A lot of people experience heartburn occasionally while some experience theirs chronically. Many times one’s lifestyle can contribute to heartburn. It is always advisable for one to modify one’s lifestyle before medication. Such as avoiding such foods that triggers heartburn. And there are home remedies one can use without necessarily tearing one’s pocket or frequenting the hospital. Some of foods weakens the Les Muscle and irritate esophagus.

Does it seem like all your efforts to combat heartburn has proven abortive? The patient suffering from heartburn needs a special acid reflux diet. It is important to know those foods that trigger heartburn and the safe food for heartburn.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn otherwise known as pyrosis or acid indigestion is a burning sensation in the chest area which is associated with gastric reflux (disgorging of gastric acids).

Symptoms of Heartburn

Most patients with heartburn experience a burning sensation in the chest, throat, chronic cough, sore throat, pains while bending or difficulty in swallowing.

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter did not close properly thereby allowing gastric acid back into the esophageal. The esophageal sphincter relaxes at the process of swallowing, making way for food and drinks to the stomach. The sphincter closes after this process. In case of severe or chronic heartburn then visit the doctor to determine the type of test to carry out. The different tests that can be carried out include:

v    Esophageal Motility Testing – is used in measuring the movement and pressure of the esophageal.

v    Acid (PH) Probe Test – is used in determining how long the gastric acid seeps back in esophagus.
v    X-ray
v    Endoscopy – is a flexible tube inserted into the throat to determine if there are complications of reflux.
v    Manometry – is used in measuring the pressure inside the sphincter muscle.

If you are the type that experience heartburn often try doing the following:

ü    Eat a smaller quantity of food at a time; taking large meals expands the stomach and put more pressure on the esophageal sphincter.

ü    Do not go to bed immediately you finished eating. Wait for at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed.

ü    Lie down with your head raised because this reduces the pressure on the esophagus and the stomach.

ü    Avoid smoking as this stimulates the production of stomach acid.

ü    Have enough rest. Do not over stress yourself.

ü    Do not eat too quickly.

ü    Chew gum that contain xylitol after meal because it stimulates salivation and saliva neutralizes stomach acid.

ü    Drink lukewarm water or herbal tea after meal to help flush out stomach acid.

Foods that cause heartburn include:

Citrus Fruits and Juices, Chocolate, peppermint Excessive intake of Alcohol, Tomatoes, Coffee, Carbonated beverages like cola, fatty food, fried food, black pepper, Chilli Pepper, Macaroni, Liquor, Cookies, Raw onions, Cheese, Ice Cream etc.

Below are foods that are safe for heartburn:

ü    Baking Soda is natural antacid that neutralizes acid and temporarily alleviate heartburn.
ü    Banana is a natural antacid
ü    Apple Cider Vinegar is also good
ü    Fresh Apple
ü    Chamomile Teas neutralizes stomach acid
ü    Ginger is a very good remedy for heartburn. It can be taken raw, cooked or as a tea.
ü    Aloe Vera Juice
ü    Egg White
ü    Beans
ü    Cabbage
ü    Carrots
ü    Green
ü    Beans
ü    Peas
ü    Chicken Breast