Facts on Diets for Heartburn

1. High Fiber for Heartburn

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a fancy term for recurrent heartburn and tends to be more prevalent among people who eat high fat and high protein diets. Scientists believe that it is the increased intake in cholesterol which leads to chronic acid reflux, which can be counterbalanced with additional fiber. Fiber not only helps to rid our bodies of wastes and toxins, it also traps cholesterol for easier elimination. To reduce your heartburn symptoms, add more fiber to each meal, such as fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains.

2. Acid Offenders

It only makes sense that you should limit your diet of acidic foods if you suffer from heartburn. Acid reflux is, after all, caused by the upward splashing of stomach acid. While acidic foods do not increase acid production in the stomach, they can irritate the lining of your esophagus and make heartburn symptoms worse. Acidic foods include citrus fruits and vinegar; however, some unlikely acidic culprits include tomatoes, dairy products and meat.

3. Alkaline Diets Can Soothe the Burn

While acidic foods can aggravate your symptoms, alkaline foods can help to keep stomach acids at bay. Most fruits and vegetables have an alkaline effect, as well as soy, almonds and molasses. Contrary to the popular belief that heartburn diets must be boring, many spices can also help to soothe your heartburn, such as cinnamon, curry, ginger and tamari.

4. Papaya, Before and After Meals

A small piece of papaya before a meal helps to prepare your stomach for incoming food. Papaya is full of enzymes that can relieve some of the workload of your stomach and prevent excess acid production. If you suffer from heartburn a few hours after eating, trying eating a banana. The natural enzymes present in bananas stimulate the production of mucus which covers the lining of the stomach, protecting you from ulcers and their natural antacid qualities help to stop and prevent heartburn.

5. Chewing Gum is a Great Addition to Your Diet

Sugar-free peppermint gum after meals can be a great way to keep heartburn at bay. Not only does peppermint help to soothe the stomach, prevent the churning that sends stomach acid up to your esophagus, chewing gum helps to stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva will help to coat and protect your esophagus and will also increase the number of digestive enzymes in your stomach, reducing acid reflux.