A key to preventing heartburn includes strengthening the esophageal muscle that protects you against stomach acid backup. When the muscle weakens after eating, it can allow the acid to flow back up into the esophagus and cause the pain in the chest and throat from heartburn. Certain foods relax the esophageal muscle to trigger heartburn, but other foods provide effects to combat heartburn.
Fruits
Eat plenty of apples, melons, strawberries, peaches, pears and bananas. Bananas may contain a natural antacid effect to prevent heartburn, Health911 explains. Ground dried banana can relieve heartburn. However, avoid citrus fruits. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes and tomatoes have acidic qualities that promote heartburn.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables usually digest smoothly and quickly to help combat heartburn and avoid stomach acid backup. Most vegetables work to relieve heartburn, but some vegetables may cause gas to interrupt the digestive process for some people. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts may trigger heartburn because of gas or indigestion. Fried or creamy vegetables contain ingredients to aggravate acid reflux and heartburn, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Low-fat or fat-free vegetable soups prevent heartburn. Avoid creamy soups or soups with chicken and beef.
Fiber
High-fiber foods help with digestion to avoid heartburn. Whole grains, wheat bran and vegetables contain insoluble fiber that speeds up digestion in the stomach and intestines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The quick digestive process avoids stomach acid backup. Oatmeal, whole-wheat breads or pasta, whole-grain cereals, brown rice and barley make healthy foods that provide you with a full feeling without causing indigestion that triggers heartburn. A diet high in fiber foods also helps with weight loss, further reducing heartburn symptoms often brought on by extra weight.
Remedies
Turmeric may stimulate digestion to prevent stomach acid buildup, Health911 notes. You can find turmeric in curried foods or supplements. Ginger helps relieve the effects of a spicy meal. Chamomile tea may also relieve heartburn. Apple cider vinegar may bring quick relief when heartburn strikes. Although the acidic taste may not work for some people, the acidic contents in vinegar may be just enough to close the esophageal muscle tightly to stop acid reflux, according to the Nil Heartburn website. The remedy may work by sipping a teaspoon of vinegar or apple cider vinegar or drinking a couple of tablespoons in a glass of water. Drinking plain water may also relieve heartburn. Doctors may recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day to relieve symptoms for people who have frequent heartburn.
Member Comments