TOP 10 HEARTBURN FOODS


You know it all too well. Heartburn. That fiery sensation that grabs hold of your lower chest after you eat something you know you shouldn't have. What often follows is that sour or bitter taste of acid reflux in your throat and mouth that can last minutes(if you are lucky) or hours(if you are not). Millions of us are familiar with the discomfort of heartburn, a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus. The good news is that heartburn is largely avoidable if you steer clear of the top 10 heartburn foods.


1.TANGY CITRUS FRUITS - Oranges, grapefruits and orange juice are classic heartburn foods. These are very acidic, and likely to cause heartburn, especially when consumed on an otherwise empty stomach.


2. TOMATOES - While they might be chockfull of healthy nutrients, tomatoes are also highly acidic and likely to cause heartburn in those who are prone to it.


3. GARLIC AND ONION - Some people with heartburn do not do well with either garlic or onion, but it is all very individual.


4. SPICY FOODS - Pepper, Mexican food, chili and any other food that is loaded with pepper or other spices can trigger heartburn.


5. PEPPERMINT - While many people think peppermint is soothing for the tummy, it is actually a heartburn trigger food. Peppermint may increase your chances of heartburn because it relaxes the sphincter muscle that lay between the stomach and esophagus. This allows stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus.


6. CHEESE, NUTS, AVOCADOS, AND A JUICY RIB EYE - What do these foods have in common? They are all high in fat. They can be major triggers. Here's why: Fat slows down the emptying of the stomach, so there is more opportunity for a big distended stomach - which increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter - to make heartburn more likely.


7. ALCOHOL - Wine, beer, or your favorite cocktail can all trigger heartburn, especially when they are imbibed with a large meal. Like peppermint, alcohol opens the sphincter, allowing the acid free range.


8. CAFFEINE - Coffee, soda, tea, iced tea, and any other food or beverages that contain caffeine are big offenders. If you have heartburn, you can likely consume a 3-4 oz cup of coffee each morning with no problem. But if you guzzle coffee all day long, then, yes, heartburn is a consequence.


9. CHOCOLATE - Sure, it can be loaded with caffeine, but chocolate can also be a heartburn food in and of itself. Chocolate relaxes the sphincter, allowing stomach acids to flow back in to the esophagus.


10. CARBONATED BEVERAGES - Carbonated beverages cause gastric distension, and if your stomach is distended, this increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter, promoting reflux.


Use the above list as a guide to help you figure out your heartburn foods and heartburn trigger situations. Remember, even if your favorites are not on this list, you don't necessarily have a free pass. Too much of any food can trigger heartburn, it's not just what you eat; it's how much you eat and when you eat it.


source: http://www.webmd.com/