The doctor told about the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid gets back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation behind the sternum and is often caused by eating certain foods. Valeria Antyufeeva, a gastroenterologist at SM Clinic, told about this on August 13.

The specialist explained that although isolated cases of heartburn are usually harmless, chronic acid irritation can trigger Barrett's esophagus. This is a serious disease in which, due to damage to the nerve endings, the symptoms of heartburn may weaken or disappear altogether. However, such a lull is deceptive.: The tissues continue to break down, and with them the likelihood of developing esophageal cancer increases.

"Prolonged exposure to acid destroys the mucous membrane of the esophagus, increasing the risk of bleeding, strictures (narrowing), chronic inflammation and precancerous conditions and cancer of the esophagus," the doctor shared in an interview with the newspaper.Ru».

To avoid problems with stomach acidity, it is important to monitor your diet, excluding foods that cause gas formation and heartburn. If heartburn has already occurred, it is necessary to consult a doctor to select a treatment that includes lifestyle changes and medications.

As preventive measures, gastroenterologists recommend: quitting smoking, reducing portion size and not eating before bedtime, staying up for an hour and a half after eating, losing weight if you have extra pounds and wearing clothes that do not restrict movement.

"Remember that you can't ignore heartburn, as it can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of heartburn is not a matter of comfort, but a necessity for maintaining health," Antyufeeva emphasized.

On August 12, Science Daily (SD) magazine reported on the occurrence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases due to the consumption of ultra-processed foods. It clarifies that most of the ultra-processed foods are low in nutritional value, contain saturated fats, added sugars and sodium.

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