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Heartburn is a common occurrence in today's world, and it usually happens after eating. Due to fast food culture, this problem is becoming a growing cause in many people, leading to a chronic condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Foods high in fat are known to trigger heartburn. This happens when food gets stuck in the oesophagus (the tube that carries food from mouth to stomach) due to stomach acid reflux.
Because it is a digestive problem caused by eating wrong, the right diet can help you get relief from it. As suggested by Johns Hopkins Medicine, foods that are high in fibre, don't have acidic properties, and have plenty of water content in them are often beneficial in getting relief from heartburn. Read more to know which foods you should eat to reduce the occurrence of heartburn and enhance your digestive health.
5 Foods To Get Relief From Heartburn
1) High Fiber Foods
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Fibre-rich foods are beneficial in treating heartburn because they make you feel full with just a little amount, so that you can avoid overeating. According to a study published by NIH, a fibre-enriched diet can help control symptoms of acid reflux and improve oesophagal motility. Whole wheat, cereals, grains, and various vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and beans are high in fibre and create a wholesome experience. Try including soluble fibre foods like oatmeal, salads, and sprouts.
2) Alkaline Foods
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Citrus fruits are acidic in nature, which can make heartburn conditions worse. Therefore, switching towards alkaline foods is beneficial in treating heartburn and can help neutralise stomach acid. While testing the effects of Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) by NIH, it was concluded that alkaline fruits are very beneficial in treating heartburn as they prevent food stasis in the stomach for a long time. Bananas are one of the most effective alkaline fruits, which are also filled with fibre that can help you feel full for a long. Green salads are also alkaline, so add them to your diet.
3) Dairy
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Dairy items like milk and yoghurt can provide instant and temporary relief from heartburn. It is because both of them cover the lining of the oesophagus which decreases the irritation and protects it from damage caused by acids. Milk is rich in calcium, which is proven beneficial in reducing the acidity in the stomach, and this fact is backed by NIH study. Yoghurt contains a high amount of probiotics, which balances bacteria in the gut and promotes digestion.
4) Watery Foods
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Foods that contain high amounts of water like watermelon, cucumber, celery and soups, are beneficial in treating heartburn problems. This is because their water content can dilute and weaken stomach acids, reducing the possibility of acid reflux. Hydrating food items like herbal tea, broth-based soups, alkaline fruit juices and alkaline vegetable salads can be a favourable addition to the diet. Also, it is important to drink water a lot to reduce the chances of acid reflux. As suggested by an NIH study, drinking frequent sips of water can help in the management of gastroesophageal reflux-induced refractory cough.
5) Honey
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Honey is one of the most widely used remedies to treat heartburn and acid reflux. It is said that the natural glucose in honey reduces the acidity in the stomach, alleviating the symptoms of reflux, and can help gradually cure the condition. Research by the Indian Journal of Medicinal Research published by NIH backed the healing effects of honey against reflux oesophagitis. The research highlights many benefits of honey, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling in the oesophagus. Along with this, the smooth texture of honey coats the mucous membrane of the oesophagus which gives an instant and effective relief.
Next time you stumble with a heartburn problem, keep these foods in mind and always try to include them in your regular diet to decrease the likelihood of acid reflux. These foods offer a natural remedy with prolonged health benefits that can ease the acidity in your stomach and enhance overall digestive health.
