Ozempic and Heartburn
Ozempic can cause heartburn in some users, according to clinical trials and the listed side effects. The medication affects stomach function and may influence the body’s production of stomach acid. Because Ozempic’s formula directly impacts the stomach and the digestive system, it has several potential gastrointestinal side effects listed on the manufacturer's website, and heartburn is just one of them.
Understanding the link between Ozempic and heartburn is the best way to understand what steps you can take to alleviate or prevent it. Whether you are taking Ozempic and experiencing heartburn or are prone to heartburn and considering taking Ozempic, it’s important to understand the very common risk. If you experience heartburn with or without Ozempic, you may want to consider alternative weight loss approaches to avoid the potential side effects entirely.
How Ozempic Works
Ozempic works thanks to its key ingredient, semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. The medication works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 in the body, which reduces your appetite and slows stomach emptying to lower your calorie intake, ultimately promoting weight loss. Because Ozempic works by directly influencing the stomach and the digestive system, it can have several potential side effects on the digestive system, from nausea to discomfort.
Understanding Heartburn & Its Causes
Heartburn is caused by a process known as acid reflux—this is when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, causing inflammation and discomfort. Heartburn is the burning sensation that you feel in your chest as a result of the stomach acid moving into the esophagus.
Acid reflux is relatively common, and most people experience it at some point. Still, some people may be more prone to acid reflux than others. Severe and frequent acid reflux may also be a symptom of a more advanced condition known as gastroesophageal reflux, which affects as much as 27.8% of the population.
Although the process of heartburn is rather straightforward, it can be exacerbated by certain circumstances, like medications, diet, and other lifestyle factors.
Can Ozempic Cause Heartburn?
Yes, Ozempic can cause heartburn. The medication’s mechanism works to slow stomach emptying and has a direct impact on the digestive system. By slowing down stomach emptying, Ozempic may lead to an overproduction of stomach acid that can back up into the esophagus and cause heartburn discomfort.
During clinical trials for Ozempic, 2% of participants experienced heartburn. On the medication’s website, heartburn is also listed as one of the several common side effects, along with nausea, vomiting, and other related gastrointestinal issues.
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Risk Factors for Heartburn on Ozempic
There are certain risk factors that can influence heartburn and make it common or difficult to manage. If you have any of the potential risk factors for heartburn in combination with taking Ozempic, then your chances of experiencing the side effect are much higher.
The foods you eat are one of the most significant contributors to heartburn, as acidic, spicy, and greasy foods can all exacerbate the risk and make heartburn worse. Foods that can increase the risk of heartburn include:
- Greasy and fried foods, like fries or onion rings
- Acidic foods, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and processed foods
- Alcoholic beverage
- Caffeinated foods and drinks, like chocolate or coffee
- Spicy foods, like hot sauces
- Refined carbohydrates, like white rice and white bread
- Foods high in fat, like dairy, butter, or fatty meat
- Processed foods like potato chips
- Foods with a high glycemic index
Being overweight may also make heartburn more likely. Obesity can increase pressure on the stomach, affect stomach function, relax the esophageal sphincter muscle, and increase the risk of acid exposure to the esophagus. Understanding these risk factors can help you determine what steps you can take to mitigate and manage your heartburn on Ozempic.
How To Manage and Prevent Heartburn While Taking Ozempic
Although heartburn is a common side effect of Ozempic and a common concern for some people in general, there are steps you can take to prevent and manage it. Managing heartburn may require multiple steps in combination to keep your symptoms at bay.
Dietary Changes
Choosing foods that are nourishing while also easier on the stomach can help minimize your risk of heartburn. Adjusting your diet to reduce the number of spicy, oily, and acidic foods you eat can help alleviate potential symptoms. Focusing on incorporating nourishing whole foods, like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, will allow you to get the nutrients you need with less risk of heartburn.
Certain foods may even help alleviate heartburn specifically. To manage your heartburn, try to consider including some of the following foods in your diet:
- Watermelon
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Salmon
- Poultry
Lifestyle Adjustments
Beyond just changing your diet, there are a few additional lifestyle adjustments you can make to manage your heartburn and even prevent it. Some possible lifestyle adjustments that can provide some relief include:
- Changing your sleeping position – Sleeping with your head elevated may be able to prevent the acid reflux process and minimize discomfort.
- Avoiding tight clothing – Tight clothing around your stomach may increase pressure around your stomach, affect stomach emptying, relax the esophageal sphincter muscle, and make acid reflux more likely.
- Engaging in physical activity – The right types of low-intensity physical activity, like walking or stretching, can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms, but make sure to avoid intense movements like crunches or heavy weight-lifting.
If you are concerned about heartburn, it’s important to implement these lifestyle adjustments regularly and not just when you are feeling the symptoms. Taking steps like exercising regularly can improve your digestive process overall so that you experience acid reflux less often.
Hydration and Fluid Intake
Staying hydrated is an important part of alleviating symptoms of discomfort in the digestive system, like heartburn. Water can help encourage the digestive process, assisting in breaking down food to make digestion easier on the stomach. Drinking water also helps dilute stomach acid so that the effects of acid reflux are less harsh.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Heartburn can be alleviated by certain over-the-counter medications. Antacids, H2 blockers, or medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help alleviate heartburn and other related symptoms of Ozempic-caused gastrointestinal discomfort. If you experience heartburn, you may consider turning to some Tums, Rolaids, or Alka-Seltzer.
Still, although over-the-counter medications can be helpful, it’s important that you get the okay from your doctor to use them. It’s always a good idea to run any medications past your doctor in case there’s the risk of them interfering with your Ozempic regimen.
When To Seek Medical Advice
Your doctor is the best resource to turn to if you experience any issues during your Ozempic regimen or have any questions. You should consider seeking medical advice in the following situations:
- Persistent or severe symptoms – If your heartburn is persistent or seems to pop up more than just a couple of times a week, notify your doctor.
- Questions about your Ozempic regimen – If you notice several ongoing side effects and have concerns about changing your Ozempic dose or regimen, you should consult your doctor.
- Seeking alternative solutions – If you do not experience any relief from your side effects, you may consider asking your doctor about other approaches besides just medications like Ozempic.
Ultimately, your doctor can support you in ensuring that your regimen is best for you. If you experience issues with your Ozempic regimen, your doctor may recommend lowering your dose, decreasing your frequency, or even trying an alternative approach altogether.
Avoid Unwanted Side Effects By Taking a Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
Unfortunately, Ozempic and heartburn go hand-in-hand by influencing your digestive process and slowing stomach emptying, leading to acid reflux from stomach acid. However, Ozempic isn’t the answer to weight loss for everyone. If you experience heartburn on Ozempic or are concerned about any of its other potential side effects, you may want to consider an entirely different approach.
At re:vitalize, we offer several holistic weight loss and wellness programs centered around healthy eating and habit formation, allowing you to leave medications like Ozempic behind. Using our BioScan™ technology, we’ll identify which nutrients are optimal for your weight loss and wellness, helping you achieve lasting results. Plus, our team of board-certified nutritionists and expert weight loss coaches offer daily check-ins and monthly progress monitoring for added accountability.
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