When it comes to eating, it seems that all of the foods that taste the best are prone to causing heartburn. Some of these tasty culprits include chocolate and anything else with caffeine, citrus fruits, fried and fatty foods, tomatoes, and alcoholic beverages. When you read a list like this, it may feel like the world isn't fair. Not only does this cut some of your favorite foods from your diet, but you don't even know why this is the case. You wonder why it is that certain foods are more likely to cause you to suffer from heartburn than others are.
The reason all starts with the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter, a valve that operates to close off the passage between the stomach and the esophagus is located at the lower end of this tube. Certain ingredients in foods affect how this valve works which leads to heartburn. Chocolate, and other foods and beverages containing caffeine, cause the valve to relax and not function in the way it was intended by allowing stomach acid to back up into and irritate the esophagus. Tomatoes and citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, are acidic which can adversely affect the valve. Foods that are fried or fatty aren't digested as quickly, so they remain in the stomach where they can cause problems much longer.
You'll be glad to know, however, that these foods alone may not be the cause of your problems. Overeating is another major reason for heartburn. It only makes sense. When you overeat, your stomach becomes too full, and excess acid is pushed back into the esophagus. In addition, a too-full stomach can put a lot of pressure on the valve and cause it to malfunction. It may well be that if you eat the foods you love in moderation, even if they are known triggers of heartburn, you may not have any problem.
Another practice that will cause heartburn is to eat a meal and then immediately lie down. Once again, this will allow stomach acid back into your esophagus. Instead of lying down, plan on taking a walk or getting some other type of exercise following meals. Exercise will help your food to digest more quickly which will ease the pressure on the valve.
With any luck, taking these precautions will allow you to be able to eat some of your favorite foods, such as pizza and chocolate candy. As long as you eat in moderation, you may be able to consume whatever you please and still not trigger a bout with heartburn.
Want more information on how to stop heartburn? Get more information, tips and resources here: How to get rid of heartburn fast.
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