Heartburn and bloating are common indicators of indigestion. According to the US National Institute of Health, more than one billion people worldwide suffer from heartburn and related acid reflux, while nearly 18 per cent of the global population suffers from chronic bloating weekly.Spicy foods are commonly blamed for heartburn and bloating; however, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist, has debunked this myth by claiming five recurring habits that he has seen common amongst such patients in his vast years of experience. Addressing these underlying issues may help improve symptoms before turning to additional medications, he said, in an Instagram Post. Not enough fiber in the dietTopping the list is a problem that affects a large portion of adults: inadequate fiber intake. Fiber plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and supporting regular digestion.”A fiber-depleted gut feeds the wrong microbes, leading to excess gas and bloating,” Dr. Sethi said. The daily fiber intake target for an adult should be between 25 and 38 grams, which most adults fail to meet.Also read: Eating Toxin-Tainted Seafood May Pose Serious Health Risks: Study Chronic stressThe connection between mental health and digestive health is stronger than many people realize. The gastroenterologist stated that the gut-brain axis, the communication network linking the digestive system and the brain, is real, and stress can alter gut motility, increase symptom perception, and worsen both bloating and reflux. Wrong use of PeppermintPeppermint tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion made from leaves of the peppermint plant, widely enjoyed to soothe digestion and reduce bloating. However, it can cause the opposite of treating bloating by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen heartburn. “You may be treating one symptom while triggering another,” said the specialist, who has performed over 1000 endoscopies.Read More: FSSAI Tightens Food Safety Norms, Mandates Food-Grade Knives, Cutting ToolsLying down after the mealsAnother common habit among patients with chronic heartburn is lying down shortly after meals. The doctor explained that gravity is the best antacid, and lying down within 2 to 3 hours of eating can cause heavy acid reflux. Dr. Sethi claims that he sees this pattern in chronic heartburn patients every week. Eating too fastMany people rush through meals without realizing the impact it can have on digestion. One of the biggest contributors to bloating is swallowed air, which increases significantly when people eat too quickly. "Your stomach isn't a trash compactor," said the gastroenterologist. He also talked about how fast eaters swallow significantly more air than slow eaters. Dr Sethi said that for people struggling with chronic heartburn and bloating, the solution may not always involve eliminating spicy foods or adding another medication.