“Heartburn” (sometimes called acid indigestion or acid reflux) is a burning sensation, usually centered in the middle of the chest near or above the breastbone (the bone in the center of the chest). If you find you are experiencing heartburn, there may be a remedy that is as simple as changing what foods you eat together at the same meal.
Many people experience the discomfort of heartburn after eating a meal where animal protein and carbs are eaten together.
Protein is digested by stomach acid, carbohydrates begin digestion with the saliva in the mouth, which is alkaline [Definition: the opposite of acid], and continues the digestive process in the intestines, which are also alkaline.
When you combine alkaline and acid in your stomach, they neutralize each other. This slows the digestion, the food sits in your stomach decomposing and gives off gas that pushes back up your esophagus [Definition: the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach] and creates a burning sensation.
So, if you are experiencing this type of pain, try not mixing protein and carbs. Avoid eating bread, potatoes, rice, etc., with meat. Eat salad and non-starchy vegetables with meat, or salad and non-starchy vegetables with carbs.
Try eating food this way for a while and see if it helps reduce or get rid of these painful symptoms.
