Name some of the triggers leading to heartburn.

There are quite a few triggers for heartburn, the slightly painful sensation between chest and oesophagus that occurs with a hot sour sensation.

As part of the digestive process, we have naturally occurring acids in our stomachs to help to break down food. To stop these acids leaking up and burning the oesophagus there is a little valve between it and the stomach. If the stomach is pushed out of line or stressed, the valve may be breached and the acid is allowed to escape and burn the tissue-lining of the oesophagus.

One trigger is over-eating and overloading the stomach,obesity is another and eating too close to sleeping or exercising is a third. Alcohol can make it worse and pregnant women sometimes suffer from heartburn because of the distension of organs.