Lifestyle
Foods That Secretly Trigger Heartburn Revealed
For those who struggle with heartburn, the foods you choose can significantly impact your comfort. Making informed decisions and steering clear of specific triggers can prevent a day filled with discomfort. Here are seven surprising foods that might be causing your heartburn.
Coffee and Tea
Starting your morning with coffee or tea might set the stage for heartburn.
“If you’re drinking lots of coffee or tea you need to be aware that coffee can increase more acid as well as relax that lower esophageal sphincter, to allow the food to reflux back into the esophagus,” says Alan Mandell, DC.
Soda and Carbonated Beverages
Your favorite fizzy drinks could be contributing to your heartburn. The caffeine in soda is one culprit, but the carbonation itself can also be problematic.
“If you like that soda, be careful because it might have caffeine as well. But the carbonation causes more pressure in the stomach where it will push that food or acid back up into the esophagus, and that can make the condition worse as well,” explains Mandell.
Diet soda, in particular, may be even more harmful.
“This will offset your healthy microbiome, and the carbonation makes acid reflux worse,” notes Janine Bowring, ND.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods are a well-known trigger for many heartburn sufferers.
“This will slow digestion down and will increase irritation within the esophagus and the stomach,” Mandell agrees.
Fried and Fatty Foods
Highly processed, fried, and fatty foods are best avoided if you suffer from acid reflux.
“Fatty foods will allow foods to stay in your stomach a lot longer. It slows digestion down. It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to make its way back up the esophagus, and it will allow the stomach to secrete more acid,” Mandell says.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, despite their health benefits, can exacerbate heartburn symptoms.
“Tomatoes contain malic and citric acid, which are very acidic and can make that heartburn worse,” cautions Bowring.
Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, beware. This sweet treat can be a significant trigger for heartburn.
Alcohol
Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to reflux into the esophagus.
“You’re going to want to know your trigger foods, and you’re going to want to eliminate them out of your diet to lower the risk of your having symptoms,” advises Joseph Salhab, MD.
Understanding which foods can cause heartburn is crucial for managing your symptoms. By avoiding these sneaky triggers, you can enjoy more comfortable days and fewer instances of discomfort.
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