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Heartburn is a burning feeling that many people experience occasionally. Avoiding certain foods, such as fatty foods and alcohol, can help with the symptoms.
If a person experiences heartburn regularly, they should speak to a doctor, as they may have an underlying condition.
Keep reading to learn more about the foods that cause heartburn, as well as some remedies that may help.
More than 60 million people in the United States experience heartburn symptoms at least once a month. Doctors also refer to heartburn as acid reflux, acid indigestion, or gastroesophageal reflux.
Heartburn occurs when the acid in the stomach flows back up into the esophagus, or food pipe. Some people describe this as a feeling of burning discomfort that starts behind the breastbone and moves up toward the neck and throat. There may also be a bitter taste in the throat or a feeling of pressure.
The symptoms can be present for several hours, and they can feel worse after eating certain foods.
According to a review in
These include:
Many people have occasional heartburn. However, more frequent symptoms may mean that someone has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Usually, a muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus prevents stomach acid from entering it. In people with GERD, this valve — called the lower esophageal sphincter — relaxes too frequently.
Prolonged exposure to stomach acid can cause complications if a person does not receive medical treatment. For instance, in the long term, untreated GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Doctors often prescribe medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for GERD.
Anyone with frequent or prolonged heartburn symptoms should see a doctor. GERD symptoms may be similar to those of heartburn, but people can also experience hoarseness, vomiting, or weight loss.
Learn more about GERD here.
Some foods and drinks can trigger heartburn symptoms or irritate the esophagus.
As everyone may react differently to foods, a person should try monitoring their symptoms after eating different foods to determine which may be causing heartburn.
The following foods and drinks are those that commonly cause heartburn.
Spicy foods can irritate the stomach and may cause heartburn. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which
Spicy foods from takeaways or restaurants often also contain onions and fats that can cause heartburn.
It may be preferable to prepare curries and chili dishes at home from scratch and use milder spices or fresh herbs instead. People can also try adding coconut milk to curry to make it less spicy.
Experts advise that fatty and fried foods take longer to digest, increasing the pressure on the esophageal sphincter. The sphincter then opens, and acid flows into the throat.
Foods to consider excluding from the diet include:
According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits can irritate the lining of a damaged esophagus.
People can try avoiding lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, opting for other fruits, such as berries, melons, and strawberries, instead. People should also limit their consumption of orange juice and other citrus juices.
Either a pesto sauce or olive oil and fresh herbs can replace a tomato-based sauce to make a pasta dish less acidic. Alternatively, adding a little baking soda to tomato-based sauces can help neutralize some of the acids.
Sodas contain gas that can force open the lower esophageal sphincter and cause a person to burp. The sugar in sodas can ferment in the stomach and cause more gas and bloating.
People should avoid carbonated and sugary drinks and drink water or dilutables instead.
In a
People may experience more symptoms when eating fatty meat or meat fried in fats. However, they may be able to eat lean meats, such as turkey and chicken, as part of their diet.
Research in 2009 indicated that alcoholic beverages relax the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate gastric acid secretion. In the study, beer, red wine, and white wine all caused reflux.
Some people may experience symptoms after one alcoholic drink, but others may tolerate moderate amounts. A person will need to work out their own limits.
Peppermint oil relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and can cause reflux and heartburn. When doctors give people peppermint oil for symptoms of IBS, it is enteric coated, which allows it to bypass the esophagus and enter the stomach where the body breaks it down.
However, people should watch out for peppermint in teas, candies, and mouthwash.
According to the ACG, chocolate can be a trigger for heartburn. If this is the case, a person may wish to avoid:
Research on the effects of coffee on reflux has produced conflicting results. The authors of a
Alongside making dietary changes, some people may need treatment to reduce their symptoms.
People can buy antacids such as Gaviscon or Rennies for the symptomatic relief of heartburn.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe PPIs such as omeprazole (Prilosec). However, the long-term use of these drugs carries risks.
PPIs reduce acid and can lead to a condition called hypochlorhydria. People with hypochlorhydria do not have enough stomach acid to perform essential bodily processes.
The hydrochloric acid that the stomach produces helps absorb essential vitamins and minerals, as well as preventing the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
According to some
Some people with heartburn may prefer to try using natural remedies.
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Mucosave is an ingredient in some products available for purchase online.
According to a
People with heartburn can also take steps at home to improve their symptoms. The ACG and the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders advise:
Learn more about remedies for heartburn here.
As some foods and drinks can trigger heartburn symptoms, eliminating them from the diet may help people prevent heartburn.
People respond differently to foods, but spicy and greasy foods, alcohol, and caffeine often contribute to symptoms.
A person can also try eating earlier and avoiding stress while eating. Changing other habits, such as by resting for a short time after eating and quitting smoking, is often also beneficial.
If someone has heartburn symptoms two or more times a week, they should see their doctor, as they may have GERD or another underlying medical condition.
Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2020
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