Different foods and beverages that help treat heartburn

Heartburn is one of the common symptoms of acid reflux. During digestion, acid is released in the stomach. Sometimes, this acid moves back along the esophagus causing acid reflux. This causes a burning feeling in the chest and in some cases, a person may also experience a backache. Although occasional heartburn is not harmful, experience heartburn more than twice a week can be indicative of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In most cases, heartburn is caused due to lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking, overeating, and going to bed immediately after a heavy meal. Pregnancy and the intake of certain medications can also trigger heartburn. Often the food that we eat can be one of the major causes of heartburn. Certain foods can trigger heartburn, while there are other foods that help heartburn. Read on to know more about the effects of different food on heartburn.

Which are the beverages and liquid foods that help heartburn?

• Herbal tea : Sipping on herbal tea can be helpful in treating heartburn. Caffeine-free herbal teas such as those made from slippery elm, chamomile, marshmallow, and licorice can soothe the symptoms of heartburn. Avoid teas made from spearmint or peppermint as these can trigger heartburn.
• Low-fat milk : Normal milk or milk products have high-fat content. This can aggravate acid reflux and cause heartburn. Milk with low-fat content can help in alleviating and preventing heartburn. Plant-based milk such as soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk can also help in preventing heartburn.
• Juices made from non-citric fruits : Juices made from carrot, aloe vera, cabbage, watermelon, cucumber, pear, beet, and spinach help in giving relief from heartburn. However, avoid juices made from citric fruits and tomatoes.
• Coconut water : Unsweetened coconut water is a rich source of healthy electrolytes such as potassium. These electrolytes neutralize the excess acid levels and help in alleviating heartburn.

What to eat to get instant relief from heartburn?

• Ginger : Ginger has been known to give instant relief from heartburn. Diced or grated ginger can be added to soups, stir-fried vegetables, and other foods. Sipping on ginger tea can also help in giving relief from heartburn.
• Apple cider vinegar : Dilute a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Drinking this after a meal can help in giving relief from heartburn.
• Chewing gum : Chewing gum for half an hour after meals produces more saliva, which helps to neutralize the excess acid produced in the stomach. This can reduce heartburn.
• Almonds : Munching on a handful of almonds can give quick relief from heartburn. Almonds have a high oil-content that neutralizes the excess acid in the stomach and alleviates the discomfort caused by heartburn.

What is a low-acid diet?

• A low-acid diet comprises of foods that have low acidic content. This type of diet is usually recommended for people who have frequent episodes of gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers, and so on.
• A low-acid diet can comprise of foods with high pH levels. These can include artichokes, carrots, cauliflower, cantaloupe, beans, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts. These are the foods that help heartburn.
• Citrus fruits, tomatoes, fried foods, apples, salsas, and pickled vegetables are excluded from a low-acid diet since these have low pH levels and are highly acidic.
• It is necessary to assess a person’s tolerance level towards foods of differing acidity levels and make adjustments to the diet.

Do probiotic foods help in the treatment of heartburn?

• Probiotic foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, and yogurt contain healthy and beneficial bacteria. These bacteria help in maintaining a healthy gut that is essential for proper digestive functions.
• Eating probiotic foods have been known to give relief from gastrointestinal disorders and digestion problems. This is because probiotic foods have anti-inflammatory properties. These can help in easing the inflammation caused by heartburn and giving relief from acid reflux symptoms.
• Homemade probiotic foods are more effective in alleviating heartburn then store-bought probiotic foods. Sweetened or flavored probiotic foods are best avoided since they contain artificial sweeteners and flavors that can be highly acidic and aggravate heartburn.

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