Heartburn is a pain -- but not in the heart. The discomfort known as heartburn occurs in the esophagus when digestive juices such as bile are regurgitated through a lax lower esophageal sphincter. A number of foods can increase pressure in the stomach, increase stomach acidity or loosen the lower esophageal sphincter, all conditions that can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Heartburn is the primary symptom resulting from GERD.
Coffee
If you're a coffee drinker who experiences the discomfort of heartburn due to acid reflux, find a substitute this morning beverage. Caffeine is a culprit in loosening the lower esophageal sphincter and allowing stomach acids to splash up into areas of your body where they don't belong, your esophagus and mouth. Drinking decaffeinated coffee won't get you off the hook either. Coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, is highly acidic, and for that reason it can aggravate your GERD symptoms.
Alcohol
Alcohol tends to make your whole body feel looser and more relaxed, and the lower esophageal sphincter is no exception. As the University of Arizona Campus Health Service suggests, you should avoid alcohol if you feel it may be contributing to your GERD symptoms, as alcohol is known to weaken the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, thus lowering its ability to adequately close off the separation between the stomach and esophagus.
Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits are highly acidic, and can irritate the stomach of those with GERD, leading to an exacerbation of symptoms. Oranges, lemons, tangerines and grapefruit are examples of citrus fruits that should be avoided. You should also avoid pineapple. Keep in mind that citrus fruit juices are also high in acid and may cause an increase in your heartburn symptoms.
Tomatoes
You may have to rethink your weekly spaghetti dinners if you're a GERD sufferer who is seeking relief from the symptoms. Tomatoes, and all products containing tomatoes are acidic and cause your symptoms to take a turn for the worse. High-fat cream sauces are no better, as high fat foods often trigger GERD.
Chocolate
Much to the dismay of chocolate-loving GERD victims, this decadent treat has also been linked to increased incidents of acid reflux. The University of Illinois McKinley Health Center notes that chocolate contains methylxanthine, a substance that relaxes the involuntary muscles of internal organs. Methylxanthine may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to GERD symptoms.
