Eggs and Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Eggs Heartburn and You Unveiling the Relationship are among one the most popular breakfast dishes in most households. However, some people have heartburn after eating them. Several factors can lead to this. Eggs have a neutral PH, but the high amounts of fats and proteins in the yolk may slow down the process of digestion, causing the stomach to overproduce gastric acid, which causes heartburn. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention of heartburn. 

How does Heartburn Occur

When you swallow food, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the food into the stomach and closes back. If the sphincter is not functioning as it should, the gastric acid escapes back to the esophagus causing acid reflux that results in heartburn. 

Symptoms Of Heartburn

Heartburn causes a burning sensation on the upper or middle chest behind your breast bone. It also causes a bitter, acidic taste in the mouth. These symptoms worsen when you lie down or bend. 

What Causes Heartburn After Eating Eggs

Over Consumption Of Eggs

When you eat excess eggs, the high amounts of proteins and fats in the yolk could slow down digestion which could lead to acid reflux. The solution would be to reduce the number of eggs you consume and where possible, avoid the yolk. Many people are tolerant of egg whites. 

Method Of Cooking

Eggs contain high amounts of fat in the yolk, and adding butter or oil could make it hard for the stomach to digest them. You could consider minimizing your intake of fried or scrambled eggs. Poached, hard, and soft-boiled eggs have fewer risks of triggering heartburn. 

Age 

The chances of getting heartburn after eating eggs increase with age. As you get older, the digestive system slows down and increases the chances of digestive disorders.

Egg Intolerance

Persons who are intolerant to eggs might suffer from heartburn when they eat eggs. Symptoms of intolerance include; abdominal pain, vomiting, and blood in the stool. It is best to avoid eggs if your stomach can not tolerate them. 

Egg Allergy

Some people are allergic to eggs and egg products. When they eat eggs, they could suffer from allergic reactions characterized by vomiting, nausea, rashes, hives, and diarrhea. It could lead to inflammation of the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems and may cause toxic shock leading to death. 

Eating Habits

Poor eating habits could cause heartburn. Large portions of food, eating close to bedtime, eating heavy meals, and the wrong posture while eating could trigger heartburn. One should eat small frequent meals while seated upright and have your meal at least three hours before bed.

Digestive Disorders

Persons suffering from digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel movement, gastroesophageal acid reflux, and stomach and esophageal cancers are more likely to get heartburn after eating eggs. Signs that you are suffering from digestive disorders include; bloating, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and blood in stool, 

Helicobacter Bacteria Infection(H.Pylori)

A patient suffering from H. pylori may get heartburn after eating eggs. H. pylori is a bacteria that infects your stomach and might cause damage to the duodenum. If untreated, Eggs Heartburn and You Unveiling the Relationship it could cause peptic ulcers and acid reflux. 

Consumption Of Raw Eggs

Your stomach has the capacity to digest raw eggs. However, they could contain bacteria that could damage the stomach lining and, hence, cause acid reflux leading to heartburn. 

Food Poisoning

Spoiled eggs, just like any other foods, could cause food poisoning. Heartburn could be one of the symptoms of food poisoning arising from egg consumption. To prevent this, ensure that you store our eggs correctly and trash them if you notice they have gone bad.

Pregnancy

A pregnant woman is more likely to suffer from heartburn after eating eggs. This is caused by hormonal changes in her body and the baby pressing the stomach.

Excess Weight

An obese person is likely to have heartburn three times more than a person with a healthy weight. When such a person eats eggs, they are likely to have heartburn. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise might help reduce the chances of having heartburn. 

When To See A Doctor

The majority of people suffer from heartburn occasionally, but when you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor;  

• The symptoms persist or recur more than twice a week, even on taking nonprescription drugs.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Sudden weight loss. 

Triggers Of Heartburn

Triggers that could lead to heartburn are; spicy foods, citrus products, fatty foods, large meals, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, carbonated drinks, obesity, and pregnancy. Where possible, eliminate or avoid the triggers else adopt a healthy lifestyle. 

Effects Of Uncontrolled Heartburn

If untreated, heartburn could lead to several complications such as; 

• Esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and in some cases cancer. 
• Narrowing of the esophagus.
• Throat and voice problems.
• Asthma and respiratory problems. 

Tips On Managing Heartburn

Tips that could help you manage heartburn at home include; 

• Watch what you eat. Eliminate or avoid foods that trigger.
• Eat at least three hours before bedtime to allow enough time for digestion. 
• Chew food slowly and properly before swallowing. 
• Keep a diary. Note down the foods that give heartburn and avoid them. Diarilizing will also help your doctor when treating you. 
• Avoid clothes that are tight around the stomach. 
•  Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Trash the cigarettes, minimize processed food, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid lying on a flatbed. Raise the head at least six inches to prevent acid reflux. 
• Try home remedies and over-the-counter medications but for a short time. If symptoms persist, see your doctor. 

Eggs Heartburn and You Unveiling the Relationship you can have heartburn after eating eggs due to egg intolerance, allergy, poor eating habits, food poisoning, and digestive disorders. Consult your doctor if symptoms recur more than twice a week or keep on recurring. If untreated, it could lead to adverse complications.