Cycling is making my heart burn ?!?

Excessive exercise, especially cycling can increase heartburn symptoms in athletes. Heartburn is a symptom, that most everyone experiences in their lifetime. If it is chronic it can lead to esophageal reflux disease, ulcerative esophagitis, strictures to the esophagus or precancerous mucousa called Barretts esophagus. Incidence of esophageal cancer is approximately 1 in 1000 cases of Barretts esophagus. Incidence of barretts in general population is 5.6 percent , which is a very low number . Meaning not every person with heartburn needs screening for Barretts, as the research currently shows. Most heartburn however is benign, just uncomfortable . In exercise it can be exacerbated due to heavy breathing, the diaphragm pushing on the esophageal sphincter that keeps acids in the stomach from seeping into the very alkaline , neutral esophagus. Then put yourself on a tri bike, leaned over for 112 miles and trying to fuel yourself with acidic hammer gels or high fat substances then it may happen. Burning reflex, epigastric pain, nausea, or just not feeling well. What to do? Chronic symptoms, especially if not just exercise induced , always should be discussed with your Dr. For the occasional pain in the ass symptoms I suggest firstly, diet choices will play key roles. Softer , blander food are more easily digested, low acidity and lower fat content, is also better. High fat foods take longer to digest and you may overproduce acid. Occasional use of prilosec is ok , it is a proton pump inhibitor, and is supposed to prevent the stomach from overproducing acid . However , it does have side effects when used daily , so try it out in training , not just race day. If you feel the need to use this medicine daily then a conversation with your Doctor should take place. Common side effect may be headache or change in bowels. Another alternative, Zantac or ranitidine, will reduce acid as it occur, but doesn't Prevent it. Zantac is Inexpensive, with little side effects. Zantac would be my first choice, along with better diet choices. My opinion once again , is start with diet.