What can you eat if you have heartburn: nutritional recommendations and recipes

The most unloved patients of gastroenterologists are people with liver problems. This is a difficult category of patients, since liver diseases are often chronic, rapidly progressing, and are not always treatable. Their manifestations are so diverse that in the early stages of the disease it is difficult to suspect their presence.

Can heartburn be caused by liver disease? Is it the leading symptom of this pathology? How to deal with it and how often does this manifestation bother a person?

Causes of heartburn in liver diseases

Heartburn due to liver disease is quite common. This burning symptom accompanies almost all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. And the main digestive gland is no exception. What are the causes of obsessive heartburn from liver disease?

Without the liver, a person could not live. In addition to hematopoiesis, neutralization of toxins, viruses, bacteria entering the body, it is actively involved in digestion. Enzymes for food processing occur here. One of the key functions of the liver is the formation and secretion of bile, which accumulates in the gallbladder. From there, when fatty foods enter the body, bile is released in small portions. Thanks to such simple actions, food is quickly and promptly broken down, the body is satiated, and the person feels good. But this is normal.

Any problems with the formation of bile or disruption of its delivery to the gallbladder affect a person’s well-being. This contributes to stagnation and the gradual appearance of heartburn. The breakdown of fatty foods is impaired. A person will not feel changes immediately if he eats small portions or is on a diet limiting spicy and fatty foods. But over time or after overeating, heaviness in the stomach will appear and heartburn will occur. But why? — food partially processed in the upper parts of the digestive system will not pass further when it further passes into the duodenum, since the body has not released a sufficient amount of bile to process it.

How does heartburn occur in liver diseases? - food stagnates in the stomach or the initial part of the small intestine. Food begins to gradually accumulate, and its progress slows down, because the body is not able to fully process it. Food coming from outside rots and toxins are formed. Due to the disruption of movement, some food gets back into the stomach and esophagus. This leads to inflammation of the esophageal mucosa and weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter. Therefore, heartburn often occurs due to liver problems.

What diseases or temporary conditions cause such disruption of liver function?

Hepatic cholestasis syndrome, when there are disturbances in the formation and secretion of enzymes. Such conditions occur in pregnant women, which contribute to the worsening of heartburn.
Complete or partial obstruction of the biliary system. The reasons may be different: the formation of stones, tumors of the biliary system, the appearance and proliferation of intrahepatic parasites.

These are not uncommon problems, they occur frequently, but, unfortunately, many people are not aware of their presence. In such cases, heartburn will not be the leading symptom; it will appear in severe disorders, when, for example, liver parasites grow to a very large size.

Pathogenesis

The feeling of heartburn appears if the pH value of the stomach cavity drops below 2, and in the esophageal cavity below 6. Normally, in the antrum of the stomach the pH value is 2–3 (acidic environment), if this indicator begins to decrease, the protective functions of the mucous membrane, and the mucus walls covering it, do not cope with their task. Acid aggressively affects the walls of the stomach, leading to the development of atrophic changes, which ultimately leads to the formation of ulcerative defects.

In turn, the cavity of the esophagus has almost neutral acidity (pH 6–7); if acid enters the lumen of the esophagus, in which protective factors against the effects of acid are poorly developed, it corrodes its mucosa. The reason for this is the failure of the sphincter of the cardiac part of the stomach, or increased gastric motility.

Other mechanisms of heartburn in liver diseases

The second large group of diseases accompanied by heartburn are changes in the liver itself. What does this mean? This is a large group of diseases that are characterized by the appearance of an inflammatory process or replacement of the liver tissue itself. These include hepatitis of any origin or cirrhosis. What is the relationship between heartburn and changes in the liver? The onset and progression of heartburn will be observed in the later stages of such diseases.

Hepatitis is an acute or chronic disease due to inflammation of the liver. Its causes in most cases are viral infections. Cirrhosis is a structural change in which normal cells are replaced by connective cells. If the first type of disease is reversible or responds well to treatment. Cirrhosis is a chronic irreversible condition that cannot be treated and leads to disability. Pain in the liver and heartburn occur precisely in such conditions. What happens inside the liver? - its tissue is inflamed or replaced by another, which is why this gland is not able to function normally. It does not produce enzymes, or only in limited quantities, and does not fully participate in digestion. As a result, the entire system suffers, which cannot but affect the functioning of the stomach and esophagus.

What symptoms, besides heartburn, bother you with such liver diseases?

