Most people experience occasional heartburn. According to a recent survey, 25% of Americans surveyed experience heartburn once a month and 12% experience heartburn symptoms once a week. Occasional heartburn, occasional indigestion and gas are not generally serious problems, but frequent or chronic heartburn could be.

People may experience occasional heartburn, occasional indigestion and/or gas following a large meal, after eating spicy or fried foods or even after the morning cup of coffee. Stressful and fast paced lifestyles often lead to occasional heartburn. According to the recent survey conducted by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, New York, heartburn seems to be experienced more frequently by people who live in the US and other western countries than in Asian or eastern countries. This could be due to different lifestyles or different food preferences. Gingerroot is frequently used in Asian cooking and is known to provide relief from occasional heartburn.

While occasional heartburn, occasional indigestion, bloating or gas is not generally cause for concern, frequent heartburn or other digestive problems may indicate a more serious health problem. Gastrointestinal acid reflux disease, which is commonly referred to by the acronym GARD or simply acid reflux typically presents with complaints of frequent heartburn. Acid reflux is simply medical terminology for the burning sensation that a person feels when stomach acid bubbles up out of the stomach and into the esophagus, the lower part of the throat that connects to the stomach. Reflux simply defined means to flow backwards. Products that provide relief for occasional heartburn typically neutralize the stomach acid with calcium carbonate or other alkaline product. Peppermint oil is sometimes used in over the counter products, not only to improve the taste, but to reduce gas and soothe the throat.

There are a number of products designed to provide relief from occasional heartburn. Frequent heartburn, on the other hand, may require a daily medication and/or lifestyle changes to prevent attacks. It may not be possible to completely avoid occasional heartburn, occasional indigestion or other stomach upsets, but you may be able to reduce the frequency by eating small meals in a relaxed environment.

For more information about occasional heartburn and other common digestive complaints, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

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