Mint and mint flavorings may trigger acid reflux for some people. Certain foods or drinks may result in symptoms, but people differ in their triggers. You may have specific foods that bring on acid reflux. Acid reflux usually occurs after eating or drinking when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The reaction causes heartburn, the burning or painful feeling in your upper chest and throat. You may also experience a sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth from acidic contents.
Foods to Avoid
Peppermint, spearmint and mint flavorings are among the foods to avoid or reduce in your diet to relieve or prevent acid reflux. Other possible triggers include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. High-fat foods and heavy meals increase the risk of acid reflux by slowing down digestion. The stomach requires more acid secretion.
Relaxed Muscle
Mint and other trigger foods relax an esophageal muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The ring-like muscle normally protects you from acid reflux by contracting after food and drink enter the stomach. When the muscle relaxes, it does not shut tightly and allows stomach acid backup. Because people respond differently to foods, you may have to test mint or mint flavorings to find out if they trigger symptoms. You can keep a food diary for a week, taking note of the foods you eat and symptoms that follow to reduce or eliminate offending products. This helps let you know if mint or other triggers cause your problems.
Acid Reflux Diet
An acid reflux diet can protect you from symptoms over the long term. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends avoiding mint teas, peppermint and spearmint. Choose decaffeinated non-mint herbal teas, non-citrus juices and water for beverages while avoiding alcohol, coffee, carbonated beverages and tea. The diet allows sweets and desserts as long as items have no fat or 3 g fat or less per serving. Avoid chocolate and desserts make with oils and fats.
Low-Fat Foods
You can enjoy most vegetables and fruits, such as apples, bananas, peaches, pears, melons and berries. Avoid citrus fruit and tomatoes, which have acidic contents, and fried or creamy style vegetables. Choose low-fat protein foods, including lean meat, skinless poultry, fish, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. An acid reflux diet may even provide you with the relief to enjoy mint once in a while, unless you find it continues to trigger symptoms. Antacids provide quick relief from heartburn, and acid blocking medications reduce stomach acid production to prevent acid reflux. See your doctor for dietary and medical advice if you have frequent acid reflux.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn --- Prevention; June 2009
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