Yellowing of the skin and sclera, increased body temperature.
Digestion of food worsens, heaviness in the stomach appears after eating, nausea, and vomiting.
Weakness, sleep disturbance, itchy skin due to the accumulation of toxins.
A person complains of pain in the right hypochondrium and a burning sensation behind the sternum or heartburn.
Appetite decreases, belching and diarrhea appear.
With cirrhosis, at the height of the disease, so-called liver signs appear on a person’s skin - spider veins on the body, the tongue acquires a bright crimson color.
Cirrhosis, in addition to heartburn, is characterized by manifestations of gynecomastia in men (breast enlargement), weakened hair growth on the chin and in the armpits.
Enlarged spleen, which is often detected during ultrasound diagnostics.

What to do

The group of foods that cause acid reflux in all people must be excluded by those who experience severe, constant heartburn half an hour or an hour after eating.

Such patients need to undergo all the necessary examinations, clarify the reasons why they are tormented by burning and discomfort in the chest.

You can do without flour, sweets, apples, rye bread, tomatoes and beer.

The recommendations are extremely simple:

Drink a glass of plain water on an empty stomach in the morning;
be sure to have breakfast - the best option is oatmeal with a slice of white bread;
eat food at the same hour, do not rush anywhere and chew thoroughly;
do not overeat at night, only a glass of warm milk is allowed;
do not lift heavy objects or bend over for about an hour after eating.

During pregnancy, women often suffer from an unpleasant sensation of acid burn in the breasts, especially in the later stages. A gynecologist or therapist can tell you what to do in this case. It is usually recommended to eat little by little, chew thoroughly, not lie down for about an hour after eating, eat less bread, and give up beer, chocolate, soda and other provocateurs.

Many medications cannot be used for pregnant women, so you must always adhere to your diet and diet.

Following simple recommendations can significantly reduce the symptoms of heartburn and alleviate the patient's condition.

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Treatment of heartburn with liver problems

Any of the liver diseases described above requires medical supervision. Here, a person will not cure heartburn with magical remedies that reduce stomach acidity. A regular diet, even the most gentle one, will be ineffective if the cause is not removed. How can you help a person in this case?

Almost any liver disease can be treated comprehensively. Heartburn will not bother you if, with the development of hepatic cholestasis, the doctor prescribes drugs to protect liver cells and stimulate the secretion of bile.
Stones and helminths are almost always treated surgically, especially with frequent exacerbations in young people. The cause of the congestion must be removed.
A person will not suffer from heartburn and the liver will be protected if, when infected with viral hepatitis, he undergoes a full course of treatment in an infectious diseases hospital. Treatment is complex: antiviral drugs, hepatoprotectors, vitamins, diet and symptomatic substances.
With cirrhosis the situation is more complicated - this disease is incurable. They use drugs to protect and restore liver cells, use vitamins and tonic agents. If complications occur, such as bleeding, treatment is carried out in a hospital.

If a person has liver pain and is bothered by heartburn, this is the basis for a full examination by a therapist. These two symptoms already indicate significant damage to the liver tissue. Any of them can cause many unpleasant complications. How to protect yourself? Heartburn should not be ignored by thinking that it is a simple symptom. Proper treatment always begins with finding out the cause.

Heartburn is a pathological condition characterized by discomfort or burning in the chest area. Unpleasant sensations spread upward from the epigastric zone and radiate to the larynx. According to statistics, 16–18% of the planet’s population experiences manifestations of this pathology more than once a week. Moreover, about 3-4% of people in developed countries experience heartburn every day.

Contraindications to the use of vegetables

Not always pumpkin, which contains a large amount of useful substances, can be used in preparing dishes for all people. Excessive consumption of the product may have negative effects on the body. When chewing seeds, abrasion of the cutting edge of the tooth is observed, which damages the enamel.

Vegetable pulp, seeds and pumpkin juice are contraindicated for a certain category of people. In case of pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, the use of pumpkin should be agreed with the attending physician: therapist or gastroenterologist. It is also noted that after the first consumption of pumpkin dishes, colic and bloating are observed. These phenomena can cause severe discomfort in humans.

In case of gastritis, gastric ulcer, or decompensated diabetes, the intake of vegetables should definitely be excluded from the diet.

With hyperacid gastritis, the alkaline balance is shifted to the acidic side. Pumpkin has a pronounced alkaline effect and contains a lot of fiber. If the stomach is full, the digestion of dishes with this vegetable will take a long time. To speed up digestion, irritated stomach cells will increase the production of hydrochloric acid, thereby increasing acidity. Stale food, especially when the stomach is full, puts pressure on the upper sphincter, causing it to open. The acidic contents enter the esophagus, injure the mucous membrane and cause symptoms of heartburn.

