That does not have to be true, however. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be both enjoyable and heartburn-friendly if you know which foods to incorporate into your diet. Show Heartburn can flare when your stomach produces too much gastric acid, and your food choices can directly affect this. Here are three meals that incorporate heartburn-reducing foods that your stomach will appreciate. Oatmeal and Wheat: Try Whole Grains for Breakfast Oatmeal has been a whole-grain breakfast favorite for generations. It is a good source of fiber, so it keeps you feeling full and promotes regularity. Oats also absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For something sweet, top your oatmeal with bananas, apples or pears. The fructose in these fruits is less likely to trigger acid reflux than other sugars. Of course, eating oatmeal every day could get boring, so switch things up with a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat, or some whole grain toast with peanut butter. Avoid coffee and most teas that contain caffeine, which can cause heartburn. Instead, brew a soothing cup of ginger tea. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that will help regulate acid production. Vegetables: Add Some Color and Nutrients to Your Lunch Vegetables are low in fat and sugar, which makes them stomach-friendly and healthy. Foods that are high in sugar or fat can be difficult to digest and can spike acid production. Some veggies that reduce heartburn include cucumbers, leafy greens, broccoli, green beans, potatoes, asparagus and cauliflower. Try these options for a light and tasty lunch:
Lean Proteins and Healthy Fats: Accents to a Delectable Dinner Lean proteins like legumes, beans, chicken, turkey, fish and seafood are low in fat and help regulate stomach acid production. Instead of using oil to pan fry or deep fry foods, use healthier cooking methods like grilling, poaching, roasting and baking. Avoid making meat the main component of your dinner. Instead, see it as an accent or an accompaniment to a bed of greens, roasted vegetables, brown rice or fresh fruit. Not all fats are unhealthy, so indulge in the good fats contained in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil. You can reduce your saturated and trans fat intake by substituting healthy monounsaturated fats (source: Health Line). Remember that one of the best ways to control heartburn is to make thoughtful and healthy food choices. These options for reducing symptoms should provide some ideas and encouragement for your journey to find heartburn relief. Eating certain foods in restaurants can trigger heartburn, just like they do at home. However, there are methods you can use to reduce your chances of having acid reflex triggered by what you eat and drink. These include regulating food choices, knowing how the food is prepared, beverage selection, and limiting portion sizes. The following recommendations on what to avoid and what is better to eat cover many of the trigger foods and safer foods identified by people with heartburn. Keep a food record to identify which are often a problem for you. This will help you make smart choices for a heartburn-free dining experience. Busakorn Pongparnit / Getty ImagesGeneral Dining GuidelinesWhen you eat out, inquire how the dish is prepared and whether it is served with a sauce or gravy. Ask for a low-fat substitute or for the sauce to be served on the side. Check whether the meal includes any of your trigger foods that you know are often followed by a bout of acid reflux. Foods to AvoidThese foods are often identified as setting off heartburn:
Better ChoicesThese foods are less likely to set off heartburn.
Type of CuisineDining out at your favorite Chinese, Mexican, or Italian restaurant can mean you have less control over your meal options and it may be harder to prevent heartburn. If you aren't sure what is in a dish or how the dish is prepared, don't be afraid to ask and request alterations or substitutions. Here are some suggestions for dining out at one of the following specific types of restaurants. Chinese RestaurantsAsian cuisine can range from mild to very spicy and use preparation styles that are heartburn-friendly or not. It may be best to avoid buffets and instead order off the menu requesting the type of preparation and ingredients that you best tolerate. Use these rules of thumb. Foods to Avoid
Better Choices
Mexican RestaurantsA typical chain restaurant may have dishes that are heavy on cheese, acidic ingredients, and spices. The basket of fried tortilla chips and salsa is probably best avoided. But you should be able to find choices that are more heartburn-friendly and request mild spices. Foods to Avoid
Better Choices
Italian RestaurantsVisions of tomato sauce and cheese might come to mind when you think of Italian cuisine. You will need to learn to ask about preparation and sauces that are less likely to trigger heartburn. Foods to Avoid
Better Choices
Frequently Asked Questions
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By Sharon Gillson Thanks for your feedback! What foods to stay away from if you have indigestion?Chocolate, regular corn and potato chips, high-fat butter cookies, brownies, doughnuts, creamy and oily salad dressings, fried or fatty food in general. Fruits, Vegetables & Juice. Orange juice, lemon, lemonade, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, tomato, mashed potatoes, French fries, raw onion, potato salad.
What foods neutralize stomach acid immediately?Bananas. This low-acid fruit can help neutralize stomach acid by coating an irritated esophageal lining. And not only are bananas alkaline, they're also rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps keeps food flowing nicely through the digestive tract. This can help you feel full longer, so you're less likely to overeat.
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