Heartburn infects people all around the world. It is a sensation of burning in the chest. Heartburn caused by a backflow of acid from the stomach.
The acidic material of the stomach does not flush back in normal conditions because the mouth of the stomach is protected by the sphincter.
According to the research, it is found that a sphincter is a ring of smooth muscles that control the movement of material.
It has been found by the previous medical studies that in abnormal conditions, that acid flushes into the esophagus and causes the sensation of burning in the chest which is termed as heartburn.
Our diet plays a major role in causing heartburn. Here some food materials are described those can cause heartburn.
1.Fats enriched Foods
Many foods enriched with fats more than the requirement can cause heartburn. Some Keto foods which are healthy and highly nutritious like nuts, cheese, and avocados, etc. even can cause heartburn in some people.
Fatty foods can cause the relaxation of muscles which are protecting the backflow of acid. When these muscles become relax they allow the flushing of acid in the esophagus resulting in heartburn.
Secondly, fatty foods cause stimulation of CCK (cholecystokinin) hormone which also results in the relaxation of the sphincter’s muscles according to NCBI.
This hormone also increases the stay of food inside the stomach for better digestion. Resultantly the chances of acid backflow increase.
The fried foods also fall into this category. Therefore Doctors advise avoiding fried foods.
2.Mint
Peppermint or mint is very useful for digestion and soothes the digestive tract. But overconsumption of mint can cause heartburn problems.
It not relaxes the sphincter but causes direct irritation in the lining of the esophagus NLM. A study has shown that the people who use mint tea in their daily routine had a double risk of heartburn problems.
Mint is a healthy Ketogenic diet but if you feel that it increases heartburn then you must avoid it. Otherwise routine use of mint helps in digestion and soothes the digestive tract.
3.Citrus Juices
Acidic foods like citrus juice can stimulate the heartburn issue. A study of 382 people has shown that 67% of people feel heartburn after consumption of citrus juice according to the branch of NIH.
The amount of acid in citrus juice may be the cause of heartburn symptoms. But it not means that you should stop or avoid citrus juices. They are healthy and enriched with vitamin C.
4.Chocolate
Chocolate is also one of the foods that can trigger heartburn. Just like the highly enriched fatty foods, chocolate also causes the relaxation of the muscles of the esophageal sphincter. it has been found by a study from the National Institute of Health.
In addition, cocoa made chocolate contains serotonin hormone which is also called as “happy hormone”. But it has the same effect on the muscles of the sphincter.
5.Spicy Foods
Spicy foods play a major role in creating heartburn. Many chemicals like Capsaicin present in spicy foods can slow the rate of digestion. Resultantly food stays for a long time in the stomach and may cause heartburn.
In addition, spicy foods can irritate the cells of the esophagus which increases the heartburn condition. One study has shown that chili powder delays the rate of digestion resource of research …which may cause heartburn.
Therefore doctors always recommend preventing spicy foods. Spicy foods also increase the gastric juice or acid release in the stomach. These foods also increase the already going heartburn.
6.Salt
Excessive use of table salt can increase the risks of the backflow of acid. The study has shown that people who used to add salt in food have a 70% more risk of acid reflux relevant to biotechnology…
But it is not clearly approved that the consumption of common salt is the cause of heartburn salt intake. The consumption of salty foods or spicy foods along with highly fats enriched foods may have more risks of heartburn.
7.Onions
The consumption of raw onion is a stimulator for heartburn. Just like fatty foods, onions also cause the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. That can cause the reflux of acid resulting sensation of heartburn.
According to the previous research knowledge, It was noticed in a study that people eating a burger with onions have significantly worse heartburn as compared to people who ate burgers without onion.
It is important to know that the onions are rich in fermentable fiber which is the cause of belching.
In addition, onions are a rich source of fermentable fiber, which may cause belching. Belching can worsen the acid reflux or heartburn problem.
8.Alcohol
It is one of the foods that can cause severe heartburn problems by study NCBI assigns a unique identifier? Alcohol causes the relaxation of the sphincter and results in helping the escape of acid from the stomach which is the leading cause of heartburn.
In addition to this alcoholic beverages also increase the release of acid in the stomach. The more the acid more will be the chances of acid leakage. Finally, alcohol can directly damage the cells of the esophagus.
9.Coffee
Excessive use of coffee and tea can cause the symptoms of heartburn especially highly enriched coffee or tea.
Coffee and tea have caffeine which is a cause of heartburn as shown by some studies. But at the same time, other researchers have shown that caffeine alone is not responsible for heartburn. Other compounds present in combination with caffeine may are the actual cause of heartburn Trusted Source,
There is a conflict among the researchers that either coffee cause heartburn or it increases the already going on heartburn.
10.Carbonated drinks
Carbonated beverages and sodas are triggers of heartburn. These drinks increase the acidity in the stomach and also relax the muscles resulting in risks of heartburn.
The sensation of heartburn at midnight is associated with many factors and one of the major key factors is the consumption of carbonated beverages.
A study has shown that the people who consume soft drinks have 69% more risks of heartburn as compared to non-consumers of carbonated drinks. It has been researched by data of NIH.
11.Milk
Many people say that the consumption of milk can relieve the symptoms of heartburn. But the drinking whole milk actually can trigger heartburn instead of relieving it viewed to the public health center.
Firstly the consumption of milk increases acid release in the stomach. Secondly, whole milk is a source of fats which relaxes the lower sphincter and can trigger heartburn.
In addition, one study proved that 38% of people feel heartburn after drinking whole milk. Milk is a complete food and a healthy diet in all aspects. If it causes heartburn feeling in your chest then simply reduce the amount of consumption.
Foods those help in relieving the heartburn
Many foods trigger the heartburn symptoms at the same time some foods are available to reduce or relieve the heartburn problem.
- Ginger: Ginger can reduce acid reflux. It is used extensively against nausea and vomiting.
- Bananas: Banana is high in sugars and low in acids and can be used for reducing reflux.
- Melons: Melons are also high in water and carbohydrates with less acid and can relieve the heartburn problem.
- Green vegetables: All green vegetables are low in fats and acid with high amounts of water. They can reduce the sensation of heartburn, especially when consumed as a salad. Many vegetables like broccoli, celery, and spinach, etc. can work for this purpose.
- Grains: One study has shown that consumption of grains reduces 42% of risks of gastroesophageal acid reflux. It is part of the United States National Library of Medicine.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are enriched with starch and have a negligible percentage of acid and fats. They are helpful in reducing heartburn problems.
The Bottom Line
The problem of heartburn infects many people around the globe. It stimulates with many foods. Actually, the acid reflux in the esophagus causes the sensation of burning in the chest which termed heartburn.
Any food that relaxes the muscles of the sphincter can allow the backflow of acid resulting in heartburn. Similarly, the foods which increase the release of acid from the stomach also cause heartburn.
If you feel frequent heartburns then check your diet plan and avoid the above-mentioned foods. Finally, if you are not feeling well after adopting the recommended foods then you can visit your physician. Our basic aim is your health, so stay healthier and avoid excessive use of bad things.
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