Getting Rid of Heartburn

Heartburn (acid reflux) can be a painful, inconvenient condition. Heartburn can keep you up at night, occurring in the chest and abdomen. This condition can often be brought on by dietary and lifestyle choices — it’s the result of stomach acid splashing back up into the esophagus.

Do you suffer from acid reflux consistently? Below we’ll go over advice to curb acid reflux. But it’s important to make an appointment with Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health if you have acid reflux, because it could be a sign of other health problems.

Foods and Beverages to Avoid if You’re Prone to Heartburn

Which foods and drinks can you safely consume? Which foods and drinks exacerbate heartburn?

• Fried food: This is one of the biggest contributors to heartburn. Fried meat and vegetables aggravate the digestive system, leading to heartburn and acid reflux.
• Fast food: We know fast food is loaded with unhealthy fats, but it’s also saturated with sugar and empty calories. It also upsets your stomach, facilitating heartburn.
• Tomato-based sauces: Tomatoes are naturally acidic. Ketchup, marinara sauce, and tomato-based soups are no good for the stomach.
• Chocolate: All rich, decadent foods should be avoided. We hate to say it, but chocolate contains a trifecta of heartburn-causing elements: fat, cocoa and caffeine.
• Citrus fruit: This one is obvious. Fruit relaxes the esophageal sphincter, contributing to heartburn.
• Caffeine, Soft Drinks, and Alcohol: Coffee, tea, soda, that greyhound you have every Friday after work, all of these can make your heartburn worse. Opt for decaf coffee and teas whenever you can. Steer clear of carbonated beverages, which add to the gas in your stomach, adding uncomfortable pressure. Alcohol affects your stomach in multiple ways which increase heartburn.

Timing is Everything

Leave two hours before bed free from eating. Keep in mind that you digest the best when you’re upright. It’s more difficult for your body to digest while supine. Eat smaller meals during the day. Four or five portioned meals instead the requisite three standard large meals is a good start. Eating like this makes it easier for your digestive system to do its vital work.

Do you suffer from acid reflux more than twice weekly? Schedule your appointment at Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health today. We’ll schedule your initial consultation and get to the bottom of your heart burn.