Q. What is heartburn and what does it have to do with stress or the brain?

A. Heartburn is the less-than-pleasant experience 15 million Americans undergo on a daily basis or the estimated 60 million who have an episode about once a month. Symptoms can involve a burning sensation in the chest, throat, and face that is usually worsened by either lying down or bending over. Symptoms may point to gastroesophagealreflux, which may involve the movement of stomach acid into the esophagus or to gastritis, an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

A stress event may trigger heartburn in some people (and the stress response is believed to be triggered in the brain). The stress can be mental, emotional, or physical. Some healthcare professionals point out that if you experience heartburn after eating, this can be a clue that your body is having difficulty tolerating something you ate and has triggered the stress response. Fatty foods that contribute to obesity can also contribute to heartburn. For example, whopping cheese burgers and French fries; carbonated drinks; some of the "nightshade" foods such as white potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes (including pizza with marinara sauce); pies, cakes, and spicy foods. For some the casein found in dairy products and the gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley may play a part. For others it can be sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods (including those that contain hydrogenated oils or trans fats).

Because of the close connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal system, what stresses one system may result in triggering the stress response in the other system, as well, which can become a vicious cycle. Preventing heartburn is just one more reason to get serious about a Longevity Lifestyle.