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Diseases & Conditions March 15, 2022
Avoid spicy foods, and keep some dazzle in your diet with low-fat sauces and fresh herbs.
 The fiery feeling of heartburn is the last way you want to remember a great meal. But when your doctor says you have chronic heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (see "What is GERD?"), you may worry that a bland and disappointing menu is in your future. But the foods that trigger your heartburn may or may not be on the usual lists. That’s why keeping a journal to determine which foods cause symptoms helps. Common culpritsSome foods and ingredients may intensify heartburn, such as spicy foods, citrus, tomato sauces, and vinegar. Fatty and fried foods linger longer in the stomach, making it more likely that stomach acid leaks back up into the esophagus. Other common heartburn triggers include chocolate, caffeine, onions, peppermint, carbonated drinks, and alcohol. What's for dinner?You can still enjoy lean meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. The trick is making them flavorful. If spices bother you, try using only small amounts, and be mindful of blends that contain cayenne or chili powder. Or use fresh herbs instead. Fresh herbs are less concentrated and may be less irritating. Instead use fresh parsley, oregano, and basil. Another tip: roast your food. This makes vegetables sweeter. The natural sugars come out and caramelize. Carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, and Brussels sprouts work well. Broiling, sautéing, or grilling food also brings out intense flavor. Eat vegetables raw. Tomato sauce may bother you, but a fresh tomato may not. Use sauces but cut the fat. Blend low-fat yogurt with cucumber and basil, or sauté mushrooms in a little olive oil. Or make a pesto. Blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and a dash of olive oil or water. Use a tablespoon of it on food. Breakfast and lunchAvoid fatty meats like ham or bacon. Oatmeal is a great option. Throw in bananas, raisins, and maybe a hint of cinnamon. Other possibilities: low-fat yogurt with fruit or nuts, any kind of eggs, whole-grain toast, or a side of chilled whole grains like quinoa mixed with fruit or topped with a dollop of yogurt. For lunch, think salads with protein such as chicken or beans. But maybe use a yogurt-based dressing, to avoid vinegar and citrus. What is
GERD?One of the most common causes of heartburn is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, usually because the ring-like muscles that prevent backflow stop working properly. In addition to heartburn, GERD may cause nausea, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Medications to treat GERD reduce stomach acid. Antacid pills and liquids have been around the longest. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid), and H2 blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or famotidine (Pepcid), are available over the counter. Don't fool yourself into thinking medication allows you to frequently eat foods that once caused heartburn. If medication controls your symptoms, then it's probably okay to have a 'trigger' food occasionally. But if you do that too often, the heartburn will return. You can limit and perhaps avoid medication to control GERD symptoms by losing weight if necessary, eating smaller meals and avoiding food triggers (see accompanying article). Image: bhofack2/Getty Images Disclaimer:As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Related ContentYou might also be interested in… Heartburn can be difficult to cope with but many people manage it quite well. However, other people spend countless hours and untold sums of money looking for a way to spell relief. This Harvard Medical School Guide: Cooling Heartburn, explains the causes of heartburn, and what you can do to prevent and treat it. Read More Free Healthbeat SignupGet the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! What food makes indigestion worse?black pepper, garlic, raw onions, and other spicy foods. chocolate. citrus fruits and products, such as lemons, oranges and orange juice. coffee and caffeinated drinks, including tea and soda.
Can I eat if I have indigestion?Eat small meals so the stomach does not have to work as hard or as long. Eat slowly. Avoid foods that contain high amounts of acids, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes. Reduce or avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine.
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What can i eat when i have indigestion
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