Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, causes frequent heartburn, the burning or painful feeling in your upper chest and throat. A sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth may also occur. Acid reflux produces the symptoms when stomach acid rises back up into the esophagus. Avoiding certain foods helps reduce or prevent symptoms. Cranberry juice has acidic contents that may trigger acid reflux and heartburn.
Acid Reflux Causes
An esophageal muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes when certain foods and beverages enter the stomach, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Normally, the ring-like muscle contracts after contents pass through the esophagus. A relaxed muscle does not close tightly and allows acid reflux to occur. It is not clear why some people develop the tendency for the muscle to relax. Hiatal hernia patients often have acid reflux symptoms. A part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity because of weakened tissue, increasing heartburn episodes. Obesity, pregnancy and smoking may also contribute to GERD.
Avoiding Triggers
Antacids provide quick relief for heartburn. Over-the-counter and prescribed medication reduces stomach acid production to prevent symptoms. Long-term protection involves avoiding foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux and heartburn. Cranberry juice, citrus juice, citrus fruits and tomatoes may trigger symptoms because of their acidic properties. Other offending foods include fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, onions, chocolate, caffeine and carbonated beverages. Heavy meals may cause indigestion or other digestive difficulties that increase the risk of heartburn. Large or high-fat meals make the stomach secrete more acid during a slow digestive process.
Healthy Substances
People respond differently to foods and may have different acid reflux triggers. You may not experience symptoms from cranberry juice. Cranberry does contain healthy substances that may prevent acid reflux by inhibiting H. pylori bacteria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The bacteria cause such digestive disorders as ulcers and gastritis, which contribute to heartburn. Herbal cranberry teas and tinctures may protect you from acid reflux, but check with your doctor before using herbal remedies. Your doctor can provide dietary and medical advice for GERD.
Food Journal
Keeping a food journal for a week can help you identify acid reflux triggers if you are not sure. Write down the foods you eat, the time of your meal and the symptoms that follow. You can gradually eliminate foods that appear to trigger heartburn. Eventually you can find out whether cranberry juice fits or does not fit in your diet.
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