Struggling with heartburn after eating meals? Harvard doctor shares common foods to eat and avoid

Do you frequently experience a burning feeling in your chest after meals, particularly after consuming spicy food, coffee, or late-night snacks? Persistent heartburn may be connected to certain everyday foods that can trigger acid reflux and irritate the digestive tract.

In an Instagram post, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, highlighted some common foods and beverages that could aggravate heartburn symptoms.

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

Foods that can cause heartburn

• Coffee

Your daily cup of coffee could be contributing to acid reflux and making heartburn symptoms worse.

• Alcohol

Alcohol is considered one of the common triggers that can aggravate heartburn and digestive discomfort.

• Tomatoes

Tomatoes and foods made from tomatoes are naturally acidic and may increase acid reflux symptoms.

• Citrus Fruits

Fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain high levels of citric acid, which can irritate the digestive system and trigger heartburn.

• Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and certain compounds that may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.

• Spicy and Fried Foods

Highly spicy or oily fried foods can irritate the stomach lining and worsen acidity and heartburn symptoms.

• Mint

Mint may also contribute to acid reflux in some people by relaxing muscles that help keep stomach acid from moving upward.

Foods that help with heartburn

• Oatmeal

Rich in fibre, oatmeal may help soak up excess stomach acid and ease heartburn symptoms.

• Ginger

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and may help soothe the digestive system while reducing irritation linked to acid reflux.

• Bananas

Naturally low in acidity, bananas may help protect and coat the stomach lining.

• Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is often believed to have a soothing effect on the digestive tract and may help ease discomfort.

• Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea may help relax the digestive system and provide relief from digestive discomfort.

• Fennel

Traditionally used to aid digestion, fennel may help reduce bloating and improve digestive comfort.

• Melons

Melons are generally low in acid and may be gentler on the stomach for people dealing with heartburn.

• Lean Turkey or Chicken

Lean sources of protein like turkey or chicken are less likely to trigger acid reflux compared to fatty foods.

• Broccoli

Broccoli is considered a low-acid vegetable that may support digestion without worsening heartburn symptoms.