Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesFoods to AvoidFoods to EatSwaps to MakeFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Foods to Avoid
Foods to Eat
Swaps to Make
Frequently Asked Questions
The occasional case of heartburn is often brought on after eating a spicy meal or drinking alcohol, among other things, and can be treated.
Having heartburn once in a while is nothing to worry about. However, if it happens more frequently, and especially at night, it can be a symptom ofgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD), oracid reflux.
This article will talk about heartburn symptoms, causes, typical foods and drinks that trigger heartburn, as well as foods to relieve this uncomfortable feeling.
Justin Ong / Getty Images
Heartburn symptomsinclude:
Different types of foods and drinks can cause heartburn. The imbalance inhormonesduringpregnancy, as well as the crowding of your organs, can also cause heartburn.
Other factors that play a role are weight, smoking status, high stress, and wearing tight clothes and belts.
What About Milk?For some people, milk can alleviate heartburn. For others, it can make it worse.
What About Milk?
For some people, milk can alleviate heartburn. For others, it can make it worse.
Why Do I Have Heartburn?
There are certain foods that can trigger heartburn, including high-fat foods, acidic foods, and some beverages. Try to avoid or swap out these foods and drinks to keep you feeling well.
High-Fat Foods
These high-fat foods might taste good going down but may leave you feeling ill. Try to cut back on or avoid these foods:
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods, even healthy ones, can cause heartburn. Try to cut back on, if not avoid, these triggering foods:
Beverages
Some of these drinks may trigger heartburn:
How to Prevent Heartburn
Sweets
Candy (especially those that have a vitamin C flavor), chocolate, and even mints can cause heartburn. Chocolate hascaffeine, which can trigger heartburn.
Spices and Spicy Foods
Some foods that add flavor to our meals can also cause symptoms. Use chili powder, garlic powder, and pepper sparingly. Likewise, avoidspicypeppers like jalapeños, and definitely leave that ghost pepper in the produce section of the grocery store.
How Heartburn Is Treated
Foods to Relieve Heartburn
Try some of these foods, especially those high in fiber, to prevent or relieve uncomfortableheartburnsymptoms:
Some Easy SwapsTry swapping out chicken or salmon for a cheeseburger, or try pesto sauce (made of basil) instead of red sauce on pasta.
Some Easy Swaps
Try swapping out chicken or salmon for a cheeseburger, or try pesto sauce (made of basil) instead of red sauce on pasta.
Swaps You Can Try
There are a lot of delicious options you can try if your current foods and drinks are causing issues, including:
Summary
Heartburn can occur after enjoying a spicy meal or drinking certain beverages like soda or alcohol, among other things.
Having heartburn once in a while is usually nothing to worry about. However, if it happens more frequently, and especially at night, it can be a symptom of GERD, or acid reflux.
There are lots of delicious swaps you can make to avoid triggering heartburn. Consider opting for less acidic, non-fried foods to keep your heartburn at bay.
A Word From Verywell
You may experience heartburn after eating a spicy meal or drinking alcohol, among other things. Eating a diet full of whole foods and fiber can help prevent or treat heartburn.
If symptoms persist over weeks after making dietary changes, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a gastroenterology specialist for a physical exam.
Additionally, heartburn symptoms andheart attacksymptoms (chest pain,shortness of breath, and a cold sweat) can overlap. If you have any chest pain or other symptoms, seek help immediately.
Lots of things can cause heartburn, including spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, sweets. People who are pregnant, overweight, stressed, or not getting enough sleep may also get heartburn.
Thesymptomsof heartburn (bitter taste in the back of your throat and a burning sensation in your chest) can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Yes. Avoid eating foods and drinking beverages that trigger heartburn. When eating, take your time and enjoy your meal. Don’t go to bed with a full stomach. Try not to overeat. Stop eating when you start to feel full.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.The Gastro Clinic.Top 10 Foods that Cause Heartburn.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux Heartburn.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.The Gastro Clinic.Top 10 Foods that Cause Heartburn.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux Heartburn.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.The Gastro Clinic.Top 10 Foods that Cause Heartburn.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux Heartburn.
Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.
The Gastro Clinic.Top 10 Foods that Cause Heartburn.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux Heartburn.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
