3 Ways to Stop Heartburn With Food

1. Avoid Heartburn Triggers

Your best strategy for avoiding heartburn is to avoid foods that commonly trigger the condition. These foods may vary among individuals, but there are some that are generally problematic. This list includes tomatoes and tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, garlic and onions. To identify the foods that cause your heartburn, keep a food diary. Record every item you eat over a two-week period and note when you experience heartburn or other digestive symptoms. After you establish a pattern, you can avoid these problem foods.

2. Eat Proteins and Carbohydrates Separately

Employ food combining principles to combat heartburn. Food combining involves eating certain categories of food with or without other categories of food. People who suffer from continual heartburn should eat proteins and carbohydrates separately. This may require an adjustment, as so many meals combine the two. Dishes like meatballs and spaghetti and steak with potatoes can be problematic. An example of a meal that might work better would be fish with steamed vegetables. Rice could then be eaten as a separate dish later. Experiment with food combining, and see whether it reduces your episodes of heartburn.

3. Identify Food Allergies

Consider the possibility that food allergies are causing your heartburn. Those with celiac disease often experience heartburn when they eat gluten. Lactose intolerance also can produce heartburn. Get tested for allergies if you think one may be at fault. Once you've identified any allergies, removing those items from your diet may clear up your heartburn.