Heartburn have nothing at all to do the heart or burns. They have, however, everything to do with burning sensations that can be felt anywhere between the chest right up to the throat. The discomfort of heartburn occurs when stomach acids reflux through a valve, medically known as the lower esophageal sphincter, and causes irritation to the esophagus.
The topic of heartburn is rarely discussed due to its triviality in nature. Heartburn in itself may not kill you, but the pain and discomfort it brings can be quite a torture. What causes heartburn is unknown to many, which is why we’re going to break it down for you. Below are some of the do’s and don’ts to avoid heartburn.
Overeating
Before we go into details about what foods to eat and what to avoid, lets look at how much we’re eating. By simply eating beyond your stomach’s capacity, you are immediately putting yourself at risk of developing heartburn. We all love food, but no matter how good it looks, do try to keep to healthy portions and do not overeat.
High-fat Food
Fat generally takes a longer time to digest, as compared to carbohydrates and protein. This means that foods that are especially high in fat tend to stay longer in the stomach, and the longer they remain in there, the more likely you’ll experience discomfort. You don’t necessarily have to give up your favourite foods. Preparing them in a healthier way can save you from the calories, fat and heartburn. Try baking, grilling or roasting for a change. You’ll be surprised at how good they
can still taste.
Spicy Food
As the saying goes, “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”. In the case of spicy foods like curries, they either send you floating on cloud nine or they send you running off to the nearest restroom. Upsetting your tummy aside, curries and other spicy foods like pepper and hot sauces can also give you heartburn. Then again, you’ll be surprised to know that it isn’t just the fiery spiciness that gives you heartburn. Peppermints, garlic and onions may spur heartburn too.
Acidic Food & Drinks
When we mention acidity, there are certain types of food that come to mind. Citrus fruit such as lemons, oranges and lime are at the top of the list, and these fruits, juiced, are just as bad for your stomach. Having them on an empty stomach can potentially trigger heartburn. Tomatoes vinegar, carbonated drinks, caffeinated teas, and coffee are serial culprits you should also take note of. Always counter acidic food with non-acidic food, but better than that, limit your portions and find other non-acidic alternatives.
Chocolate
Chocolates contain stimulants, which very similar to caffeine, can trigger heartburn. If giving up chocolate seems too tall an order, try cutting down your portions instead. Keep in mind that other factors such as overeating, eating on an empty stomach, and consuming too much fat can all play a part in triggering a heartburn.
Eating on the Go
We are constantly on the move. Whether it’s our weekday commute to work or a Sunday trip to the mall, many of us are guilty of eating on the go. A little snack here and there is fine, but if you are going to start shoveling food down, I suggest you think twice. Moving around and not letting your food digest properly might trigger GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) symptoms, which very often includes heartburn. Instead, sit down, enjoy and savour the food. Read More
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