Suffering from heartburn, or heartburn, as this condition is also known, is an annoying situation that we have probably all experienced. It occurs in a standard way when we overeat or eat many foods that promote this condition, such as coffee, chocolate, or citrus fruits. But if it happens frequently, we could be facing a picture of gastroesophageal reflux. This pathology requires medical treatment to prevent the esophagus from suffering significant damage caused by stomach acids.
If you have noticed that this condition occurs after eating certain foods, but you still cannot detect the usual suspects, or if you suffer from reflux and want to eliminate any harmful food from your diet, in this FastlyHealarticle, we explain what they are the food produces acidity.
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Relationship between diet and heartburn
When we eat a balanced diet rich in healthy foods, our stomach can digest correctly and without complications, which translates into a healthy digestive system, adequate intestinal transit, and general well-being.
However, when we eat a diet rich in fats, sugars, processed foods, stimulants, and junk food, the body encounters a significant barrier to proper digestion, which causes common problems such as stomach heaviness, gas, or heartburn. By consuming foods that increase the production of acids in the stomach, we risk manifesting that annoying burning condition in the pit of the stomach that we know as acidity.
But in addition, this picture can also cause a pathology known as gastroesophageal reflux, which occurs when stomach acid rises to our esophagus and can even reach the mouth. If this pathology manifests itself several times a week, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for a complete check-up. Although the causes of heartburn are diverse, what we eat plays a vital role in preventing this condition, so it is essential to avoid certain foods that can produce excess stomach acid, causing discomfort.
Foods that cause heartburn
The foods that cause heartburn are characterized by having one quality in common: they all increase the production of acid in the stomach, which sometimes this organ cannot bear, thus manifesting the discomfort of this condition such as burning and sensation of acid in the pit of the stomach.
To prevent this from happening frequently, it is recommended to avoid the following ingredients:
- Citrus fruits and foods
Foods such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, kiwi, tamarind, or sweets that have an acid component, increase the production of stomach acid, which can translate into discomfort, so it is better to avoid or not abuse them .
- Fried food
Foods rich in fat, such as fried, battered, or breaded ingredients, and all products rich in trans fats, significantly hinder digestion, increasing the possibility of heartburn. Instead, it is recommended to eat grilled, baked, steamed, or cooked meals.
- Meat
Although you like to rage, meat is undoubtedly one of the most challenging foods for our stomach to digest, especially if you opt for high-fat presentations instead of the leanest cuts. Highly seasoned meat, grilled, and meat products such as sausages or sausages are great triggers for acidity.
- Pastries, sweets, and soft drinks
Did you think that by being sweet, you were safe? Well, no, cakes, cookies, pastries in general, sweets and soft drinks share a common ingredient that is very little beneficial: refined sugar, in addition to having a large amount of fat and additives for its preservation that are not exactly suitable. For sensitive stomachs.
- White flour
All the products made with white flour have high acidity, in addition to providing carbohydrates and sugars without granting the benefits of consuming whole wheat flour. The simplest option is to avoid them and replace them with comprehensive alternatives.
- Tomatoes
Anyone who has ever suffered from reflux, gastritis, or ulcers knows it: tomato is one of the first prohibited ingredients due to its high citric concentration; that is why all products derived from it, such as sauces, juices, and the ingredient in himself, they should be moderated to the maximum.
- Café
This ingredient is a powerful intestinal stimulant not recommended for people with a sensitive stomach. Still, it is also an option with a significant natural acidity, which at the same time stimulates the acids in our gut, causing discomfort.
- Garlic and onion
Raw garlic and onion are extremely indigestible ingredients that increase stomach acid, so it is recommended to consume them in moderation and preferably well cooked.
- Spicy or spicy foods
A dish with many spices and spicy has its effects on our digestion, making it heavier, generating discomfort, and increasing stomach acidity, mainly due to the impact of spicy on our digestive system.
- Mint
Another ingredient on the prohibited list for those who suffer from stomach diseases is because peppermint stimulates the production of stomach acid, promoting discomfort.
- Chocolate
It is delicious but rich in fat, refined sugar, and acidity. Although cocoa may surprise you, it is an acid ingredient, so it is not surprising that this product does not feel perfect on our stomachs.
- Alcohol
In addition to being difficult for our body to process, which explains that the day after drinking a lot, our stomach is inflamed and sensitive, alcohol causes heartburn because many of the ingredients it uses as a base or its companions are citrus fruits, soft drinks or carbonated drinks, quite a stomach pump.
It is essential to be clear that each person is different and that, although in general, these foods increase acidity, they do not have the same effect on all people. You should test the tolerance to these ingredients and consume them to the extent that your own body tolerates them.
Habits that increase the possibility of suffering from heartburn
If you want to prevent heartburn, it is essential to avoid the foods mentioned above as much as possible. Still, it is also worth taking into account some habits that will help you maintain a healthy stomach free of discomfort:
- Say no to plates full of food, as overeating is a common heartburn trigger. It is better to eat five meals a day with moderate portions than opt for vast quantities just 2 or 3 times a day.
- Eat a healthy diet without consuming anything in excess. Significantly moderate the intake of fried foods, snacks and trans fats, sweets, pastries, soft drinks, and alcohol.
- Do not eat and go to bed right away, which triggers heartburn and reflux. It would help if you waited at least 2 hours to lie down after eating, and it is also advisable to take a light walk after the meal to promote good digestion.
- Eat slowly, sit down, and be in an environment suitable for it. Rushing and eating under stress affect your digestion.
- If you smoke, it is time to consider quitting, as this habit significantly increases the possibility of suffering from heartburn and reflux.
If you have heartburn two or more times a week, it is advisable not only to put the recommendations in this article into practice but also to visit a gastroenterologist for a complete check-up to determine if there is an underlying condition behind this problem.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Foods that produce acidity , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.