Heartburn is a common condition that affects thousands of people every day. In many cases, episodes of heartburn or acid reflux--a related symptom--seem to be brought on by eating a “trigger food” that aggravates the digestive system and causes discomfort. Spicy foods such as curries, hot pots and Mexican dishes are some of the most common trigger items.
Cause
Heartburn happens when stomach acid and undigested contents flow back and rise up into the esophagus in a process called acid reflux. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the root cause is spontaneous opening or relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which normally acts as a barrier between the stomach and esophagus. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that people who suffer from heartburn or acid reflux more than twice per week may have a more severe condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Trigger Foods
Spicy dishes aggravate the LES muscle so that it opens when it shouldn’t. Other trigger foods can also either aggravate or relax relax the muscle, which has the same effect. Especially spicy foods can sometimes cause heartburn-like symptoms even in people who are not susceptible to indigestion, since they may irritate the esophagus. People who often get acid reflux should carefully monitor their reactions to such foods.
Options
One option for people who get heartburn or acid reflux often is to avoid spicy foods altogether. Milder dishes are less likely to irritate the LES muscle, which lessens the risk and severity level of heartburn. Another choice is to cook spicy dishes at home and tone down the strongest ingredients. Using smaller amounts of spices or replacing some spices with milder alternatives can preserve the original flavor of the dish but make it easier on the digestive system.
Treatment
Over-the-counter and prescription antacid and acid reflux medications are available for people with frequent or intense heartburn. The medications help ease the symptoms in many people, but they don’t work in all cases. GERD sufferers may need to avoid trigger foods or combine medicine with helpful lifestyle changes. In very severe cases of GERD, gastroenterologists may recommend that patients consider surgery.
Alternative Medicine
The Mayo Clinic notes that lifestyle changes and natural remedies can often improve GERD-related symptoms, including heartburn. The Clinic suggests losing extra weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, eating smaller meals, trying aromatherapy, doing gentle exercise, using relaxation techniques and wearing loose, comfortable clothing. The Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology clinic also recommends avoiding chewing gum and hard candy, refraining from lying down or bending over after eating and elevating the head of your bed.
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