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A burning feeling or pain under the ribs is commonly referred to as heartburn. This happens when the stomach acids and food go back into the esophagus. This generally occurs when there is too much pressure on the stomach, or the pressure in the esophagus is low and the sphincter is relaxed. Heartburn can also be symptomatic of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. If you are suffering from heartburn, it is best to keep a food diary. This will enable you to point out which foods cause you the most heartburn and which ones you should avoid.
Do remember that food is not the only cause of heartburn. Smoking, stress, caffeine, alcohol can also lead to heartburn. There are many foods that you should avoid to prevent heartburn.
You do not have to eliminate them completely from your diet, but they should be eaten in small amounts. It is essential to make wise food choices if you wish to control your heartburn. A low fat and high fiber diet is the best one to follow.
Fatty, spicy, fried and acidic are the kinds of foods that should be avoided.
Examples of these are given below:- - Fruits - orange juice, tomato, cranberry/grapefruit juice, lemon, lemonade
- Dairy products - milk, whole fat cheese, sour cream, ice cream, cottage cheese, milkshakes, egg and egg products too.
Meat - Buffalo wings, beef, pork, bacon, marbled sirloin, chuck, chicken nuggets
- Beverages - tea, coffee (both regular and decaffeinated) wine, alcohol, colas, sodas
Desserts/Sweets- chocolate, doughnuts, brownies, butter cookies, all types of peppermints
- Vegetables - Raw onion, peppers
- Other foods - potato chips, corn chips, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and cheese, creamy salad dressings, French fries.
High fat and spicy cold meats like pastrami
There are however some foods that have little potential to cause heartburn.
These include:-
Fruits like apples and bananas, vegetables such as broccoli, baked potato, peas, green beans, carrots, and cabbage. Chicken, fish or lean cuts of beef are good options for meats. Fat free cheese or Soya cheese, multi grain or white bread, brown or white rice, rice cakes, corn bread, oatmeal, pretzels, fat free cookies are relatively safe to eat. Keep in mind that every person is different. What may cause heartburn in one person may not cause it in another. Only changing your diet may not help to relieve or prevent heartburn. Other lifestyle changes may also be necessary. Do contact your doctor if the heartburn does not go away even after dietary changes.
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