If you have diabetes, it is recommended to limit your intake of pumpkin. This is due to the fact that the vegetable contains a large amount of natural sugars. Before use, it is recommended to consult with a general practitioner or endocrinologist.

It is important to remember that baked pumpkin has a higher glycemic index than raw pumpkin.

Causes of heartburn

Often, the appearance of heartburn signals the development of diseases of the digestive tract or metabolic disorders. Factors that provoke the occurrence of a pathological process can be:

excess weight, fat deposits in the abdominal area;
binge eating;
gastritis (inflammatory damage to the epithelial tissues of the stomach);
disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract that occur after surgical interventions;
pancreatitis (inflammatory damage to pancreatic tissue);
formation of sand and stones in the gall bladder (cholelithiasis);
the presence of ulcerative formations on the gastric mucosa;
oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
gastric dyspepsia (dysfunction of this organ that occurs against the background of depression, emotional and mental stress and nervous disorders);
inflammation of the gallbladder;
gastroesophageal reflux (a disorder in the functioning of the body characterized by the entry of stomach contents into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter).

However, heartburn can also occur in completely healthy people. In such situations, the cause of the development of the pathological process is an illiterate approach to diet composition.

Features of the vegetable

Pumpkin belongs to the pumpkin family. The cultivation of the vegetable began around 3 thousand years BC in Mexico. It was only in the 16th century that pumpkin was brought to Europe by the Spaniards.

Today this vegetable is one of the most cultivated crops. For the pumpkin to fully ripen, it requires abundant watering (the composition is 90% water) and warmth. The product is ready for use in August-September. Pumpkin contains a large amount of nutrients. The scope of application is not limited to cooking. The product is also used in medicine and cosmetology.

Useful substances of the product:

Vitamins: B, F, D, A, PP, C, T, E.
Minerals: calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc, cobalt, iron.
Fiber: represented by pulp.
Essential amino acids: in seeds.
In addition to the substances important for health present in this vegetable, the product is also low in calories.

There are 22 kilocalories per 100 grams of pumpkin consumed, so it can be used by people who want to lose weight and have a number of diseases.

Pumpkin contains a large range of vitamins and minerals

Is it possible to eat pumpkin if you have pancreatitis?

In general, the following useful properties of the product can be noted:

Improved digestion: low in calories and high in water and fiber.
Reducing hypertension: lowers blood cholesterol levels, equalizes water-salt balance.
Treatment of diseases of the hematopoietic system: against the background of the presence of iron and vitamin T.
Reducing the symptoms of inflammation: local application is possible, the effects of which reduce pain and accelerate regenerative processes.
Improvement of vision: against the background of beta-carotene present in the product, the eye system is strengthened.
Diuretic effect: minerals, namely salts and potassium, help dissolve kidney stones and promote their gradual elimination from the body.
Strengthening immunity: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an excellent way to prevent viral infections.
Reduction in the incidence of cancer: not clearly established, however, for tuberculosis and throat cancer, taking the product had a positive effect on the dynamics of the process.
Rejuvenation of the body and alignment of sleep: beneficial substances trigger cellular regeneration of the body.
Application in cosmetology: the principle of moisturizing and nourishing action is inherent in the use of shampoos, lotions, gels, masks, soaps.

What foods cause heartburn?

Heartburn can be caused by foods that have the following properties:

activating the production of digestive enzymes and bile;
increasing the acidity level of gastric juice;
irritating epithelial tissues of the digestive tract;
promoting increased gas formation;
relaxing the esophageal sphincter.

This group includes:

citrus fruits, tomatoes, sour berry and fruit juices, tomato juice (contain organic acids that irritate the epithelium of the esophagus, increasing the acidity of gastric juice);
rich broths (provoke an increase in the acidity of gastric juice);
unripe raw berries and fruits (cause irritation of the epithelial tissues of the stomach);
too fatty foods, fried foods (they take a long time to digest, promoting the active secretion of bile and digestive enzymes);
coffee and other drinks with a high concentration of caffeine (relax the esophageal sphincter, stimulate the production of digestive juices);
carbonated drinks (stimulate gastric secretion);
mint and culinary products made from it (relax the esophageal sphincter);
fresh baked goods, baked goods, sweets and other high-carbohydrate refined foods (creates an environment favorable for the growth of bacteria and promotes increased gas formation);
hot spices, sauces with their addition (irritate the mucous epithelium of the stomach and esophagus, stimulate the production of digestive enzymes);
chocolate and chocolate desserts (relaxes the sphincter muscles);
hot dogs, hamburgers, crackers, French fries, chips, instant pasta and other fast food (contain harmful fats and additives that irritate the epithelial tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to increased gas formation);
onions (contains substances that irritate the lining of the digestive tract);
dairy products with a high fat content (promote the production of gastric juice);
overly hot dishes (irritate the epithelial tissues of the esophagus, relax the sphincter) and ice-cold foods (take a long time to digest, contributing to increased gastric secretion).

