Natural Foods That Help With Heartburn

Heartburn, or pyrosis, is uniquely uncomfortable and almost impossible to ignore. It is a burning sensation behind the breastbone that may rise as high as the neck. Heartburn's root causes may vary from person to person, but the immediate cause of heartburn is typically stomach acid rising into the esophagus, or acid reflux. There are medical treatments from antacids to prescription medications, behavioral recommendations such as not smoking, and dietary regimens to combat heartburn.

Vegetables

Raw, steamed, or roasted, vegetables are healthy, natural foods that should not cause heartburn. One exception is tomatoes, which can cause an acid reaction. Because fried and fatty foods can cause heartburn, fried or creamed vegetables don't make the list. Salads are excellent, but not salad dressings that are full of acidic vinegar.

Fruits

Heartburn sufferers may enjoy most fruits, although some may need to avoid acidic citrus, such as oranges, and pineapples. Bananas, berries, melons, peaches and pears are safer choices.

Dairy and Meat

Fatty foods seem to trigger heartburn, according to GICare.com, the website of a Pennsylvania gastroenterology clinic's website, so lowfat or fat free milks and yogurts rather than full fat equivalents are the way to go. Likewise, lean poultry and fish are safe foods for heartburn sufferers. Lean choices over fatty should help keep heartburn from flaring up.

Diluting substances

Gum isn't a food, but it does stimulate saliva production, and saliva dilutes stomach acid--and neutralizes it, being somewhat alkaline, according to WebMD.com. Some, on the other hand, argue the extra air gum chewers swallow causes belching and acid reflux, according to GICare.com. If you do chew, avoid mint-flavor gum; spearmint and peppermint are common heartburn triggers. Water and other non-caffeinated and non-acidic beverages may be helpful as well.

Fiber

Again, fiber isn't a food, but it is present in food and is part of a healthy, normal diet. According to a study cited in WebMD, a high-fiber diet may be associated with lower likelihood of acid reflux symptoms. Following the recommendations above is a step in the right direction: Fruits and vegetables tend to have fiber; and choosing whole grains will net you still more.