There are foods and beverages that can cause heartburn and esophageal burns or that can aggravate this problem in people who tend to have reflux, such as caffeine, citrus, fat or chocolate, for example.
Most foods that cause heartburn cause a relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a muscle that acts as a barrier between the esophagus and the stomach and, if relaxed, facilitates the passage of gastric content to the esophagus.
Here are some examples of foods that can cause heartburn
Spicy foods generally have a component called capsaicin, which slows digestion, so food stays longer in the stomach, increasing the risk of reflux.
In addition, capsaicin is also a substance that can irritate the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. Know what to do to calm these symptoms.
Onion, especially raw, is a food that relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a muscle that acts as a barrier between the esophagus and the stomach and that if relaxed facilitates reflux. In addition, it has a high fiber content, which ferments and aggravates symptoms of heartburn.
Acid foods such as citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, pineapple or tomato and tomato derivatives increase heartburn, intensify acidity and burning in the esophagus.
Fried and fatty foods such as cakes, butter, cream or even avocado, cheese and nuts are foods that also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to more easily escape into the esophagus, causing burns.
In addition, high-fat foods stimulate the release of the hormone cholecystokinin, which also helps to relax the lower esophageal sphincter and prolongs the permanence of food in the stomach to be better digested, which, on the other hand, increases the risk of reflux. . .
Some studies have shown that peppermint foods increase gastroesophageal reflux and burning. It is also believed that, in some cases, mint causes irritation of the lining of the esophagus.
Chocolate foods also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing acid reflux, due to the composition of theobromine and the release of serotonin.
After drinking alcoholic beverages, alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal system, irritating the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach and altering intestinal membranes, making it difficult to absorb nutrients.
In addition, alcohol also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and increases the acidity of the stomach.
As with other foods, coffee and caffeine-containing products, such as soft drinks, relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase acid reflux.
Learn about the other causes that may be causing heartburn.