Have you ever had some pain in the lower part of your chest that makes you feel as if you are having a heart attack? Well, it may not necessarily be a heart attack but is instead what is called a heartburn. This burning sensation normally happens in that area of the chest and is eventually felt in the throat; it is also as a result of gastric acid entering the esophagus when the sphincter muscles are relaxed. This heartburn lasts for a few minutes in some people while in others it may even take hours. What most people are not aware of is that this condition is triggered by some foods that they eat and some of these foods that causes heartburn can be avoided to prevent heartburn.

 

Foods that trigger heartburn

In as much as people react differently to foods that they eat or drinks they take, there are some foods that are known to cause heartburn.

At the top of the list are foods that contain citrus such as orange, pineapples and orange juice which are very acidic in nature. These foods can cause on to experience heartburn within such a short time especially when consumed on an empty stomach since they increase the levels of acid in the stomach.

Next in line are spicy foods, especially Mexican foods that a lot of people are fond of and those that contain chili, pepper and other spices; these foods are very common trigger of heartburn.

In this group of foods prone to cause heartburn, are tomatoes as they are also quite acidic since they contain two types of acids, malic and citrus which are initiators of heartburn.

Although not known to many, foods that are rich in fat such as potato chips, meat, nuts, cheese and avocadoes are also very good triggers of heartburn. This is because they take longer to digest and make the stomach fuller hence there is pressure on the abdomen which may make acid flow to the esophagus.

Chocolate and peppermint are also contributors of cases of heartburn if taken in large amounts. They make the sphincter muscles that separate the esophagus and the stomach relax providing a path for the acid to flow upwards.

Last but not the least are alcoholic drinks and caffeine which cause heartburn by increasing the level of acid, irritate the lining of the digestive tract and makes the sphincter muscles to relax.

 

How to Recognize Foods That Cause Heartburn

You can know which foods are more prone to cause heartburn by getting this information from your doctor whenever you make a visit to the doctor at the hospital.

Additionally, it is possible to know if these foods bring you heartburn when you experience some common symptoms of heartburn after eating these foods. These symptoms include pain especially in the lower chest and the throat, a sour taste in the back of the throat, frequent coughing due to the presence of acid in the throat and lack sleep at night.

Alternatively, you can have a food log that helps you keep track of the foods that trigger your heartburn, and come up with a new list of foods that are safe for you.

 

How to Avoid Foods That Cause Heartburn

How to cure heartburn? Several doctors and nutritionists with advice you to generally avoid these foods that cause heartburn. However, since it is almost impossible to avoid these foods, what one can do is take them in small amounts and the right time.

If there is need or desire to eat these foods, one is advised to eat them in small proportions and at different times of the day. For instance, avoid taking a glass of wine immediately after a heavy meal as it increases your chances of getting heartburn.

Moreover, it is advisable to eat a balanced diet and have a variety of foods to eat and not focusing on just one particular food, for instance fatty foods, which are contributors of heartburn. You also have the options of taking medicine for heartburn immediately after partaking fatty foods, those rich in spices and the ones that contain a lot of acid to limit the influx of acid into the esophagus.

All in all, that burning sensation of acid can be prevented by avoiding foods that causes heartburn and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.