Spicy Foods:
Spices like chili peppers, hot sauces, and curry can irritate the esophagus and trigger heartburn.
Citrus Fruits:
Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are acidic and can exacerbate heartburn symptoms in some individuals.
Tomatoes and Tomato-based Products:
Tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, and tomato-based dishes like pizza or pasta sauces are highly acidic and can trigger heartburn.
Fried and Fatty Foods:
Fried foods, high-fat meats, full-fat dairy products, and rich desserts can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and delay stomach emptying, leading to acid reflux.
Chocolate:
Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which can relax the LES and allow stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
Carbonated Beverages:
Carbonated drinks like soda, sparkling water, and carbonated alcoholic beverages can increase the risk of heartburn by causing bloating and pressure in the stomach.
Onions and Garlic:
Both onions and garlic can cause heartburn in some individuals due to their high levels of fermentable fibers and sulfur compounds.
Mint:
While mint itself doesn’t cause acid reflux, it can relax the LES, allowing stomach acid to flow back up and trigger symptoms.
Alcohol:
Alcohol can relax the LES and increase stomach acid production, leading to heartburn. Red wine and beer are particularly known to cause reflux symptoms.
Caffeine:
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some soft drinks that contain caffeine can stimulate the production of stomach acid and relax the LES.
It’s important to note that triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s best to pay attention to your own body’s reactions and identify which specific foods or beverages worsen your heartburn symptoms. If you experience frequent or severe heartburn, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and personalized advice.