Heartburn, the common name for gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can be partially controlled through lifestyle and diet choices, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. There are special diets for heartburn sufferers, though they often focus on foods to be avoided or eliminated. However, some natural foods help with heartburn, and making them a part of your diet can help you to find relief from heartburn symptoms.
Low-Fat Foods
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse places high-fat foods on the list of foods to avoid, since they take longer to digest. As an alternative set of food choices to help with heartburn, MedHelp recommends low fat foods. This includes low-fat meat choices such as chicken or turkey with the skin removed, and fish. Substituting soy products for high-fat proteins such as red meat or dairy may also help with heartburn symptoms. MedHelp notes that not all heartburn sufferers will have equal results, and recommends that substitutions and exchanges be made as tolerated.
Baked Foods
Baked foods and snack items may help to manage heartburn symptoms. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that fried foods should be avoided, so heartburn sufferers need to have baked food alternatives. According to MedHelp, this can include items such as baked chips and air-popped popcorn as snack substitutes over fried or highly processed items.
High-Fiber Foods
Foods that are high in fiber can naturally help with heartburn, especially since many of these foods are also low in fat. MedHelp recommends fiber sources such as vegetables and beans to help to manage symptoms, noting that some vegetarian food combinations such as rice and beans or pasta dishes may be helpful menu choices. Keeping a food diary also can guide which natural foods are having the greatest impact.
Non-Citrus Fruits
FamilyDoctor.org notes that citrus fruits can make heartburn worse, and MedHelp reports that non-citrus fruits may help to relieve heartburn symptoms. To get the maximum benefit from non-citrus fruits, it is best to opt for fresh fruits and juices. MedHelp recommends that frozen or canned fruits be packed in natural juices rather than syrup, and urges heartburn sufferers to get 100 percent juices where possible.
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