Occasional heartburn is fairly common. However, if you have regular and severe heartburn, it can actually be an indicator of a chronic acid reflux condition called GERD.

Heartburn typically feels like a burning in the center of your chest, behind your breastbone.

When you have heartburn, you may also feel symptoms like:

• A burning feeling in your chest that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

• Pain in your chest when you bend over or lay down.

• A burning feeling in your throat.

• A hot, sour, acidic or salty taste in the back of your throat.

• Difficulty swallowing.

Heartburn can be caused the type of food you are eating.

Foods that can cause heartburn:

- Fried food

- Fast food

- Pizza

- Potato chips and other processed snacks

- Chili powder and pepper (white, black, cayenne)

- Fatty meats such as bacon and sausage

- Cheese

Other foods that may cause heartburn are:

- Tomato-based sauces

- Citrus fruits

- Chocolate

- Peppermint

- Carbonated beverages