Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, can be a painful condition that usually occurs in the chest and abdomen. It has several causes that include lifestyle choices and diet. This condition occurs when the stomach acid works its way back into the esophagus, and one should seek gastroenterologists help if suffering from chronic heartburn.
For the condition to be controlled, certain foods and drinks must be eliminated from the diet. It is necessary to remove the foods all at once, and then introduce them one at a time, to help determine which foods are causing the most trouble. Below are the foods and drinks to avoid
Fried Foods
These foods, from meats to vegetables, are one of the biggest contributors to heartburns/acid reflux. The foods cause aggravation in the digestive system, therefore, triggering heartburn. Fast food items which are full of fat and sugar are also included in fried foods.
Tomato-Based Products
Tomatoes are quite healthy and delicious, but can be a major problem for a person suffering from digestive problems. Tomatoes are acidic and may flare up the stomach. These include marinara sauce, ketchup, and also sliced tomatoes on a salad.
Chocolate
Components contained in chocolate such as; cocoa, caffeine, and fats are the principal factors that cause problems with the digestive system. Chocolate has to be eliminated in part or whole to avoid heartburns.
Citrus
Citrus fruits contain acid which causes the sphincter in the esophagus to relax, allowing for excess acid to leave the stomach, causing pain. Advice from gastroenterologists is to avoid oranges and grapefruits in particular.
In addition to the food items, gastroenterologists advise persons suffering from heartburns not to eat anything, within a span of two hours before going to bed. It is harder to process food while lying down. Also, you should eat several small meals, rather than eat three large ones, since the body is conditioned to digest smaller meals.
Carbonated Drinks
These drinks such as soft drinks and other carbonated beverages cause the stomach lining to expand further than the natural size, resulting in additional pressure. The drinks also cause burps that can introduce acid into the esophagus.
Caffeinated Drinks
A drink high in caffeine such as coffee, tea, and others, can add to heartburn symptoms. It is, therefore, ideal to avoid them as much as possible.
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks also relax the esophageal sphincter and cause problems for those suffering from heartburns.
Anyone who suffers from heartburns more than twice per week should seek for gastroenterologists help to alleviate the problem. It may eventually lead to considerably serious health concerns if it remains untreated.
