Heartburn and acid reflux occur when food and acid from the stomach back up the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter. There are many factors involved for those with acid reflux disease, and one of them is diet. Certain foods play a role in triggering excess acid production and may contribute to weakening of the esophageal sphincter, making the condition worse. Eliminating food culprits that trigger an attack can go a long way to reducing pain and discomfort.
Fast Foods
Food that is heavily laden with unhealthy transfats and chemicals and fillers may set off an attack of acid reflux. The food itself is not the only problem, however. Many times people who consume fast foods eat too much, overfilling their stomachs and aggravating acid reflux.
Carbonated Beverages
Sodas and other carbonated beverages are associated with cases of acid reflux and should be avoided, suggests the University of Michigan Health System. This includes all sodas, regardless of whether they are sugar free or caffeine free.
Hot and Spicy foods
Chili peppers and other forms of pepper such as cayenne and black pepper are known stimulants for the stomach and may be associated with acid reflux attacks, says the Columbia University Health Internet site, Go Ask Alice. All foods that are hot and spicy should be eliminated from the diet, at least temporarily, to find out if they are a source of discomfort and pain.
Acidic Foods
Tomatoes and citrus fruits and juices may contribute to acid reflux and cause heartburn, adds Go Ask Alice. All tomato products including fresh tomatoes, sauces and other condiments containing tomato should be eliminated from the diet to ascertain if they are causing problems.
Basil and Peppermint
The herbs basil and peppermint are both in the mint family and are commonly eaten as herbal flavorings and teas. In certain instances these herbs, in small quantities, may help relieve acid reflux; however, are also known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing food to reflux up the esophagus, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook."
Coffee, Tea and Chocolate
Chocolate is another common trigger for heartburn, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Chemicals in the chocolate interact with stomach acids, stimulating their production and aggravating heartburn.
In addition to chocolate, coffee and tea are also known irritants and can produce heartburn, says the University of Michigan Health System website.
Milk and Dairy Products
Although it was thought that milk, cream and other dairy products soothed the stomach preventing heartburn, this effect is only temporary. Milk actually sets up a feedback loop in the stomach and creates rebound, causing the stomach to release even more acid after the milk has been consumed, according to the Health Castle website. Dairy products and especially high-fat whole milk should be avoided to reduce heartburn symptoms, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- HealthCastle.com
- Go Ask Alice: Eating Tips When Heartburn Hits -- Acid Reflux
- University of Michigan Health System: Voice and Throat Problems from Acid Reflux
