Foods That Cause Acid Indigestion

If you find yourself constantly popping antacids like Tums and Rolaids after eating, it may be time to change your diet. Acid indigestion, or acid reflux, is a very common and painful problem that occurs when stomach acids leak upward into your esophagus due to a weak valve. Certain foods, such as spicy sauces, citrus fruits and peppers, can make this problem worse. By avoiding the foods that are known to cause acid indigestion, you will improve your quality of life and save money at the drugstore as well.

Fatty Foods

Fast foods and fatty treats may cause acid indigestion because they stay in your stomach longer and require more acids during the digestion process.

Chocolate

Chocolate in any form can irritate your digestive tract because it contains theobromine, which relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle and triggers reflux.

Alcohol and Coffee

Coffee is highly acidic and can irritate your gastrointestinal tract; drinking coffee on an empty stomach may cause more painful indigestion than if you consume it with food. Like coffee, alcohol is also a gastrointestinal irritant; furthermore, it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents into the esophagus.

Citrus Fruits and Juices

Although citrus fruits and juices are components of an otherwise healthful diet, they are highly acidic and increase the amount of gastric acid that your stomach produces. You can still enjoy a glass of orange juice from time to time by choosing a low-acid version.

Spicy Foods

Foods such as salsa, curry and tomato sauces can irritate your stomach and gastrointestinal tract, leading to acid overproduction and discomfort.

Peppers

Peppers, whether hot or mild, and other high-fiber foods can be hard digest, prompting your stomach to create an overabundance of digestive acids. Hot and spicy peppers also can irritate your stomach lining and gastrointestinal tract.

Peppermint and Spearmint

Mints have been known to cause acid indigestion because they can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, allowing stomach acids to leak back into the esophagus.