How to Tame Heartburn

Find out what’s behind the pain—and what can help


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    The Nutritionist Says: Watch for Trigger Foods

    At the top of the heartburn hit list is fatty fare like fried foods, full-fat cheese and even veggies in lots of oil. You digest high-fat foods slowly, which causes your stomach to produce more acid. Other acidic culprits: chocolate, peppermint, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, tomato sauce, and citrus fruits or juices.

    Simple lowfat dishes like grilled chicken or fish, steamed vegetables and brown rice are not likely to trigger symptoms, but you don't have to eat a bland diet or avoid spicy food forever. If you're having a period of reflux, just sidestep your triggers until you have an ongoing treatment plan.

    Also, eating too much can overfill your stomach and cause discomfort, as can eating too close to bedtime (since it's hard to digest food when you're lying down).

    BARBARA WENDLAND, RD, author of Chronic Heartburn: Managing Acid Reflux and GERD Through Understanding, Diet and Lifestyle

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