Heartburn Foods

Foods that Cause Heartburn

Kapoor Anubhav

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Acid reflux of the unusual rise in stomach’s digestive juices into the food pipe or the esophagus is usually referred to as heartburn.

This condition occasionally surfaces in nearly every individual but some people develop a chronic, Heartburn condition. This is when their acidity levels tend to remain high. This can be rather distressing condition where the throat and the chest seem to burn, there is constant burping and sometimes, the individual might feel nauseated. Apart from taking medications, it is better to eliminate foods from your daily diet that contribute towards heartburn.

Some of the most common heartburn-causing foods have been listed below for your consideration:

Meats—meats are high in cholesterol that takes a longer time to get digested. The animal tissue found in meaty diets ensures that the stomach secretes more digestive juices. This increases the level of acidity. Basically, all animal foods engage the digestive system for a longer period, increasing the chances of having an attack of acidity.

Orange Juice & Tomato Purees

—surprisingly, some fruits like oranges, when eaten in abundance can contribute towards acidity. This is a bit strange considering that fruits are usually considered good for the digestive system. However, when you are suffering from heartburn, it is better to avoid high intake of juices with an acidic nature. This includes oranges and tomatoes. Raw tomatoes in particular and sauces that contain a high concentration of pureed tomato are sometimes advised against to acidity patients.

Coffee—this is the most understated but highly potent food item in terms of worsening heartburn. When consumed on an empty stomach, caffeine can kickstart a heartburn episode, within minutes. Caffeine is among the few natural foods that instantly stimulate the stomach’s inner lining to produce more of hydrochloric acid.

Tobacco—whether smoked or chewed, tobacco is among the most acknowledged reasons of heartburn. This is why many habitual tobacco consumers ensure that after smoking their daily fix, they chew a few leaves of mint or some mint-flavored gum. Apart from removing tobacco’s smell from the mouth, mint helps to neutralize acidity.

Chocolate—sadly, some favorite foods like chocolate too can cause heartburn. This is because of the manufacturing process used to make most contemporary chocolates. The low cocoa content, more edible fats, milk solids and high amounts of preservatives contribute towards raising the acidity levels. Most chocolates also contain some form of caffeine.

Alcohol—any whiskey or beer enthusiast will tell you that alcohol contributes towards heartburn and constipation. These are some of the most common side-effects for those who regularly consume alcohol. Beer, wine, vodka and rum tend to irritate the intestinal lining. GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux or Acid Reflux is among the primary, symptoms found among regular drinkers.

Soda Pops & Aerated Beverages

—carbonated drinks tend to upset the pH levels inside the stomach. The carbonated mixture induces pressure against the stomach, making the individual more prone to feeling heartburn. Sodas are also fortified with caffeine.

Spicy Food—spicy foods eaten in moderation are not an issue. However, when eaten regularly, they tend to irritate the inner lining of the stomach. This causes short episodes of heartburn.

Fried Foods—just like meats induce acidity due to excessive amount of fat, fried foods induce greater pressure on the digestive system, stimulating it to secrete more of the digestive juices that eventually cause heartburn. This is why French fries, burgers, chips, etc. should be eaten in moderation.

Please note that among the serious sufferers of heartburn, medication might be required along with sticking to the dietary precautions listed above. (Health, MensXP.com