There are many steps you can take to try to minimize symptoms. Not all foods affect everyone the same way. Foods that typically make heartburn worse include:
- Foods high in fat –such as fried foods, heavily oiled foods and rich desserts
- Citrus fruits and juices–oranges, grapefruit, tangerines
- Tomato-based foods –spaghetti sauce, pizza, chili, etc.
- Onions and garlic
- Coffee and other beverages containing caffeine
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Spicy foods
- Mint flavorings –including toothpaste, gum and candy mints
In addition to avoiding these foods, it is also helpful to eat several lighter meals instead of a few large ones. Time your meals to satisfy your hunger without having to rely on eating large meals. Overeating can increase symptoms.
Other factors that can make heartburn worse include:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Taking aspirin
- Lying down or reclining within 3 hours of eating a meal
- Bending over at the waist after eating (to pick up something or tie your shoes). Bend at the knees instead and keep your torso upright
- Being overweight
- Wearing tight clothes or belts that press on your stomach.
More information can be found at the Digestive Diseases Homepage of the National Institute of Health
If symptoms increase, or continue to concern you, please follow-up with your physician/primary care team.