Indigestion what can you eat

A hot burning in the chest, a bitter taste in the throat, a gassy bloating in the stomach — acid reflux is no picnic. What you eat, however, can have an impact.

The best and worst foods for acid reflux could spell the difference between sweet relief and sour misery. The worst foods for reflux can worsen painful symptoms, while other foods can soothe them, says UH gastrointestinal surgeon Leena Khaitan, MD.

Khaitan says. Examples of the best foods for acid reflux include:. In general, anything that is fatty, acidic or highly caffeinated should be avoided. The worst foods for acid reflux list includes:. It's a good idea to speak with your doctor if the best foods for acid reflux do not relieve your symptoms, Dr. Other options can include lifestyle changes, medications to block acid, and surgical procedures on the esophagus sphincter.

It is important to make a doctor's appointment if you have heartburn or acid reflux that is severe or frequent, Dr. Khaitan adds. Carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, and Brussels sprouts work well. Use sauces but cut the fat. Blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and a dash of olive oil or water. Use a tablespoon of it on food," suggests Gelsomin. Avoid fatty meats like ham or bacon. Throw in bananas, raisins, and maybe a hint of cinnamon," suggests Gelsomin.

Other possibilities: low-fat yogurt with fruit or nuts, any kind of eggs, whole-grain toast, or a side of chilled whole grains like quinoa mixed with fruit or topped with a dollop of yogurt. For lunch, think salads with protein such as chicken or beans. One of the most common causes of heartburn is called gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, usually because the ring-like muscles that prevent backflow stop working properly.

In addition to heartburn, GERD may cause nausea, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Medications to treat GERD reduce stomach acid.

Antacid pills and liquids have been around the longest. Proton-pump inhibitors PPIs , such as omeprazole Prilosec or lansoprazole Prevacid , and H2 blockers, such as cimetidine Tagamet or famotidine Pepcid , have become available over the counter.

Don't fool yourself into thinking medication allows you to frequently eat foods that once caused heartburn. Put carrots and kale on your list. Their beta-carotene and other nutrients can help repair acid-damaged tissue. Listen to your symptoms.

Nonetheless, some heartburn sufferers say that spicy foods, tomato products and citrus trigger problems. Otherwise, cutting them out robs you of some essential nutrients. So he increased fruits, veggies, whole grains and fiber and cut back on alcohol and coffee.

Drop a few pounds. Lugging extra weight increases abdominal pressure and strains the lower esophageal sphincter. Hormones secreted by body fat may trigger some of the symptoms, the researchers speculated. Act like a detective. To find your triggers, keep a heartburn journal, says Eileen Myers, a registered dietitian in private practice in Nashville, Tenn.

Record symptoms, their severity and possible causes. Pinpoint what you ate or drank, how fast and the amount. Then, look for trends. Find out if medication is to blame.

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect the LES or increase acid production, nurse practitioner Hastings says.

Drugs that treat high blood pressure , asthma, inflammation and osteoporosis frequently fan the heartburn flame, she says. If you suspect a drug is aggravating symptoms, ask your doctor for possible alternatives.

Give up red and black pepper and coffee — even decaf — for a few weeks to see if that brings relief. Foods that are fibrous make you feel full, cutting down on overeating that may contribute to heartburn. However, some fruits and vegetables can cause heartburn. Those who do may have increased symptoms when eating garlic.

Onions stimulate acid production which can lead to heartburn. Both garlic and onions are stronger when raw, but some still experience heartburn after eating them cooked. Citrus fruits, like grapefruit and orange, are high acidity foods. This acid can relax the esophageal sphincter and cause heartburn. Tomato-based foods, like marinara sauce and ketchup, are also high in acid.

Eat these fruits and vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, asparagus, broccoli, and green beans. There are many benefits of yogurt.

It soothes an irritated esophagus and is a good source of protein.