Heartburn From Viagra? 5 Tips To Help Reduce It

Heartburn is one of the most common Viagra side effects. Viagra is a prescription drug for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood supply to the penis, and in turn enhancing an erection. Even though Viagra is an effective antierectile dysfunction drug, it causes painful side effects, such as heartburn. In this article, we’ll write about heartburn caused by Viagra and provide 5 techniques that will help you get rid of it.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn or acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest caused when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This is usually a result of an overactive or sluggish lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that connects the stomach to the esophagus. Foods, beverages and even medications such as Viagra can cause heartburn.

Why does Viagra cause Heartburn?

Viagra relaxes muscles in the walls of blood vessels such as those of the lower esophageal sphincter. Such a rest can lead to a collapse of the LES that lets stomach acid creep back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Viagra can also increase stomach blood flow, which can make heartburn even worse.

Tips to Help Reduce Heartburn from Viagra

1. Take Viagra on an Empty Stomach

Taking Viagra on an empty stomach can help minimize the risk of heartburn while taking it. With a empty stomach, the stomach is less full of food and acid which lowers the risk of acid reflux. Also, taking Viagra on an empty stomach ensures that the drug is absorbed faster, resulting in a faster and more efficient reaction.

But remember that if you take Viagra without an upset stomach, it can make you more susceptible to headaches, dizziness, and flushing. Taking Viagra with a full glass of water can reduce these side effects.

2. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption

Alcohol and caffeine will also irritate the lining of the esophagus and loosen the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. As a result, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and causes heartburn. For that reason, you should avoid alcohol and caffeine while taking Viagra.

The studies indicate that alcohol worsens acid reflux, including heartburn. Therefore, you should not consume alcohol or limit yourself to drinking only one or two drinks per day. In the same way, caffeine can cause muscle relaxation in the lower esophagus, pushing stomach acid up, leading to heartburn. This means that we should limit our caffeine intake to between 200-300 mg/day, which is equivalent to around two cups of coffee.

3. Limit Certain Foods and Drinks:

The most straightforward and yet surprisingly successful way to avoid heartburn in the aftermath of taking Viagra is not to eat and drink foods and beverages that induce acid reflux. This includes spicy foods, fat foods, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits and carbonated beverages-all these increase stomach acid production and make you suffer from heartburn.

Eating right before taking Viagra can help reduce pain. Before you take your pill, stay away from spicier flavors and spices, instead stick to boring foods, whole grains, and fruits other than citrus. That being said, by adopting these mindful eating strategies, you’ll have created a healthier environment in your gut that will reduce the risk of heartburn.

4. Consider Taking an Antacid

In the majority, or at least the occasional heartburn sufferer, prescription antacids might work. These neutralize stomach acid and quickly ease pain. Antacids come in tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid form. You can take them 30–60 minutes after Viagra has been administered to prevent symptoms.

You should, however, always seek advice from a physician before introducing anything new to your system, including over-the-counter antibiotics. Others can interact with other medications, or may behave in an erratic fashion when used in conjunction with Viagra. A doctor will suggest more things for you.

It is important to remember, as well, that antacids help relieve the symptoms but don’t solve the problem that is producing acid reflux so often. This is an issue that you should discuss with a physician if you are taking antacids on a regular basis, as long-term acid reflux can be a sign of a disease such as GERD.

5. Speak with a Healthcare Professional

It is also pretty disheartening if heartburn persists or gets serious, and this will warrant some reworking of your treatment regimen. It emphasizes the need to bring the doctor into the picture: chronic heartburn. Additionally, a doctor may reduce the amount of Viagra or switch it for another erectile dysfunction medication.

Along with medications, physicians have several very helpful lifestyle tips. We should steer clear of spicy and greasy foods, take smaller frequent meals, and do not lie down immediately after eating are some of the most effective heartburn prevention strategies.

Sometimes, other conditions, like GERD or peptic ulcer, may be to blame for setting off your heartburn. That would require the entire process to be properly assessed by your doctor because usually proper diagnosis can lead to proper treatment.

Conclusion: Heartburn From Viagra? 5 Tips To Help Reduce It

Heartburn, in short, is an unpleasant and relatively normal side effect of Viagra. Because of the elongation of the lower esophageal sphincter and consequent rise in blood supply to the stomach. But one or two ways in which a person can reduce heartburn with Viagra is to try the following: These include taking Viagra on an empty stomach, limiting alcohol and caffeine, avoiding trigger foods and beverages, antacids, and consulting with a medical professional. This will let you get the advantage of Viagra without experiencing heartburn. Note only that you need to have access to a doctor as a precaution anytime the dosage changes.