Foods that cause heartburn

Drinking coffee, citrus juices, and eating raw onions and tomatoes increase stomach acid production, which can easily lead to reflux and heartburn.

Occasional heartburn is usually nothing to worry about. However, if it occurs frequently, especially at night, it could be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux.
Some of the foods listed below can increase the likelihood of heartburn.

Chocolate

According to a 2019 study published by the University of Pennsylvania (USA), chocolate reduces pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter because its cocoa and caffeine content 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 nutritious but contain fermentable fiber called fructooligosaccharides. When ingested, this substance can easily relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen reflux.

According to Presbyterian Hospital (USA), people who eat hamburgers with onions are more prone to heartburn than those who don't. The study, published in 1990, involved 32 participants.

Eating raw onions can lead to acid reflux or heartburn. Photo: Freepik — Eating raw onions can lead to acid reflux or heartburn. Photo: *Freepik*

Ale

Moderate to excessive alcohol consumption can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn. This is because alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus.

The components in alcohol also increase stomach acid production and make the esophagus more sensitive to stomach acid, causing heartburn.

A 2019 study published by Zhejiang University (China) showed that people who drink alcohol more than five times or on many days a week have twice the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) compared to those who do not drink or rarely drink.

Carbonated drinks

Soft drinks and carbonated beverages can relax the esophageal sphincter and increase the acidity of stomach acid – two risk factors for heartburn. According to Healthline , soft drinks are also a cause of nighttime heartburn.

According to a 2011 study of 162 people by Seoul National University (South Korea), carbonated drinks are associated with a 69% higher risk of developing reflux symptoms such as heartburn.

Mint

Peppermint and peppermint-flavored products can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Because peppermint relaxes the intestines, it also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows stomach acid and other substances to flow back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) report experiencing heartburn or acid reflux after eating foods containing mint.

Citrus juice

Citrus fruits are high in citric acid. This substance gives the fruit its sourness but can also increase stomach acid production, which is the culprit behind heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest. Therefore, it's best to avoid juices containing citric acid on an empty stomach.

Tomato

Like citrus fruits, tomatoes are highly acidic, causing the stomach to produce more acid and leading to reflux. To control acid reflux, avoid eating raw tomatoes and replace them with other spices such as basil, rosemary, and oregano.

Huyen My (According to Healthline, Greatist )

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