Sometimes, you may experience heartburn but they do not have those traditional signs of acid reflux. This type of heartburn can be difficult to handle, especially when the symptoms persist despite trying various treatments. But is functional heartburn related to obesity? You will find all the details in this post.
Functional heartburn is different from acid reflux or GERD. It happens without acid flowing back into the esophagus. This is why some people are wondering if obesity could be the reason for that. Obesity in most cases can hurt your digestive health, which can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The excess fat around your abdomen can squeeze your stomach and push acid into your esophagus. This can irritate the lining of your esophagus and can cause symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.
What is functional heartburn?
Functional heartburn is when you experience the symptoms of heartburn, like chest pain and burning sensations, without any actual acid reflux happening. This condition is caused by a hypersensitivity in the nerves that control the sensation of pain in the esophagus.
Your central nervous system receives incorrect information from your gastrointestinal tract, which triggers brain signals that lead you to experience heartburn, although acid reflux is not present.
Causes of functional heartburn?
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional factors can trigger heartburn symptoms without any physical cause.
- Hypersensitivity to acid. People with hypersensitivity to acid experience elevated reactions to natural levels of acid that occur in the esophagus.
- Abnormal esophageal contractions: Abnormal esophageal contractions can cause one to have heartburn symptoms.
- Diet and lifestyle choices: Some foods and lifestyle choices can trigger heartburn in a person. Habits such as smoking or overeating are some of the unhealthy lifestyles.
- Genetic factors: The chances that a person may have functional heartburn increase when they have close relatives with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Is Functional Heartburn Related To Obesity?
A BMI, or Body Mass Index, measures body fat based on height and weight. A normal BMI is usually between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is above this range, you may be considered overweight or obese.
Let’s talk about the connection between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Yes, there is a connection between the two. Obesity can develop GERD due to the pressure on the stomach and the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Medical research shows obesity has a relationship with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which leads to heartburn symptoms. Heartburn develops when obesity causes stomach pressure that permits stomach acid to leak and enter the esophagus.
However, note that not everyone who is obese will experience functional heartburn, and not everyone with functional heartburn is obese. It’s just one of the many factors that can contribute to this condition.
Effect of Diet and Physical Activity
When you carry excess weight, it can put pressure on the stomach and cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and regurgitation.
But the good news is that with simple changes to your diet and exercising regularly, you can reduce the possibility of developing or worsening GERD.
So if you’re looking to control your GERD, remember: what you eat and other factors play a vital role. So, you must cut back on fatty and spicy foods, eat smaller meals, and stay active.
How Obesity Affects Functional Heartburn
To be overweight is not healthy. In one way or the other, it affects functional heartburn. Below are the ways:
- Increases pressure on the abdomen: When this happens, it can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter.
- This weak sphincter allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
- Excess weight can also worsen existing heartburn symptoms and make them more frequent.
- Obesity can also cause inflammation and irritation in the esophagus, which can contribute to heartburn.
- Losing weight through diet and exercise can help ease heartburn symptoms.
Signs of Functional Heartburn
1. Constant burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen after eating or lying down.
Ever feel like there’s a fire burning in your chest? This uncomfortable sensation may not clear on itself. So, if the pain is severe, you should see a doctor.
2. Regurgitation
If you find yourself spitting up acidic fluid after eating, it could be a sign of functional heartburn.
3. Difficult to swallow
With a sore throat, swallowing becomes difficult. Most times, it goes within 2 days with or without any medication. However, when it becomes constant or swallowing becomes painful it could indicate that you have functional heartburn.
4. Chronic Cough
A persistent cough or hoarseness that doesn’t seem to go away could be a symptom of functional heartburn.
5. Lump in your throat.
If you constantly feel like there’s something stuck in your throat, it could be related to functional heartburn.
How to Manage Functional Heartburn and Obesity
Here are some tips to help you manage these conditions effectively:
1. Eat a proper diet: To manage weight levels while easing heartburn symptoms, include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals. This will help you manage weight and reduce heartburn symptoms.
2. Avoid trigger foods: You must avoid certain food types that trigger heartburn because eating them can worsen the symptoms. So, avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and fattening foods.
3. Drink sufficient water daily: Your daily water intake needs to be enough to improve digestion, as it helps to reduce the heartburn symptoms. At least each day, drink eight total glasses of water.
4. Control stress level: Heartburn symptoms along with obesity become worse due to the increasing levels of stress. To control your symptoms, practice meditative techniques that include yoga breathing exercises, and meditation so you can reduce your stress.
5. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help with weight management and reduce heartburn symptoms. You should do moderate exercise for half an hour each day for a minimum of 5 days per week.
6. Get some medication: In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage heartburn symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
Read also: Does Obesity Cause An Enlarged Heart?
FAQs
Q: Is functional heartburn related to obesity?
A: Yes, functional heartburn is a type of heartburn however, not caused by acid reflux,s heartburn caused by obesity is typically due to excess pressure on the stomach from abdominal fat.
Q: Can obesity lead to functional heartburn?
A: While obesity can be a risk factor for developing acid reflux and heartburn, functional heartburn is not directly related to weight or body mass index.
Q: What are the symptoms of functional heartburn?
A: Symptoms of functional heartburn can include a burning sensation in the chest or throat, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sour taste in the mouth.
Q: How can obesity affect heartburn symptoms?
A: Obesity can worsen symptoms of heartburn by putting pressure on the stomach, causing acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
Q: Are there any specific lifestyle changes that can help with functional heartburn and obesity?
A: Yes, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoiding trigger foods that worsen heartburn symptoms, and managing stress can all help improve symptoms of both functional heartburn and heartburn caused by obesity.
Conclusion
Functional heartburn develops independently from obesity, but obese patients experience more frequent symptoms. Obesity makes functional heartburn symptoms worse because it applies pressure to the stomach while simultaneously weakening the lower esophageal sphincter.
Acid reflux occurs as a result of obesity and it leads to heartburn episodes. Reduction of weight in combination with lifestyle modifications helps individuals manage symptoms of functional heartburn better.
Obesity is not the main factor that creates functional heartburn but it does affect how severely the condition develops. People who want to control symptoms while maintaining a healthy lifestyle must work on their weight.
