Heartburn causes a burning or painful feeling in your upper chest and throat. It results from acid reflux when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, usually after eating food or drinking a particular beverage. Keeping antacids on hand to quickly relieve heartburn or taking acid-reducing medication that prevents symptoms can treat the problem temporarily. Including certain foods in your routine diet provides continuing protection.
Identify Causes
Knowing the foods that trigger your heartburn and limiting or eliminating them from your diet saves you many episodes of discomfort. People respond differently to foods and often have their own particular triggers. Fried or spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine or carbonated beverages may promote heartburn. Remember the foods you have eaten when you experience heartburn and stop consuming suspected offenders until you know the cause. Heavy meals also lead to heartburn because digestion takes longer and the stomach secretes more acid to increase the risk of heartburn, also called acid indigestion.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain fiber to aid digestion. The stomach does not require excess acid secretion for digestion. Bananas and papaya have been used as folk remedies for heartburn and may have natural antacid properties. Peaches, apples, berries, melons and pears may alleviate heartburn. Some people, however, find that citrus fruits and tomatoes cause heartburn because of acidic contents. Most vegetables prevent the acid reflux that causes heartburn, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Avoid fried or breaded vegetables or vegetables in creamy sauces. The added ingredients may contribute to heartburn.
Whole Grains
Whole grains also have fiber to help digestion and turn into a thick substance during the digestive process. This may help soak up excess acid in the stomach. Enjoy oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice, barley, and whole grain or whole wheat bread, cereal and pasta.
Alternatives
Acid reflux can occur when a lower esophageal muscle weakens and does not shut properly, allowing acid reflux to result. Trigger foods relax the muscle, but protein foods may strengthen the muscle, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Many protein foods contain fat, which may encourage heartburn. Choose lean meats, skinless poultry and fish to help avoid symptoms. Eat small portions to discourage heartburn. Stick to low-fat or fat-free dairy products. High-fat sweets can increase the risk of heartburn. Enjoy low-fat snacks and nonfat candies instead of chocolate to reduce symptoms. Drink decaffeinated teas or natural fruit juice, except for citrus juices, if you find coffee and carbonated beverages cause heartburn.
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