GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a health condition in which stomach contents move back up the food pipe. It is usually long-term and can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including heartburn. People describe it as a painful, burning sensation in the lower chest area that travels toward the mouth. Some people with heartburn complain of having a sour taste in their mouth that can be due to stomach acid. Apart from GERD, heartburn can also happen after eating a heavy meal or due to pressure in the abdomen. If you often experience heartburn, certain foods can bring it on or worsen it. The Best Nutritionist in Lahore may suggest eliminating these foods to prevent heartburn.
Foods That Can Trigger Heartburn
Here are some foods you should avoid if you want to prevent heartburn:
1. Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, can cause heartburn due to their high acid content. These fruits can irritate the esophagus and cause acid reflux. The acid in citrus fruits can also erode the protective lining of the esophagus, leading to pain and discomfort. It is best to limit or avoid citrus fruits if you are prone to heartburn or consume them in small amounts and with other less acidic foods.
2. Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are also known to cause heartburn due to their acidity. They are rich in citric and malic acid, which can lead to excess stomach acid. It can irritate the esophagus and cause acid reflux. You should eat tomatoes in moderation if you are vulnerable to heartburn, and eat them cooked rather than raw.
3. Chocolate:
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux. It also has cocoa powder, which can stimulate the production of stomach acid as it is acidic. Dark chocolate may be less problematic than milk chocolate, but it is best to limit or avoid chocolate if you often experience heartburn.
4. Fried Foods:
Fried foods are high in fat and can cause the stomach to produce more acid and take longer to digest. It can cause heartburn and acid reflux. Control your intake of fried foods, consume them in small amounts and choose healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling.
5. Spicy Foods:
Spicy foods can cause heartburn due to the capsaicin they contain. Capsaicin can irritate the esophagus and cause acid reflux. Spicy foods can also increase the production of stomach acid and can cause inflammation in the esophagus. Stay away from spicy food if you suffer from heartburn often.
6. Garlic and Onions:
Garlic and onions contain compounds that can stimulate the production of stomach acid. This increased acid can cause heartburn and acid reflux. Garlic and onions can also take longer to digest and cause acid reflux. Using too much garlic and onions in your food can trigger heartburn, and you should reduce their consumption if you are prone to heartburn.
7. Carbonated Drinks:
Carbonated drinks, such as soda, can cause heartburn due to the gas they contain. The gas can put pressure on the stomach and cause acid reflux. Carbonated drinks can also be high in sugar and caffeine. Both of these are known to cause heartburn. If you want to prevent heartburning, you should restrict carbonated drinks.
8. Alcohol:
Alcohol can cause heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and increasing the production of stomach acid. Alcohol can also damage the esophagus lining, making it more susceptible to acid reflux. Heartburn can be triggered by alcohol as it relaxes LES, which may allow stomach acid to escape into the esophagus. People who drink alcohol more than five days per week are more exposed to GERD than people who rarely drink alcohol.
9. Coffee and Tea:
Both coffee and tea contain caffeine, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and lead to acid reflux. Coffee and tea can also stimulate the production of stomach acid. Drinking coffee or tea on a daily basis can increase the risk of heartburn. Limit your intake if you are likely to get heartburn.
Conclusion
It is vital to note that these foods may not cause heartburn in everyone, and it’s possible to consume them in moderate amounts without experiencing heartburn. However, if you are prone to heartburn, avoid or curb the intake of these foods. If you have persistent or severe heartburn, you can get a long-term, stomach-friendly diet plan from a Nutritionist in Islamabad.