The research by Gaviscon Heartburn and Indigestion Network highlighted a correlation between being stressed and a person's quality of health.

Of the 25% of people who admit to “leading a stressful lifestyle”, they were also more likely to rate themselves as “unhealthy”.

The survey also found that over one third of males and a quarter of females in Ireland are “overweight”.

GP, Dr Michael O'Brien, expressed surprise at the low number of people (only 45%) who consult a physician about heartburn despite potentially serious health consequences.

“A deeper analysis of the data reveals that certain sub-groups of the population are more vulnerable to the effects of heartburn/indigestion and these in turn could be exposed to a more serious impact on quality of life if left untreated.”

The groups at risk include those in poor health and people exposed to stress including, but not exclusive to employees who have long working hours/ commutes and working parents.

“If people are having heartburn incidences more than three times a week you may have a more serious underlying problem such as Gastro Oesophagael Reflux Disease (GORD). This condition results in the contents of the stomach to back up, or reflux, into the esophagus and cause irritation. Treating heartburn is important because over time reflux can cause damage and lead to more serious illnesses,” he added.

Dr O'Brien said that sufferers should avoid certain such as spicy food; fried food; takeaways; eating late at night and poor diet while other circumstances can include: lack of exercise; being overweight; stress or side-effects of another medical condition/therapy.

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