Plenty of foods can counteract heartburn when you include them in your diet. Heartburn occurs when an esophageal muscle doesn't shut tightly and stomach acid contents rise back up into the esophagus. A burning sensation in the chest and stomach or a sour taste in the back of your mouth may result from the acid reflux. Including certain foods in your diet can reduce or alleviate heartburn.
Apples, Bananas, Peaches, Fruit Juices
Enjoy apples, bananas, peaches, pears and fruits in salads or fresh fruit juices. Avoid citrus fruits if their acidic properties cause you heartburn. Fresh and steamed vegetables counteract heartburn. Avoid creamy or fried vegetables, which can contribute to heartburn. Including plenty of high-fiber fruits and vegetables in your meals lessens a high-fat intake. High-fat foods and large meals can cause slow digestion and relax the esophageal muscle to encourage acid reflux, according to the McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Pasta, Cereal
Whole grains also aid digestion, providing you with a feeling of fullness without causing digestive problems that can lead to heartburn. Whole grains contain selenium, which may protect the esophagus, HealthCentral notes. Frequent heartburn risks damage to the esophageal lining. Consume whole grains instead of refined grains as much as possible. Oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice and whole-wheat bread, pasta and cereal help protect against heartburn.
Leat Meat, Fish, Poultry Without Skin
Protein helps build muscle in the body and may strengthen the esophageal muscle to prevent heartburn, HealthCentral says. However, protein foods also have fat content. Choose low-fat options, such as lean meat, poultry without skin and fish. Consume low-fat or fat-free dairy products over whole-milk items.
Low-fat Cookies, Red Licorice, Jellybeans
You can still enjoy sweets and avoid heartburn by eating low-fat or fat-free snacks or desserts. Chocolate and mints may cause heartburn. Choose sweets, such as low-fat cookies, red licorice or jellybeans. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends snacks with 3g less fat per serving or sweets with no fat instead of high-fat desserts. Carry low-fat or fat-free snacks with you to avoid overeating at meals later on. Keep celery or carrot sticks in the refrigerator for healthy snacks that avoid heartburn. The McKinley Health Center suggests graham crackers or skim milk as a way to satisfy your appetite to avoid a hunger for heavy meals during mealtime.
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