For too many of us, heartburn is simply a part of life. That familiar burning sensation behind the breastbone - often triggered by a heavy meal, a glass of wine or simply lying down too soon - affects up to one in five adults. The discomfort usually creeps up after eating and can linger for hours, prompting people to reach for medications, keep upright after meals or avoid triggers such as spicy foods. In most cases, heartburn is shrugged off as inconvenient but harmless, a minor irritation easily managed with over-the-counter remedies or diet tweaks. Doctors may recommend more radical...