What Causes Heartburn?

What causes heart burn?

Millions of Americans suffer from Heart burn that annoying burning sensation in the center of your chest that can keep you up all night or just be plain uncomfortable. Heat burn is caused by acid reflux. Acid produced within the stomach flows backward up through the stomach coming into contact with your esophagus. Your esophagus is located in the center of your chest close to the heart, hence the name "Heart Burn".

It is important to note, that your stomach produces extremely strong acids which break down food that has been eaten. Inside your stomach there are billions of these pumps creating very strong acid. Your esophagus usually blocks this acid from coming flowing back up with a wall or flap that opens and closes. This wall is called the lower esophagus sphincter, it is referred to as LES for short.

People who suffer from heartburn usually have a LES that is not working properly. When the LES is not working properly it allows stomach acid to flow back up through the stomach coming in contact with the esophagus, causing heart burn. If you believe you or a person you know sufferers from heart burn it is a good idea to consult with a physician.

About the author: Justin Arlan is a freelance writer at http://www.editor-in-chief.info a site that offers web content to webmasters at extremely low prices.