Preventing heartburn

A burning sensation in your throat will no longer bother you if you follow these simple rules:

Eat less, but more often. Ideally, every 2–3 hours.
Limit your intake of heartburn-causing foods. Everything spicy, fatty, fried, sour, as well as garlic, raw onions, sour fruits and chocolate are prohibited.
Limit your consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, strong coffee and tea: they irritate the gastric mucosa.
Avoid bending over or exercising immediately after eating.
To reduce the risk of heartburn while sleeping, raise the head of your bed 10–15 cm or sleep on high pillows.
Try not to wear tight belts, bandages and corsets that tighten the abdominal area.

What causes the disease?

The question of which foods cause heartburn should be a top priority when planning your diet. This pathology makes quite dramatic changes to the diet.

This applies not only to the size of portions, but also to such general recommendations as the mode and duration of chewing food.

Foods that cause heartburn and therefore should not be eaten during an exacerbation have the following properties:

Activate the production of bile and other digestive enzymes.
Increases stomach acidity.
Irritate epithelial tissues in the digestive tract.
Promotes increased gas formation.
They have a relaxing effect on the esophageal sphincter. The sphincter is a special gastric valve that opens and closes when eating. Some foods interfere with the functioning of the sphincter, which leads to its closing too slowly or incompletely, which in turn causes acid from the stomach to flow back into the esophagus.

Thus, the foods that cause heartburn are the following:

Citrus fruits, sour vegetables and fruits - the organic acids they contain increase gastric acidity and irritate the epithelium of the esophagus.
Rich soups increase the acidity of gastric juice.
Unripe berries and fruits irritate the epithelium of the stomach.
Fatty and fried foods take a long time to digest, resulting in the release of bile and digestive enzymes in large quantities.
Coffee – relaxes the esophageal sphincter.

Carbonated drinks – increase gastric secretion.
Mint – relaxes the esophageal sphincter.
Fresh bread and pastries – increases gas formation.
Spicy foods irritate the epithelium of the stomach.
Chocolate – relaxes the esophageal sphincter.
Fast food - due to harmful additives, they promote gas formation and irritate the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dairy products - increase the production of gastric secretions.
Onions - irritate the lining of the digestive organs.
Too hot food relaxes the esophageal sphincter.
Too cold food increases gastric secretion.

These and other products will be discussed in more detail below.

Dietary recommendations for heartburn

Often, in order to reduce the likelihood of heartburn, it is enough to reconsider the usual approach to cooking food. Boiled, baked, stewed and steamed dishes should prevail on the menu. Marinated, smoked, fried foods and pickles should be excluded from the diet.
Small meals are one of the most effective methods of preventing heartburn. In order to avoid excessive synthesis of digestive enzymes, it is necessary to eat small portions (up to 7 times a day). Products should be chewed thoroughly and for a long time, thereby facilitating the work of the gastrointestinal tract. You should have dinner no later than 2.5 hours before bedtime.
Increased attention must be paid to the temperature of consumed products. People suffering from heartburn should avoid foods that are too hot or ice-cold from their diet.
Obesity is one of the factors that contribute to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. In order to avoid the development of gastroesophageal reflux and accompanying heartburn, it is necessary to get rid of excess weight.
Smoking is often the cause of heartburn. Nutritionists recommend that smokers give up the habit of smoking a cigarette right before or immediately after a meal.
In case of heartburn, it is necessary to include in the diet foods that are easily absorbed by the body and do not affect the level of acidity of gastric juice. Without fear, you can eat porridge cooked in water, lean boiled meat, weak broths, herbs (dill, above-ground part of parsley, green salad), eggs, low-fat cottage cheese and cheese, some vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, etc.), jelly, jelly, slightly dried bread.

Date: 04/18/2016.

Photo: pixabay.com

Vegetables

Vegetables are a storehouse of vitamins, and of course they are included in the diet, but not all of them are equally useful for heartburn. Why?

Pumpkin

After eating this vegetable, bloating and colic may occur. Pumpkin is contraindicated for gastritis and gastric ulcers.

This vegetable has a pronounced alkaline effect and contains a large amount of fiber.

