Common Kitchen Staples That Trigger Acid Reflux Unexpectedly

Lisette Marie

5. Peppermint: The Soothing Misconception

Close-up view of pepper mint leaves. Photo Credit: Envato @Studio_OMG

Peppermint, often used to soothe digestive issues, can paradoxically trigger acid reflux in some individuals. While it may relax the gastrointestinal tract, it can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux. This is particularly true when peppermint is consumed in large quantities or in concentrated forms, such as peppermint oil. For those who enjoy minty flavors, choosing milder herbs like basil or parsley can provide a similar taste without the risk of triggering reflux symptoms.

6. Spicy Foods: The Fiery Instigators

Spicy seafood with herbs Thai food. Photo Credit: Envato @praethip

Spicy foods, while adding excitement to meals, are well-known triggers for acid reflux. Ingredients like chili peppers, hot sauce, and curry can irritate the esophageal lining and increase stomach acid production. The capsaicin in spicy foods can slow digestion, prolonging the presence of food in the stomach and increasing the likelihood of reflux. For those who relish spicy dishes, moderating spice levels and incorporating cooling ingredients like yogurt or cucumber can help balance flavors and reduce discomfort.

BACK

(3 of 30)

<div class="ads ads-1 collapse-container group-display-adsense unit-2024-desktop-rail-336x600-long zone-slideshow-desktop-rail-bottom">
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

<ins class="adsbygoogle"
     style="display:inline-block;width:300px;height:600px"
     data-ad-client="ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     data-ad-slot="7087745678"></ins>
<script>
     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<script>
  addBlurHandler('sdr-bottom', function (el, zone) {
    if (cf_utm_source === 'bing') {
        uetqApi('outbound_click', {
            'event_category': 'PPC',
            'event_label': 'Adsense',
            'event_value': '1'
        });
        console.log('Fired bing.');
    }
	
	if (cf_utm_source === 'google') {
		gtag('event', 'conversion', {
			'send_to': 'AW-17008664059/yUYKCMCtl7kaEPu7rq4_',
			'value': 0.0,
			'currency': 'USD'
		});
    	console.log('Fired Google Conversion.');
	}
	
    console.log('Fired pixel.');
});
</script>
</div>

OpenAI Playground 2025-05-13 at 10.55.45.png

<div class="ads ads-1 collapse-container group-display-adsense unit-2024-desktop-rail-336x280-sticky zone-slideshow-desktop-rail-sticky">
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

<ins class="adsbygoogle"
     style="display:inline-block;width:300px;height:280px"
     data-ad-client="ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     data-ad-slot="9869999824"></ins>
<script>
     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<script>
  addBlurHandler('sdr-sticky', function (el, zone) {
    if (cf_utm_source === 'bing') {
        uetqApi('outbound_click', {
            'event_category': 'PPC',
            'event_label': 'Adsense',
            'event_value': '1'
        });
        console.log('Fired bing.');
    }
	
	if (cf_utm_source === 'google') {
	  gtag('event', 'conversion', {
		'send_to': 'AW-17008664059/yUYKCMCtl7kaEPu7rq4_',
		'value': 0.0,
		'currency': 'USD'
	  });
	  console.log('Fired Google Conversion.');
  	}

console.log('Fired pixel.');
});
</script>
</div>

5. Peppermint: The Soothing Misconception

6. Spicy Foods: The Fiery Instigators

MORE FROM HealthPrep