Heartburn causing foods
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Foods That Cause Heartburn: Key Insights from Recent Research
Introduction to Heartburn and Dietary Triggers
Heartburn, a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is often triggered by certain foods. Understanding which foods are likely to cause heartburn can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively. Recent research has identified several dietary culprits that can exacerbate heartburn by affecting the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or by directly irritating the esophagus.
Citrus Juices and Spicy Foods: Common Triggers
Citrus Juices
Citrus juices, such as orange juice, are frequently reported to cause heartburn. This is primarily due to their high acidity, which can irritate the esophagus and lead to discomfort. Studies have shown that the high titratable acidity of citrus drinks is significantly correlated with increased heartburn symptoms .
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods are another well-known trigger for heartburn. Research involving a large sample of Iranian adults found that men who consumed spicy foods frequently were significantly more likely to experience heartburn compared to those who did not consume spicy foods. However, this association was not observed in women, indicating potential gender differences in sensitivity to spicy foods.
Coffee, Chocolate, and Fatty Foods: Impact on LES Pressure
Coffee
The effect of coffee on heartburn is somewhat controversial. Some studies suggest that coffee can decrease LES pressure, leading to acid reflux, while others indicate it might increase LES pressure. Despite these mixed findings, many individuals report heartburn after consuming coffee, suggesting that it may be a trigger for some people.
Chocolate
Chocolate is another common trigger for heartburn. It has been shown to reduce LES pressure, which can facilitate acid reflux and lead to heartburn symptoms. This effect is likely due to the presence of methylxanthines in chocolate, which can relax the LES.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods are also implicated in causing heartburn. They can decrease LES pressure, similar to chocolate, and delay gastric emptying, which increases the likelihood of acid reflux. This makes high-fat meals a significant risk factor for heartburn.
Alcohol and Soft Drinks: High Acidity and Irritation
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer, are associated with significant heartburn symptoms. Alcohol can relax the LES and increase stomach acid production, both of which contribute to acid reflux and heartburn .
Soft Drinks
Soft drinks, particularly those with low pH levels, are strongly correlated with heartburn. The high acidity of these beverages can irritate the esophagus and lead to discomfort. Studies have found a strong correlation between the decreasing pH of soft drinks and increased heartburn scores.
High Osmolality Foods: Direct Irritation
Foods with high osmolality, such as hypertonic saline and sucrose solutions, can cause pain in individuals with acid-sensitive esophaguses. This suggests that high osmolality foods may directly irritate the esophagus, leading to heartburn symptoms.
Conclusion
Understanding the dietary triggers of heartburn can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively. Citrus juices, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, alcohol, and soft drinks are all common culprits. These foods can either decrease LES pressure or directly irritate the esophagus, leading to heartburn. By identifying and avoiding these triggers, individuals can reduce the frequency and severity of their heartburn symptoms.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic