Foods that Cause Heartburn: Symptoms and Management

8 Foods That Are Responsible for Heartburn

Heartburn is a very common disorder experienced by millions of people globally. It is characterized chiefly by a burning sensation in the heart and throat, which may be accompanied by a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. While infrequent heartburn is usually not considered much of a concern, frequent or severe episodes may indicate a condition that calls for attention. Herein we shall take a closer examination of heartburn, its causes, complications, and when the presentation might indicate something more serious.

Heartburn Definition

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach contents, mostly acid, back up into the esophagus. The esophagus, which is a 25 cm(10inch) long tube through which food and liquids travel from the mouth to the stomach. When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach, weakens or relaxes when it shouldn't, stomach acid can escape upwards into the esophagus, leading to the burning sensation.

Heartburn Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of arson vary from person to person but generally include the following:

1. Burning Sensation: By far, the most defining element of heartburn is that burning sensation in the chest - a feeling that it is warm or hot behind the breastbone. This may radiate upward through the neck and throat.

2. Sour Taste: Most individuals develop a sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat. The cause of this is the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus.

3. Chest Pain: While the pain of heartburn is usually different from that of a heart attack (it is not usually that severe), it can still cause a deep discomfort in the chest area. Heartburn pain is typically localized, and it is worsened after eating, lying down, or bending over.

4. Regurgitation: Some people may also experience the sensation of acrid or acidic fluid coming up in their throat or mouth, a sensation referred to as regurgitation. This may be accompanied by a burning sensation and/or a sour taste.

5. Swallowing Problems: Chronic acid reflux can result in narrowing of the esophagus, thus making swallowing even food or liquids difficult. Medical consultation is needed if this symptom is present.

6. Coughing and Hoarseness: Stomach acid irritates the throat, resulting in a frequent cough or feeling hoarse. This symptom is generally recurring for the patient who experiences acid reflux at night.

7. Sore Throat: The constant exposure of the throat to stomach acid can cause irritation leading to a sore throat.

8. Symptoms Simulating Asthma: Acid reflux may worsen preexisting symptoms of asthma and cause them to be manifested by coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

9. Postprandial Discomfort: Heartburn symptoms often tend to worsen after a meal, especially after a larger meal or one that is high in fat, spice, or acidity.

10. Nocturnal Symptoms: Many heartburn sufferers experience nocturnal surges in symptoms, or they may be exacerbated by lying supine, since lying down increases the chance of flow-back of stomach acid into the esophagus.

However, some of these signs and symptoms can be present in other conditions, so they need to be assessed appropriately by the medical practitioner to arrive at a correct diagnosis. Those who have these symptoms frequently and find them embarrassing, or those who find such symptoms very severe, should seek healthcare professionals' recommendations for evaluation and proper management.

Top 8 Foods that Cause Heartburn

Heartburn, caused by the reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, is a common symptom. Certain foods, however, trigger or worsen symptoms of heartburn, and these may differ from person to person. What one person may get heartburn from, not necessarily causes heartburn in another person the same way. Among these are common foods that cause heartburn:

1. Spicy Foods: Spices such as chili, black pepper, garlic, and onion may irritate the esophagus and trigger some individuals to experience heartburn.

2. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are highly acidic and can heighten heartburn attacks.

3. Tomatoes: Tomatoes, as well as tomato-based products including ketchup, tomato sauce, or salsa, are also acidic and may provoke symptoms.

4. Chocolate: The key component in chocolate is theobromine, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and may, therefore, allow some stomach acid back up.

5. Carbonated Beverages: Carbonated drinks such as soda and sparkling water can create pressure in the stomach and thus induce heartburn.

6. Coffee and Tea: Caffeinated beverages have the coffee and some types of tea influences stimulating acid production and relaxing the LES.

7. Fatty and Fried Foods: High-fat foods such as greasy burgers, french fries, and deep-fried snacks keep food in the stomach longer and increase the risk for acid reflux.

8. Mint and Peppermint: Mint is said to relax the stomach, but it also relaxes the LES, causing heartburn in certain people.

Managing Heartburn

1. Identify triggers: Maintain a food diary to recognize which foods or drinks exacerbate heartburn symptoms. Once identified, try to avoid or limit eating those triggers.

2. Eat Smaller Meals: Large meals can exert pressure on the LES. Opt for small meals, thus preventing excessive stomach distension.

3. Stay Upright Following Meals: After a meal, do not lie down or bend over. Three hours should elapse between full stomach and lying down.

4. Avoid Late-Night Eating: Late-night eating increases the chances of heartburn. Try to finish eating 2-3 hours prior to bedtime.

5. Elevate Your Bed: Elevate the head of bed by 6-8 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep.

6. Lose Weight: Losing weight when you are overweight or obese will relieve pressure from your stomach and decrease the likelihood of acid reflux.

7. Medications: Antacids, H2 blockers, or PPIs available over the counter are good options for temporary relief. Otherwise, ask a healthcare expert for advice tailored to you.

If heartburn occurs with any frequency, or if symptoms become worse despite attempts at lifestyle changes and/or over-the-counter treatment, failures can then constitute the basis for medical consultation. A medical professional can then evaluate, diagnose, and create an appropriate treatment program for heartburn.