Acid indigestion, also called heartburn, causes the burning or painful sensation in the upper chest and throat often after eating a large meal or foods that trigger acid reflux. Certain foods, such as fried or fatty foods and natural foods with acidic contents, cause a lower esophageal muscle to relax and result in stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. People who want to avoid acid indigestion have plenty of tasty foods to enjoy and prevent heartburn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Tomatoes, tomato sauces and fried or creamy style vegetables can trigger acid indigestion, but people can eat all other veggies, fresh, canned or frozen, without fear of heartburn. Apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches and pears make excellent foods and snacks to avoid heartburn. However, avoid citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits and pineapple, which have acidic properties, Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology explains. Bananas have a natural antacid effect on the body and relieve heartburn when eaten whole or as ground-dried banana, Health911 adds.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide people with a full feeling without the drawbacks of fatty foods or negative effects, such as acid indigestion. Aim for whole-wheat foods, which contain high fiber and essential nutrients, including potassium, magnesium and selenium. Refined grains lose some of the rich fiber content. Whole-wheat breads and pastas make excellent substitutes for refined products to make you feel fuller and healthier. Enjoy oats, oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, barley and even popcorn for plenty of health benefits that prevent heartburn.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Low-fat meats include chicken and turkey to replace fatty meats, according to an acid reflux diet from Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Try fish as a meat replacement to avoid heartburn and get plenty of other health benefits. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the risk of heart disease and help keep blood pressure under control, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, halibut, lake trout, salmon, tuna and sardines.
Natural Remedies
Apple cider vinegar, often used on foods and salads, provides instant heartburn relief for many people. When the esophageal muscle relaxes to increase acid reflux, the acidic substances in vinegar tighten the muscle to stop acid indigestion when taken in a very small amount. Two tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of water can relieve the pain from acid reflux, according to NilHeartburn. Simmer 1 tsp. of licorice root in 1 ¼ cups of water for 10 minutes in a covered pot. Add 2 tsp. of dried chamomile, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink when heartburn strikes, Health911 advises. Putting a few drops of oil of clove in a glass of water and sipping slowly may also work for heartburn relief.
