Heartburn: Which food causes and reduces acidity?

Sometimes, right after eating, we feel some kind of burning sensation right in the lower portion of our chest; it might be a sign of acidity or acid reflux or heartburn.

What is acidity (heartburn)?

It usually happens when the digestive enzymes reach up to the esophagus. When it happens, you tend to feel an acidic sour or bitter sensation in the throat.

Your body consists of a valve right from the starting point to the stomach which is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It shuts down when the food passes from it. Sometimes, when it doesn't, for various reasons, the stomach reaches up to the esophagus causing heartburn.

Which food causes acidity?

Different foods can cause acidity to different persons; it differs from person to person. However, it is better to avoid certain food items for a happy stomach such as:

• Foods with high-fat content.

Consuming high-fat foods frequently puts you at more risk for heartburn. It can cause LES to relax which results in more acid present in the stomach to move up to the esophagus. These foods delay the time of digestion. Some high-fat content foods include:

All fried foods

Full-fat dairy products

Fatty meats

Desserts and sugar contained stuff

Junk food

• Some kind of citrus fruits:

Some citric fruits can cause acidity. They are oranges, lemons, pineapple, grapes, limes, tomatoes, salsa, etc.

• Chocolates:

it possesses methylxanthine which can be a reason for acidity.

• Spicy foods, garlic, and onions:

These kinds of foods can trigger heartburn.

• Caffeine intake:

coffee can be a cause of acidity.

• Mint:

Products with mint can also affect you with acid reflux causing irritation and discomfort.

Food to reduce acidity:

If you are suffering from too much heartburn or acidity, you need to make some changes in your diet. There exist specific foods that can make you get away from it and upset your stomach. Some of them are:

1. Vegetables:

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflowers, green leafy, asparagus, green beans, cucumbers, and potatoes are quite better options that reduce acid reflux because they are low-fat and contains less sugar.

2. Ginger:

Ginger acts as an organic treatment for reducing heartburn as it contains anti-inflammatory elements.

3. Oatmeal:

Fiber is very good for your health and can decrease the chance of the production of acid reflux into your stomach. Oatmeal, whole grains, pieces of bread are good options for breakfast.

4. Fruits with no citric acid:

You can have almost all fruits excluding the citrus ones to stay away from acid indigestion. Fruits like bananas, pears, apples, melons, etc, are a good choice.

5. Seafood and lean meat:

Seafood and lean meat such as fish, chicken, turkey, etc, are very good for an acidity-free tummy.

6. Egg whites:

Egg whites are quite beneficial rather than the yolks.

7. Good fats:

Have unsaturated fats rather than all kinds of saturated fats. Have walnuts, olive oils, sesame oils, avocados, sunflower oils which are good fats.

Also read: High protein, low carb diet, and its benefits

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