Heartburn and acid reflux are extremely common, with 10 percent of the population experiencing them on a daily basis, according to Pennsylvania-based Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is too weak to stay completely closed and stomach juices and acid back up into the esophagus. This is known as acid reflux.
Acidic Foods
Certain acidic foods can trigger acid reflux by causing the lower esophageal sphincter to relax allowing acid to flow back up in to the esophagus. Certain foods include citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, tomato sauces and ketchup. According to AcidReflux-Heartburn-Gerd.net, acid reflux symptoms attributable to citrus fruits vary from person to person. The most common offenders, however, are oranges, grapefruits and lemons. Tomatoes contain a high acid content which contributes to acid reflux.
Fatty Foods
Fatty or fried foods tend to slow down digestion, keeping the food in your stomach longer. This increases stomach pressure and puts more pressure on a weakened lower esophageal sphincter allowing reflux of stomach acids. Deep fried and high fat foods can cause these symptoms as well as full-fat dairy products.
Spices
Peppermint and spearmint are considered acid reflux triggers. They relax the sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus which allows stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. Other offenders include spicy foods. Some other spices of other spicy foods can include pepper, chili, hot sauce, garlic and onion.
Caffiene and Alcohol
Coffee, including both regular and decaffeinated, have been shown to decrease pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter exacerbating acid reflux. Alcohol, wine, and beer can increase acid reflux. Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to reflux in the esophagus. Alcohol can also increase the production of stomach acids. Carbonated beverages cause gastric distension and if the stomach is distended, can increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter, promoting acid reflux. Chocolate contains caffeine and concentrations of theobromine, which relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.
References
- MedlinePlus: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Heartburn and Reflux
- MayoClinic.com: GERD
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- AcidReflux-Heartburn-Gerd.net:Top 10 Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid
