A burning sensation in your chest that usually happens after eating is called heartburn. This is a possible side effect of acid reflux. If you frequently get heartburn, it may indicate that you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic illness that results in acid reflux episodes that come back. Eating certain foods can help relieve heartburn: whole grains, veggies, healthy fats, and more are foods that can help with heartburn. Continue reading to find out which foods are better for you, which ones you should avoid, and when to visit a doctor.
Foods That Can Aid With Acid reflux
By include items that prevent heartburn in your diet, you
may better control your symptoms and enhance your overall well-being.
Gum
When chewed in moderation, gum helps relieve heartburn
symptoms. Chewing gum causes your mouth to create more saliva. Your esophagus,
the tube that connects your stomach to your throat, is protected from any
stomach acid by saliva.
Nutritious Fats
You can lessen the symptoms of heartburn by eating healthy
fats. For those who have heartburn, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
are preferable. Both of these fat kinds, though, are to be taken in moderation.
Among the monounsaturated fats are:
- Avocado
- Sunflower, sesame, olive, and canola oils
- Seeds and nuts
- Both peanut butter and peanuts
- Among the polyunsaturated fats are:
- Soybean, corn, and safflower oils
- Flax seeds and oil
- Sunflower seeds
- Several fish, such as salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, and
albacore tuna
- Cashews
Honey
One of the many advantages of honey is that it helps control
acid reflux. It may lessen the chance of experiencing acid reflux. Consuming
honey coats the lining of your stomach and esophagus. Food and liquids are
prevented from ascending into your esophagus by this layer.
Dairy Products with Low Fat and No Fat
Low-fat meals can also help folks have fewer heartburn
episodes. Select low-fat dairy products instead of higher- or full-fat
varieties to reduce your consumption of fat since they might not worsen your
symptoms. You could eat and drink things like yogurts, ice cream, cheeses, and
low-fat or nonfat milk or drinks made with those types of milk.
Greens
Vegetables might lessen the symptoms of heartburn. They are
low in fat, high in fiber, and regarded as low-acid, or alkalizing, foods.
Vegetables might lessen the symptoms of heartburn. They are
low in fat, high in fiber, and regarded as low-acid, or alkalizing, foods. You
are free to decide how to incorporate vegetables into your diet. Add chopped
vegetables to your favorite meals, use them in salads, or combine them with
fruits to make fresh juices.
Vegetables to think about consuming include:
- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Cabbage and spinach
- Carrots
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Ginger
- Green beans
- Green peppers
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
Whole Grains
Foods made from whole grains are a good source of fiber. Fiber is essential for lessening the symptoms of heartburn. Low-fiber diets might hinder healthy stomach emptying and slow down digestion. Regurgitation and heartburn are two symptoms of acid reflux that may result from this. According to one study, eating foods high in fiber improved digestion and reduced the frequency of heartburn symptoms. Whole-grain food examples include:
- Grains of brown rice
- Couscous
- Oats
- Whole grain bread
Non-Citrus Fruits
To lessen or prevent heartburn, non-citrus fruits might be a better choice than citrus fruits. Some fruits that aren't citrus To lessen or prevent heartburn, non-citrus fruits might be a better choice than citrus fruits. Try some of these non-citrus fruits:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Melons, including cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon
- Pears
You might also think about ingesting the fruits in different
ways. Applesauce or freshly squeezed non-citrus fruit juice are two choices.
Seafood and Poultry
Eating fish or poultry, which are leaner meats, may help
ease your heartburn symptoms. It's preferable to use less butter and oil when
cooking fish or lean meats. Try baking, broiling, or grilling when you're
cooking.
View More: GERD Diet Foods to Help Your Acid Reflux
GERD and Stress - The Reasons Your Gut May Feel It
Certain foods can help lessen heartburn, but not all foods
can. These are the meals to stay away from if you have GERD, ranging from
acidic to spicy.
1. Foods High in Acid
Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, pineapples, and
grapefruits, as well as tomatoes, have a high acid content. These fruits' acid
might aggravate heartburn symptoms.
2. Specific Drinks
Drinks of several kinds can exacerbate GERD. Certain beverages can cause the muscles of the esophagus to relax, while others can cause the stomach to grow and secrete more acid. Among those beverages are:
- booze
- fizzy beverages
- Coffee and additional caffeinated beverages
3. Foods High in Fat
Foods heavy in fat have the potential to exacerbate heartburn symptoms. This occurs as a result of lipids' delayed digestion. Some instances of fatty foods are as follows:
- Sweets such as chocolate
- dairy products like ice cream, cheese, and butter
- fatty red meat, like bacon or filet mignon
4. Mint
Products flavored with peppermint or spearmint should be
avoided. Mint may prevent your esophageal muscles from contracting normally.
5. Hot Foods
It is well known that eating spicy food can irritate the
lining of the stomach, which can contribute to heartburn. Furthermore, eating
spicy food can either aggravate or cause heartburn.
Modifications to Lifestyle to Improve Symptoms
In addition to altering your diet, you can do the following things to lessen the symptoms of heartburn:
- Consuming alkaline water, defined as water with a ph of more
than 8 and less acidity
- Consuming smaller meals
- Figuring out how to feel less stressed
- Reducing weight if you're obese or overweight
- Not stooping after a meal
- Giving up tobacco use or not starting to smoke
- Sleeping with your head elevated six inches above your
stomach
- Delaying activity after a meal
- Dressing loosely
When to Speak with a Medical Professional?
If you believe that your prescriptions are giving you heartburn, you should speak with a healthcare professional. Give them advice on when to stop taking or switch medications. You should never quit taking medication by yourself. Additionally, see a doctor if you suffer from any of the following heartburn-related symptoms:
- Heartburn that is continuous and frequent
- Continuous wheeze or coughing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inadvertent reduction of body mass
- Getting worse with the symptoms
- You must get medical help right away if you have
- Vomit that is bloody or appears to contain coffee grounds
- Discomfort and pain in the chest
- Stools that are tawny or crimson in color
Finally
Whether you get heartburn rarely or often, you might want to try changing your diet to see if that helps reduce your symptoms. Heartburn is less common when eating foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Recall to steer clear of or cut back on foods heavy in fat or oil and citrus fruits. To determine the best course of action for treating your heartburn and to help you manage your symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare professional.
Please book an appointment with the best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.