Cabbage

Even in small quantities, this vegetable can cause heartburn. It, like pumpkin, contains a lot of fiber, which slows down its digestion and causes the body to secrete more gastric secretions. Raw cabbage is completely contraindicated , you should also avoid salted and sauerkraut, but you can eat boiled or stewed cabbage, but in small portions and with a minimum amount of salt.

Raw onions, entering the stomach, provoke the synthesis of large amounts of hydrochloric acid and bile. In addition, this product contains a lot of essential oils and sulfur-containing substances. All this contributes to the appearance of heartburn, so onions, despite their benefits, should be excluded from the diet of a patient suffering from pathologies of the duodenum and esophagus.

Potato

In general, potato juice helps to cope with the symptoms of heartburn, however, if taken incorrectly, it can intensify this unpleasant pathology, for example, potato juice should not be taken by people with low stomach acidity. Therefore, before treating heartburn with potato juice, you should consult your doctor. As for boiled or baked potatoes, they cannot cause heartburn in any way, but fried potatoes are harmful .
If you have heartburn, it is better to avoid fried foods.

What health problems should you drink potato juice for?

Experts recommend taking potato juice for the treatment and prevention of many painful conditions, but it is especially popular for pathologies of the digestive system.

Juice is prescribed as an auxiliary method to the main treatment of diseases and conditions such as:

peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
erosive and ulcerative lesions of the digestive system;
gastritis with high acidity;
inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis);
cholelithiasis;
ulcerative colitis;
intestinal dysbiosis;
stomach cancer.

If heartburn is a symptom of digestive diseases, then juice therapy alone will not be enough to achieve stable remission and stop the progression of the disease. Effective therapy is possible subject to compliance with dietary rules and the use of medications.

Potato juice in this tandem alleviates the severity of symptoms, enhances the effect of medications, reduces the need for them, and shortens treatment time.

Advice. The juice is consumed immediately after preparation, since its storage leads to oxidation and loss of beneficial properties. As a last resort, you should store the drink in a glass container with a lid in the refrigerator for no longer than 3-4 hours.

Fruits and berries

Fruits and berries for heartburn should also be consumed very selectively. Some of them will bring relief, for example, pineapple, while others, on the contrary, will cause an unpleasant symptom.

Tangerines

Regarding citrus fruits, everything also depends on the acidity of the gastric juice; with low acidity, tangerines and other citrus fruits will be useful, but with increased acidity, they provoke heartburn.

In particular, tangerines are contraindicated for gastritis, diseases of the pancreas, duodenum and stomach ulcers.

Citrus fruits are acid-containing fruits, therefore, they have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive organs.

Grape

Grapes themselves cannot directly cause heartburn , but they can increase the acidity of the stomach due to the organic acids they contain, and thereby provoke a problem. The same applies to grape wine, especially if it is not well filtered or made from grape varieties that contain large amounts of strontium salts, for example, Isabella.

Persimmon

Persimmons contain tannins, which are slightly acidic, so with increased acidity, heartburn may occur after eating this fruit. If you are diagnosed with increased stomach acidity, when choosing persimmons you should give preference to very sweet fruits. But unripe fruits can cause exacerbation of gastritis and increased heartburn .

Why is heartburn after yogurt?

Why do people run to the pharmacy before looking in their own refrigerator? Products that neutralize heartburn:

A banana that acts like an antacid and “puts out the fire” inside.
Honey, or rather the potassium it contains, soothes pain and burning.
An expensive but effective remedy is fresh pineapple juice, a known aid for stomach problems.
Milk and its derivatives will help get rid of the burning sensation.
To relieve pain, you can eat a teaspoon of yellow mustard.
A real godsend for heartburn will be ginger root - four grams, grated, will quickly eliminate the problem.
Eating heartburn with applesauce is effective and tasty.
Potato juice works no worse than ½ teaspoon of soda diluted in warm water.

What helps?

If you experience regular discomfort and a burning sensation in your chest, you should be particularly responsible when choosing food.

Certain foods and drinks cause additional complications and may make heartburn symptoms worse. And here

However, there are products that are considered gentle and not so aggressive to the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Here are some foods that relieve stress on the stomach and help fight heartburn:

potato;
lean fish;
whole wheat bread;
olive and linseed oil;
mineral non-carbonated drinks;
some vegetables, such as carrots and cucumber;
skim milk and other dairy products;
non-acidic fruits such as banana, grapes and strawberries.

Our diet also contains foods that have a detrimental effect on the stomach, as they lead to the production of additional acid. These include:

coffee;
smoked meats;
citrus;
hot spices;
French fries;
all types of alcohol, etc.

As a rule, the fattier and juicier the food, the more difficult it is for the stomach. Still, it is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of which food is right for you.

