excess acids, but allows milk to absorb them, reducing their harmful effects outside the stomach. Instant relief is obtained from the temperature - the cold relieves the mucous membranes, until recently scorched by acids.
Gastroenterologists warn that self-medication with home remedies or antacids should not last more than two, maximum three days. Any prolonged pyrosis can be a signal of an ulcer, gastritis or other disease that requires medical intervention.