Foods To Avoid When Dealing With Heartburn

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can be a problem for heartburn because they irritate the stomach. When you eat something spicy, the stomach may try to produce more acid to deal with whatever is spicy enough to irritate the stomach lining. The excessive amount of acid in your stomach can then end up causing problems. Not everyone has an issue with eating spicy foods, but individuals who do find their heartburn tends to start an hour or two after eating something spicy.

Fortunately, most individuals who have acid reflux triggered by spicy food do not have to avoid spicy food altogether to manage their heartburn. Most heartburn sufferers find it helpful to stop eating spicy foods for a while and then gradually reintroduce them to their diet. Eating milder versions of your favorite chilis, peppers, and hot sauces may be possible without upsetting your stomach.

Citrus Fruits

One of the most common forms of acid comes from citrus. Some individuals think they are healthy by having a glass of orange juice at breakfast or eating grapefruit for a snack. Unfortunately, the reality is citrus is typically very acidic. Like other types of acidic food, citrus fruits cause issues by increasing the overall amount of acid in the stomach. Keep in mind the acidity levels are not the same in all types of citrus fruits. Some individuals may find they can tolerate mandarins and oranges but cannot handle grapefruits or lemons. Experiment with different types of citrus to see which ones are a problem for you. Another issue with citrus fruits is they are typically quite fibrous. Fiber stays in the stomach for longer, and since it prevents gastric emptying, it is easier for the stomach to back up into the esophagus and cause heartburn.