Foods That Go Against Heartburn

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when acid from your stomach flows up from your stomach into your esophagus. This may cause a burning feeling called heartburn, and frequent heartburn may mean that you have developed gastrointestinal reflux disease, or GERD, according to the Mayo Clinic. A bland diet may reduce your risk for acid reflux by helping you avoid certain trigger foods, and your doctor may suggest additional approaches for preventing heartburn.

Fruits and Vegetables

Many kinds of fruits and vegetables go against heartburn because eating more of them may help you maintain or achieve a healthy weight, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You are more likely to experience heartburn when you are overweight because your abdomen pushes on your stomach and may force acid up into your esophagus, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoid high-acid fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits and their juices, tomatoes and onions.

Lean Proteins

Lean proteins can help you control your weight because they are relatively low in calories and protein is a filling nutrient, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Foods such as skinless, white-meat poultry, fish, eggs, beans, shellfish and tofu are unlikely to trigger heartburn, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. You may get heartburn after eating fatty or spicy meats, and some meats to avoid include fried meats, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, salami and hot dogs.

Dairy Products

Choose low-fat or fat-free fortified dairy products, such as milk, cheese or yogurt, to get protein, vitamin D and calcium without triggering heartburn. Avoid high-fat dairy products, such as full-fat cheeses, whole milk, cream cheese and rich ice cream, because fatty foods are more likely to be triggers for heartburn, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also avoid spicy or strong cheeses, such as blue cheese or cheese with garlic, pepper or jalapeno peppers.

Beverages

Low-calorie or calorie-free beverages may help prevent heartburn because they can promote weight loss. Water is a natural appetite suppressant, and water, herbal tea and diet flavored waters may help you lose weight without triggering heartburn. Avoid regular coffee, many kinds of tea, hot cocoa, caffeinated soft drinks and other caffeinated beverages because caffeine can cause heartburn, according to the Mayo Clinic. Do not have alcoholic beverages or mint, such as mint leaves, in your water.