Heartburn more often than twice a week can indicate a more serious digestive condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Chronic, untreated GERD can lead to esophageal ulcers; stricture or narrowing of the esophagus and even a disease called Barrett's esophagus, which can cause esophageal cancer, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Diet modifications can help control the symptoms of GERD.
Tone Inhibitors
Some types of food cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and make it less capable of keeping stomach contents where they belong--in the stomach. Foods with high fat content and chocolate are foods that lessen the tone of the muscular sphincter, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Chocolate contains a chemical called methylxanthine, which reduces the tone of smooth muscle tissue, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois. Poor lower esophageal sphincter tone makes it more likely for stomach contents to reflux up into the esophagus.
Esophageal Irritants
Irritation of the lining of the esophagus is another cause of GERD symptoms. Coffee, citrus fruits or juices, carbonated beverages, mint, onion, tomatoes, garlic and alcohol can irritate the esophageal lining. Not everyone with GERD has irritation provoked by the same foods. Some people report that spicy food in general triggers GERD symptoms. Others say that fried foods cause symptoms. Avoiding food that triggers GERD is important in controlling the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Quantity of Food Intake
For some GERD sufferers, a large quantity of food can initiate symptoms. Eating a very large meal that completely fills the stomach puts additional pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and makes it harder for it to do its job. The backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus is then more likely, and irritation to the esophageal lining continues. Many people achieve symptom relief by eating more frequent but smaller meals. Personal experimentation will determine what works best for each individual.
