A change in diet, particularly in the type or beverages you drink, can be the key to reducing heartburn. A number of foods are commonly associated with bouts of heartburn, and avoiding them may help reduce symptoms. Foods that can worsen heartburn include fried and high-fat foods, spicy foods including those made with hot peppers or paprika, tomatoes and tomato-based food products, spearmint, peppermint and chocolate. In addition to these foods, a number of beverages can also contribute to the pain of heartburn.
Coffee
A June 1999 study led by P.J. Boekema of the University Hospital Utrecht in the Netherlands concluded that heartburn is the most frequently reported symptom after coffee drinking and that coffee promotes gastroesophageal reflux. The study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology" reported that coffee stimulates gastric acid secretion and might slow gastric emptying.
Soda
Medical News Today reports that University of Arizona College of Medicine found that carbonated sodas can be a primary cause of nighttime heartburn. The university assigned researchers to interview more than 3,000 people who reported experiencing heartburn during sleep and their findings discovered a link between carbonated soft drink consumption and nighttime heartburn. The primary cause, they stated, was due to the soda's high acidity level. In addition, the president of the American College of Chest Physicians notes that reducing consumption of carbonated soft drinks can reduce nighttime heartburn.
Alcohol
The CVS Caremark Corporation cites alcohol as one of the main causes of heartburn. Alcohol, it states, weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, which keeps stomach acid from moving upwards in the esophagus and causing heartburn. When something such as alcohol causes the valve to weaken, it can open and allow acid to flow upwards. Alcohol can not only irritate this LES valve but also damage the mucous membrane of the esophagus. It recommends cutting back on alcohol if you are a heavy drinker.
Orange Juice
Despite the health benefits, orange juice can be a source of trouble when it comes to heartburn. According to the Stanford University Medical Center Primary Care Clinics, the acid in orange juice, as well as in other juices such as grapefruit juice, can damage the esophageal lining. The acid in the juices weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology": Coffee and Gastrointestinal Function: Facts and Fiction. A review
- CVS Consumer Health Interactive: Heartburn: Symptoms and Treatment
- University of Pennsylvania Health System: Managing Heartburn with Diet
- Stanford University Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Medical News Today: What Is Acid Reflux? What Causes Acid Reflux?
