Avoiding Heartburn Trigger Foods and Beverages

For many, heartburn is a minor inconvenience. For others, it affects their daily routine and keeps them up at night. Fortunately, there are certain foods and beverages that trigger acid reflex in many people. Learning how to avoid these triggers can go a long way in reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Certain types of protein (meats) are more likely to trigger heartburn. These include marbled sirloin, ground meat, chicken wings (buffalo style) and chicken nuggets. Your beloved sweets, such as chocolate, donuts, cookies and brownies can cause acid reflux as can snacks, such as potato chips. Whether creamy or oily, salad dressings can cause acid to splash up out of the stomach. Fried and fatty foods are another common culprit in many people.

When it comes to beverages, many favorites are known to cause symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These include liquor and wine as well as coffee and tea. Many juices, including orange, tomato, grapefruit, cranberry and lemon, also can cause your chest to feel that burning sensation. Vegetables are supposed to be good for you, but mashed potatoes, raw onions and potato salad can leave you with that fire in your chest. Now, dairy products cannot be left out of this equation because ice cream, sour cream, regular cottage cheese and milk shakes can bring on the heartburn. Lastly, grains coupled with sauces such as spaghetti with marinara sauce and macaroni and cheese may be a factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

These types of foods can lessen the functioning of the lower esophagus sphincter muscle, which keeps your stomach contents in place. If any of the above foods or beverages are triggers for your heartburn, avoid them if possible. Eating smaller meals may also help to decrease your acid reflux symptoms. Always speak to your Bradenton, Florida physician.