Peppermint has a delightful flavor and cooling effect that may initially soothe the throat. Unfortunately, the mint flavoring in peppermint also triggers acid reflux. Acid reflux diets usually list peppermint, spearmint and other mints as foods to avoid. Acid reflux causes stomach acid to rise back up into the esophagus, often causing the burning sensation of heartburn in the upper chest and throat. You may have a bitter taste in the back of your mouth or throat from acid backup.
Foods to Avoid
Foods that aggravate acid reflux include peppermint, spearmint, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, whole milk, oils, creamed foods or soup and many fast foods, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Citrus fruit and juices and coffee and other caffeinated drinks may also irritate an inflamed esophagus from acid reflux. Chewing gum and hard candy increase the risk of acid reflux because you swallow air, which promotes belching and reflux. Peppermint candies and mint-flavored gum may worsen symptoms.
Causes
Peppermint and other trigger products relax an esophageal muscle that usually prevents reflux into the esophagus. The ring-like muscle opens as foods pass into the stomach and then shuts tightly to avoid stomach acid backup. A relaxed muscle does not close tightly and allows symptoms to occur. Aside from heartburn and acid regurgitation, you may suffer from coughing or shortness of breath. Some people may have trouble swallowing and need to avoid tough meats, vegetables with skins, doughy bread and pasta, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Frequent acid reflux indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis along with dietary and medical advice.
Tea Remedy
Peppermint tea has been touted as an herbal tea remedy for heartburn and acid reflux. Proponents say it eases stomach and digestive problems. However, peppermint in tea still relaxes the esophageal muscle for some people, bringing on the effects they hope to avoid. You may want to give peppermint tea a try with caution, but it may exacerbate symptoms for people with frequent acid reflux. Not everyone suffers from the same triggers and you may have your specific foods to avoid.
Acid Reflux Diet
Decaffeinated, non-mint herbal teas help in an acid reflux diet. Non-citrus fruit juice and water can also replace offending beverages, such as carbonated drinks, coffee, peppermint or other mint teas, and alcohol. A healthy acid reflux diet also includes non-citrus fruits, vegetables and whole grains, including bread, whole-wheat pasta, high-fiber cereal, brown rice and oatmeal. Focusing on lean meat and skinless poultry avoids a high-fat intake that can encourage acid reflux. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products to decrease your risk of acid reflux.
References
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn --- Prevention
- Holistic Junction; Looking for a Heartburn Herbal Remedy? Try Herbal Teas!; Rose Smith; May 2006
- HealthCentral; Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and GERD; Jennifer Rackley; May 2008
