Heartburn is also known as acid indigestion or pyrosis. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up in the esophagus and causes pain and burning in the chest and throat. Food, alcohol and medication can aggravate heartburn. There is no special diet for heartburn, but eating certain foods and avoiding others can help minimize the symptoms.
Beverages
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the best beverages for heartburn include water, decaffeinated tea, low fat or fat free milk, sports drinks and noncitrus juices. Alcoholic beverages, coffee, carbonated beverages and caffeinated beverages can make heartburn worse by increasing the production of stomach acid.
Low-Fat Foods
Penn Medicine, a health care system centered around the University of Pennsylvania, says foods high in fat like fried foods and foods cooked with a lot of cream and butter are associated with heartburn. Naturally low fat foods include fruits, vegetables, grains, low fat dairy products and lean proteins like skinless chicken, lean ground beef or turkey, fish, seafood, eggs, beans, legumes and soy. Low fat foods also support a healthy weight and can help prevent obesity. According to the MayoClinic.com overweight and obesity are risk factors for heartburn because extra weight adds pressure to the abdomen making it easier for stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.
Bland Foods
Bland foods include foods low in acid and spice. Bland foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, plain rice or pasta, crackers, low fat dairy products and meat, poultry and fish that have been simply seasoned. According to the AAFD and Penn Medicine tomato products, vinegar, hot peppers, mint, chilies and curries can trigger heartburn.
Non-Citrus Fruits
Noncitrus fruits include berries, apples, bananas, peaches, pears and stone fruits. Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, lime, pineapple and tomato are high in acid, which can aggravate heartburn. According to Penn Medicine, tomato products like salsa and canned tomatoes can also worsen symptoms of heartburn.
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