To track foods that cause acidity, we recommend starting a journal. In it, you can note which foods cause heartburn and how severe the symptoms are. To get a complete picture, fill out the diary every day for at least two weeks. Then discuss the results with your doctor.

Eating the right foods to reduce acid production and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important in the first steps in the fight against heartburn.

5 tips to reduce heartburn symptoms:

Eat small snacks.
Chew your food slowly.
Use as little fat as possible in your diet.
Don't eat late.
The last meal should take place 2-3 hours before bedtime.

The above are basic tips. By following them, you will get relief literally immediately.

In the following chapters we will answer questions about what foods you can eat and what helps with heartburn.

Milk and dairy products

In order for heartburn to go away, foods with alkaline properties are indispensable in the diet. Therefore, cottage cheese and cream eliminate the problem from dairy products. The “grandmother’s method” - a glass of warm milk - will have a proven positive effect.

Since hard cheeses are often very fatty, you should limit yourself to feta, goat or soy tofu. Cheese varieties like mozzarella and cheddar should be treated with caution and in moderation. Dairy products must be low-fat or have a minimum percentage of fat.

You'll have to forget about ice cream and milkshake for a while. If you can’t live without sweet yogurt, it is better to give preference to drinking yogurt, as it is less fatty.

Opinions on this issue vary. Some say yes, others no.

A Korean research group found that milk, as well as yogurt, cause heartburn more often than water.

The subjects' stomach acid levels increased after consuming these dairy products, similar to what they did after consuming sour citrus juices.

Another factor that works against milk is that some people are lactose intolerant. According to global estimates, the proportion of such people is about 15 percent. Therefore, drinking milk can put additional strain on the esophagus.

But there are also cases when milk helps with heartburn. This may be due to the fact that the causes that cause heartburn in some cases vary, just as the patients’ bodies react differently to certain irritants.

However, from a scientific point of view, it is not recommended to drink milk for heartburn.

Fruits and vegetables for the stomach

Potatoes, carrots and beets that relieve painful sensations can be found in every home. In addition, they will help maintain optimal acid-base balance in the body. In addition to the fruits themselves, their juices are beneficial - drinking a glass of carrot or beet juice before eating eliminates the possibility of a burning sensation.

It is important not to forget that not all gifts from garden beds are so useful for heartburn. For example, eating onions, garlic or cabbage can only make the situation worse. And tomatoes contain acid, which causes heartburn.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a thick consistency. Traditionally, it is prepared by combining fresh milk and a kefir grain starter. It is these living cultures that provide the health benefits.

Kefir contains beneficial bacteria known collectively as probiotics, a class of microorganisms and substances of microbial origin that help fight heartburn.

Heartburn is a common problem. From 25 to 35 percent of Americans (unfortunately, there are no data for Russia) experience unpleasant symptoms of the disease at least once a month. This can be caused by poor diet, stress, smoking, and frequent consumption of caffeine and alcohol.

Another benefit of kefir is that kefir cultures consist of lactic acid bacteria and yeast, which are friendly microorganisms that help stop the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach.

Kefir contains several major strains of probiotics, including lactobacilli and streptococcus. The presence of lactobacilli, in turn, has a positive effect in alleviating the unpleasant symptoms caused by heartburn.

Based on the above, the answer to the question: is it possible to drink kefir and does this fermented milk product help with heartburn? – we will answer yes!

Healthy fruits

Proper nutrition for frequent heartburn should become the norm. It is not difficult to eliminate foods that provoke reflux - by eliminating dietary errors, you can forget about the unpleasant sensation forever and significantly improve your quality of life.

What gifts of nature can you fill your diet with? The most effective fruit for heartburn relief is banana. Due to their structure, bananas protect the walls of the esophagus from acid, therefore they are equivalent to products that are sold in pharmacies.

You will feel relief by drinking fresh pineapple juice - the bromelain it contains is a natural digestive enzyme that helps against heartburn.

Prohibited are oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits. On the contrary, they cause heartburn.

Mineral water

What can put out a fire better than water, even if this “fire” is in the stomach? If you have severe heartburn, you need to drink water more than any other liquid, drinking a total of about 2 liters per day.

It is recommended to drink a glass of water after each meal - water dilutes acids and prevents them from rising higher along the walls of the digestive canal. You won’t be able to completely get rid of heartburn using water alone, but you will still have a short-term effect.

Don't forget to drink still water.

There is a popular belief that drinking non-carbonated mineral water leads to a decrease in stomach acidity, and this in turn soothes the mucous membrane and eliminates pain from heartburn.

