Heartburn is a nagging, acid-producing feeling that comes up from the stomach into the upper chest and throat to produce painful effects after consuming certain foods or beverages. Some people may be affected by particular foods; others suffer symptoms from different foods. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advises that people stick to a high-protein, low-fat diet if they're affected by heartburn. Antacids usually work to get rid of heartburn, but if they and diet changes don't alter your heartburn episodes, see a doctor who can prescribe medications to help reduce the acid in your stomach.
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Foods that are often cited as contributing to heartburn include regular and decaffeinated coffee and other beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, tomato products, chocolate, mints or peppermints, fatty or spicy foods such as pizza, chili and curry, and onions. Certain medicines can lead to heartburn, including medication for high blood pressure, aspirin or ibuprofen. Lying down after eating may also cause heartburn. Smoking results in heartburn.
Orange Juice
Orange juice often causes heartburn in sufferers. But orange juice also has healthy doses of vitamin C, potassium and folic acid, according to the National Heartburn Alliance. If you like orange juice, try products that have low acid content, which are offered by Minute Maid and Tropicana.
Coffee
Caffeine has been known to produce heartburn by irritating the stomach lining to increase acid production. But coffee manufacturers are trying to produce items that are stomach friendly for consumers by lowering the acid-producing content. Heartburn sufferers might try coffee products that claim to be easy on the stomach.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be a problem, especially if mixed with other beverages that result in heartburn. Alcohol-free beer or alcohol-free wines might be an alternative if you're in the mood for a drink.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods have long been thought to be a major instigator in causing heartburn. But a study by Stanford University researchers, reported in the May 8, 2006, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that eliminating spicy foods, citrus fruit and caffeine from the diet did not end heartburn symptoms. Eating less food was found to help in relieving heartburn, as well as lifting the head of the bed to prevent stomach acid from moving into the throat during sleep. Some people might be prone to heartburn. The AAFP recommends eating two to three hours before lying down to avoid heartburn. Don't overeat. There may be certain foods that cause your particular heartburn.
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