It happens all the time — you’re enjoying a very late dinner or even a midnight snack when all of a sudden, you feel a burning in your chest.
We all know that it’s no fun when heartburn rears its bitter head. But did you know that certain foods can trigger heartburn? If you’re suffering from daily heartburn, you may have been wondering if it’s something you ate.
Check out this guide to learn more about the foods that cause heartburn and how you can avoid them to find some relief!
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can be a common trigger for daily heartburn. Capsaicin can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause discomfort. This can be found in hot peppers, chili, and curry.
To avoid heartburn, it’s recommended to limit or avoid spicy foods in your diet. You can try swapping out spicy ingredients for milder options, such as using herbs and spices like basil or oregano instead of chili powder.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, and vinegar are known to increase stomach acid production, which can trigger acid reflux. To avoid heartburn, it’s best to avoid or limit the intake of these foods.
However, if you enjoy these acidic foods, you can try eating smaller portions and avoid eating them on an empty stomach. Drinking plenty of water can help dilute stomach acid and reduce the risk of heartburn.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods like fried foods, fatty meats, and high-fat dairy products take longer to digest, increasing the risk of heartburn. To avoid heartburn, it’s recommended to limit the consumption of fatty foods. Choosing lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and healthier cooking methods like grilling or baking can help reduce heartburn symptoms.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a common trigger too, as it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid production. To avoid heartburn caused by alcohol, it’s recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption altogether.
If you do choose to drink alcohol, opt for lower-acidic drinks like beer or wine over high-acidic drinks like cocktails. It’s also important to drink alcohol in moderation and to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Caffeinated Drinks
Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas, can increase the risk of heartburn. It is recommended to limit your caffeine intake or avoid it altogether.
You can try decaffeinated versions of your favorite drinks or switch to non-caffeinated beverages.
Other Triggers
Aside from the food mentioned, can stress cause heartburn?
Stress can also contribute to heartburn. Practicing mindful eating and stress management techniques are good ways to help reduce the effects of stress and potentially the occurrence of heartburn. Additionally, eating smaller meals throughout the day may be beneficial for those with stress-induced heartburn.
Be Aware of These Daily Heartburn Triggers
It’s important to be aware of which foods trigger daily heartburn, as they can disrupt your day. Taking steps to limit the intake of food high in fats, oils, acids, and spicy dishes can help to decrease the likelihood of feeling heartburn. If you are still having problems, talk to your doctor to discuss long-term solutions.
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