We recommend drinking non-carbonated mineral water 1-1.5 hours before meals, thereby protecting yourself from a burning sensation in the chest.

Ingestion of mineral water, such as “Essentuki” and “Borjomi” for heartburn, has 5 main advantages:

Removes toxins.
Improves digestion.
Normalizes blood sugar levels.
Saturates the body with microelements.
Reduces the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the body.

Just as in the case of the products recommended for heartburn above, before you start drinking mineral water constantly, consult your doctor.

Porridge

Porridges, especially viscous ones, “envelop” the walls of the stomach and instantly “extinguish” the fire. In addition, they contain many vitamins and minerals that help restore the mucous membrane. Particular attention should be paid to oatmeal, rice and buckwheat porridge. Porridges that help maintain normal acidity levels can be cooked in either water or low-fat milk.

Fresh bread, which causes heartburn, should not be consumed; flour products such as pies, buns and cakes are prohibited. The ideal choice would be yesterday's or the day before yesterday's bread with cereals.

Daily diet

An approximate daily diet that will help get rid of heartburn can be not only healthy, but also tasty and varied. The main thing is to eat healthy and healthy, and also eat symptom-relieving foods. Approximate menu for the day:

Breakfast: oatmeal or rice porridge with milk, a spoonful of honey, day-old bread or crackers, unsweetened compote.
Lunch: egg white, a couple of nuts, weak, preferably herbal, tea.
Lunch break: cream soup, chicken or fish baked with potatoes and carrots, honey with weak tea.
Afternoon snack: banana, baked apples, warm milk.
Dinner: low-fat cottage cheese, yesterday's bread, compote.
Before bed (2 hours before): a glass of low-fat kefir with spices: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom.

How should you eat foods to make heartburn go away quickly?

What foods to eat with heartburn should be treated with caution is a complex question. A healthy diet plays a key role in treating heartburn, but don't forget about a variety of foods. Foods you can eat in small quantities:

raspberries, blueberries, grapes, peaches, nectarines, strawberries;
green onions, leeks, sauerkraut;
scrambled eggs, omelet;
lean beef, lean boiled pork, fried fish, canned tuna;
low-fat mozzarella and cheddar;
soda, beer;
ketchup;
low fat desserts.

When it comes to heartburn, it's not just what we eat that matters, but also how we eat it. A few simple rules that will eliminate this problem:

Avoid overfilling the stomach.
Eat in small portions.

Make it a habit to have frequent but light snacks. Food should be light, and the diet should be rich in foods that are quickly digested.
Last meal no later than two hours before bedtime.
After eating, try not to lie down for several hours - when you lie down, stomach acid easily moves towards the esophagus.
After eating, use chewing gum: whatever you like, except mint.
Don't snack on the go. Try to eat slowly.

Prohibited foods that cause heartburn

Among the foods that increase the risk of heartburn, the main ones are listed below:

Alcohol is a drink that is not absorbed in the small intestine, like most drinks, but in the stomach. As a result, more acid is produced than required. Alcohol weakens the sphincter, making it much easier for acid to enter the esophagus.
Sugar. Since it is almost impossible to exclude it from the diet, we must try to minimize the effect on the body. Sugar irritates the epithelium of the esophagus and stomach. High sugar content creates favorable conditions for stomach bacteria, which can cause ulcers.

Chocolate. It shouldn't be used at all. Firstly, this product contains a lot of unwanted sugar, and secondly, caffeine or its analogue, which is part of chocolate, relaxes the sphincter.
Fatty food. Fatty foods should account for no more than 30% of the daily diet, and they should be consumed in small portions throughout the day, and not eaten in one sitting.
Floury. Pies, buns and muffins are prohibited during heartburn, and after recovery it is recommended to eat them only after a regular meal, and wash them down with water.
Fast food. This variety is highlighted separately on the list because French fries, hamburgers and hot dogs are saturated with trans fats, which are the most harmful of them. Unfortunately, some people cannot imagine their diet without this category of products.
Orange juice, citrus fruits. Acidic foods will irritate you even more and may even cause abdominal cramps.
Tomatoes and derivatives - sauces, pastes, juices - are saturated with citric, oxalic, tartaric and malic acids, which are not recommended to be eaten if there is a fire inside.

Additional list of recommendations

Here's what else you need to do to get rid of severe heartburn:

Healthy nutrition as a guarantee of immunity.
Stop smoking. Nicotine has a detrimental effect on the sphincter.
Reduce weight. The more excess weight you are, the more severe your symptoms will be.
Avoid foods that cause heartburn.
Sleep on a high pillow.
It is recommended to sleep on your left side.
Learn to cope with stress, exercise to the best of your ability.
Do not wear tight belts or clothing as they put pressure on the internal organs.

