Heartburn occurs when the esophageal sphincter stays open unexpectedly and stomach acids flow into the lining of the esophagus, causing an unpleasant taste in the back of the mouth, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Some foods are known triggers of heartburn pain and discomfort. Talk to a doctor before modifying your diet to avoid foods that are known triggers for heartburn.
Tomatoes
Foods that contain tomatoes often trigger heartburn pain. As such, foods that contain a high percentage of tomatoes including pizza, spaghetti sauce, salsa, ketchup and salads are best avoided if heartburn is a problem, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Limiting tomato-based foods gradually will help to prevent heartburn over time.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are known to increase symptoms of heartburn, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Avoiding fatty commercial frozen meals and fast foods, such as hamburgers and French fries, will help reduce the occurrence of heartburn. Also, avoiding fried home-cooked meals will also help control heartburn. Lowering fat levels in the diet will improve the functioning of the digestive system and limit the pain associated with heartburn.
MInt
Foods that contain mint can also spark an episode of heartburn, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If heartburn is troublesome, avoid adding mint to salad, tea and soups. Also avoid candy that contains peppermint and note that mint is included in many holiday candies. Check ingredients on all commercial foods to ensure that mint is not an ingredient.
Spicy Food, Garlic & Onions
Spicy foods, garlic and onions are also often strong triggers of heartburn, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. To limit heartburn attacks, avoid foods like chili, tacos, salads with onions and garlic, and other foods that contain hot spices. Gradually limiting the use of garlic and onions in meals like fried eggs, cheese steak, pasta dishes and with vegetables will help prevent heartburn.
Caffeine & Alcohol
Beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee and tea, also cause heartburn, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Beverages with alcohol are also linked to heartburn. Thus drinking coffee, tea, wine or other drinks with alcohol can cause the abdominal discomfort that arises with heartburn.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits, often cause heartburn symptoms, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Juices, such as orange juice and grapefruit juice, will also often trigger heartburn pain. Avoiding citrus foods, especially on an empty stomach, will help to eliminate the symptoms of heartburn.
Full-Fat Dairy Products
Full-fat dairy products also cause heartburn pain, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. As such, to avoid heartburn, do not consume full-fat milk and products that contain milk such as ice cream and cheese. Low-fat dairy products are less likely to cause heartburn and also help to reduce calorie intake.
