Heartburn is a common digestive problem that many people suffer from. It is an uncomfortable feeling in the chest area, where the sufferer suffers from a burning pain that may sometimes extend to the throat and mouth. Heartburn occurs when acids reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, which is known as gastroesophageal reflux ( GERD ).
The causes of heartburn vary, but there are some foods that may greatly contribute to the aggravation of this problem. Foods that cause heartburn vary between those rich in fats and acidic foods, in addition to certain drinks such as coffee and soft drinks. Therefore, it is important for a person to be aware of the foods that may trigger this condition.
In this article, we will discuss nine types of foods and drinks that may cause heartburn, focusing on how they affect the body and why you should avoid them if you suffer from this problem.
Foods that may cause heartburn
- High-fat foods High-fat foods may cause heartburn, especially fatty foods such as French fries and pizza. These foods stimulate the secretion of substances that may irritate the esophagus.
- Peppermint : Peppermint and spearmint can reduce pressure on the esophageal sphincter, which can lead to heartburn.
- Citrus juices Citrus juices such as orange and grapefruit juice may cause heartburn in many people.
- Chocolate contains caffeine, which helps relax the esophageal sphincter, increasing the chance of acids leaking into the esophagus.
- Spicy foods Spicy foods can irritate the esophagus and may cause heartburn, especially if the esophageal sphincter is unable to prevent acids from leaking into the esophagus.
- Onions Onions, especially raw onions, are a common trigger for heartburn. Research has not determined exactly how onions cause heartburn, but they appear to contribute.
- Alcohol Moderate or excessive alcohol consumption can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acids to back up into the esophagus and lead to heartburn.
- Coffee and caffeinated drinks Caffeine can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and increase acid secretion in the stomach, leading to heartburn.
- Carbonated drinks and soft drinks Carbonated drinks may relax the sphincter muscle and increase stomach acidity, which contributes to heartburn.
- Citrus
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit can cause heartburn in some people due to their high acid content. Citrus fruits can increase stomach acidity and cause irritation in the esophagus, leading to heartburn and acid reflux. If you are prone to this problem, it is best to limit your intake of these fruits or eat them with caution.
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