The acidic contents of tomatoes triggers acid reflux for some people. Acid reflux results from stomach acid backup into the esophagus. It causes the burning or painful feeling in the upper chest and throat of heartburn. Acid regurgitation may cause a sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth. Avoiding certain foods prevents symptoms. You may have particular foods, including tomatoes, you need to avoid.
Weakened Muscle
Acid reflux can occur because of a weakened esophageal muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The muscle normally protects you from acid reflux. It opens as food and beverages enter the stomach and contracts to stop stomach acid from rising back up. A weakened muscle does not close tightly and allows acid reflux to occur.
Tomatoes and Other Triggers
Certain foods may promote acid reflux by relaxing the muscle. They include tomatoes, tomato juices and tomato-based products, such as spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili and pizza. Tomatoes contain citric and malic acid. The acidic contents in citrus fruits and juices may also trigger acid reflux. Other common triggers include fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, mint flavorings and alcohol.
Finding Your Triggers
People respond differently to foods. Tomatoes and tomato products may or may not worsen your acid reflux symptoms. Heavy meals can also encourage acid reflux. The stomach must work harder during digestion and secretes more acid, increasing the risk of symptoms. Heavy dishes may include tomatoes or tomato sauces. You may have to identify your specific triggers through the process of elimination. Keeping a food diary for a week helps, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Take note of the foods you eat, the time of day and the symptoms that follow to help identify your offending foods.
Acid Reflux Diet
Acid reflux diets often advise against consuming tomatoes and tomato-based foods as well as other common triggers. You may have to determine if the acidic ingredients of tomatoes worsen your symptoms. An acid reflux diet usually includes low-fat foods, such as lean meat, skinless chicken or turkey, fish and low-fat or non-fat dairy products. Whole grains help to aid digestion and may absorb excess stomach acid to decrease the risk of acid reflux. Whole grains include bread, cereal, oatmeal, oat bran, pasta, brown rice and barley. Fruits and vegetables aid an acid reflux diet, except for citrus fruit and tomatoes, if you find those items cause problems. Antacids provide quick relief from symptoms. Acid reducing medication reduces stomach acid buildup to prevent acid reflux.
