Drinking coffee, citrus juice, eating raw onions and tomatoes increases stomach acid production which can easily lead to reflux and heartburn.
Occasional heartburn is usually nothing to worry about. But if it happens frequently, especially at night, it could be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux.
Some of the foods below increase the likelihood of heartburn.
Chocolate
According to a 2019 study from the University of Pennsylvania (USA), chocolate reduces pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter because it contains cocoa and caffeine, which increases the esophagus's exposure to acid. Foods and drinks containing caffeine can increase the acidity of gastric secretions, relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux and heartburn.
Onion
Onions are rich in nutrients but contain a fermentable fiber called fructooligosaccharides. When entering the body, this substance can easily relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase reflux.
According to Presbyterian Hospital (USA), people who eat hamburgers with onions are more likely to have heartburn than those who do not eat them. The study was published in 1990 with 32 participants.
Eating raw onions can lead to acid reflux or heartburn. Photo: Freepik
Ale
Moderate to excessive alcohol consumption can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, including heartburn. This is because alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus.
The ingredients in alcohol also increase stomach acid production and make the esophagus more sensitive to stomach acid, causing heartburn.
A 2019 study by Zhejiang University (China) showed that people who drink alcohol more than 5 times or more days per week are twice as likely to have gastroesophageal reflux syndrome as those who do not drink or rarely drink.
Carbonated drinks
Sodas and carbonated drinks can relax the esophageal sphincter and increase the acidity of stomach acid — two risk factors for heartburn. According to Healthline , sodas are also a cause of nighttime heartburn.
According to a 2011 study of 162 people by Seoul National University (South Korea), carbonated drinks have a 69% higher risk of developing reflux symptoms such as heartburn.
Mint
Peppermint and peppermint-flavored products can make acid reflux symptoms worse. Because peppermint relaxes the intestines, it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows acid and other stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus and cause heartburn.
Many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease report experiencing heartburn and acid reflux after eating foods containing peppermint.
Citrus juice
Citrus fruits are high in citric acid. This gives the fruit its sourness, but it can also increase stomach acid production, which can cause heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest. Therefore, you should avoid juices containing citric acid on an empty stomach.
Tomato
Like citrus fruits, tomatoes are highly acidic, causing your stomach to produce more acid and leading to reflux. To control acid reflux, avoid eating raw tomatoes and replace them with other spices like basil, rosemary, and oregano.
Huyen My (According to Healthline, Greatist )
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