Other products

Not only should fruits and vegetables be consumed with caution when heartburn occurs, other foods can also cause discomfort and, therefore, their consumption should be limited or minimized.

Butter and sunflower oil

Butter and sunflower oil activate acid in the stomach and also contribute to the reflux of acidic contents into the esophagus, so they can also cause heartburn.

Fried and fatty

The harmfulness of fatty and fried foods cannot be denied. But not everyone knows that these dishes are among the most powerful heartburn provocateurs .

The fact is that fatty and fried foods contain a lot of trans fats, which greatly inhibit the process of food digestion. As a result, the stomach produces more acid, which backs up into the esophagus and heartburn occurs.

Chicken liver

Liver has been considered a useful and indispensable product for many centuries. It includes amino acids, complete proteins, vitamins and microelements. Chicken liver is low in fat, but high in protein and vitamins. By consuming 100 grams of this product per day, you can provide the body with its daily requirement for nutrients. But for ulcers, gastritis and pancreatitis, this product is contraindicated, and therefore, neglecting the rules of dietary nutrition, chicken liver in these diseases can cause heartburn.

Soup is different from soup. Not all soups can cause heartburn. It all depends on the richness of the broth, on the ingredients that are included in the soup and on much more.

Eggs can cause heartburn only if a person has gastritis with high acidity; the yolk is quite a heavy food for the stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to consume eggs in very limited quantities, and not on an empty stomach.

Vinegar

Vinegar is an acid, and heartburn is common from it. However, not everything is so simple. For example, apple cider vinegar has been used for many decades as a remedy to combat heartburn; it is diluted with water (a teaspoon of vinegar per glass of water) and taken orally.

Dairy

Milk and dairy products are good for children. But with age, the body’s absorption of such dietary ingredients decreases and often consuming fatty milk, cottage cheese or butter causes heartburn. In this case, personal lactose intolerance is possible. Experts recommend drinking only skim milk if you have heartburn.

Fermented milk products differ significantly in composition from natural whole milk. Kefir contains carbon dioxide and fats, which causes bouts of burning in the chest. At the same time, yoghurts also contain sugar, which also negatively affects digestion. The same fully applies to ice cream.

Since fermented baked milk is also a consequence of the fermentation process, its effect on the gastric tract in the presence of diseases of this organ can have a negative effect.

Useful video

We invite you to watch a video about foods that cause heartburn:

Attacks can occur at any time, but if heartburn is a constant companion, you cannot do without the help of a gastroenterologist. As mentioned above, heartburn in most cases is a signal of problems in the digestive system, which cannot be stopped without appropriate diagnosis and treatment. But a diet must also be a must. That's why you should be aware of foods that cause heartburn and try to avoid eating them.

How to get rid of heartburn?

In no case should you tolerate heartburn, since its appearance indicates an established process of destruction of the mucous membrane. To quickly stop this process, you need to take antacid medications. High efficiency in this regard has been shown by: “Phosphalugel”, “Almagel A”, “Maalox”, “Rennie”, “Kontratsid”, “Gaviscon”. These drugs neutralize hydrochloric acid and form a protective barrier over the entire surface of the mucosa. The use of an aqueous soda solution is common among people. To prepare it you need to: stir two teaspoons of soda in heated water. Drink the resulting cloudy solution slowly while in a reclining position. This technique will help you quickly get rid of heartburn for a short time. It will not help get rid of the cause of heartburn, so it is better to go to a medical facility, where they will conduct a full diagnosis and recommend the right diet and treatment.

Positive and negative effects on the stomach

If a person has problems with the stomach and intestines, then pumpkin is taken raw. It especially helps in stimulating the flow of bile. Therefore, it is recommended to consume a little pulp before meals. To improve the digestion process, it is useful to drink pumpkin juice every day for 14 days. Otherwise, prepare the stewed product and eat it for up to 3 weeks.

Eating pumpkin seeds every day helps fight intestinal infections and parasites. In addition to containing beneficial amino acids, these components negatively affect tooth enamel. Therefore, after eating them, you need to rinse your mouth with plain water.

The vegetable contains natural sugar and fiber. Therefore, anyone who eats this product should know that its frequent use puts a strain on the pancreas. For stomach diseases, it is recommended to eat this vegetable in small quantities.

In some cases, heartburn occurs from pumpkin. This occurs due to unsuitable products for the human body and individual intolerance. Due to some diseases, especially pathologies that increase the acidity of the stomach, it is recommended to eat vegetables if properly prepared.