Foods to Avoid with Heartburn

In today's fast paced life, where one gets everything before the snap of a finger, we seem to be doing everything in a hurry. We have fast communication, quick means to travel and fast food. This fast paced life takes a toll on our body. Minor illnesses that crop up may be harmless, but they surely open the doors for major health risks. If you are suffering from such minor inconvenience called heartburn in your daily life, take a look at some food items that you can avoid.

Foods to Avoid
Here are some of the foods that cause heartburn. It is very important to reduce the consumption of these foods to avoid it. Only then can heartburn treatment be effective.

• Acidic food like tomatoes should be avoided. Fruits that citrus such as grapefruit, lemons, oranges, etc. can also cause heartburn. Mustard and vinegar are other foods that cause heartburn.
• Fatty food such as fried foods or dairy products are also heartburn triggers. Avoid cottage cheese, french fries, fatty butter biscuits and any fried meats and vegetables.
• Caffeine is a big heartburn trigger. Drinks and food items containing caffeine should be avoided. Hence, avoid aerated drinks and coffee. Sadly, there is a big no-no to chocolate cakes and brownies.
• Alcohol also causes heart burn. So, its best to check the consumption of spirits. Yes, that means don't drink like a guzzler. If you must drink then drink in moderation especially, when it comes to beer and wine.
• Spicy food must be avoided. Avoid garlic and onions. If you can't eat bland food, try reducing the amount of chilly in your food.
• Meats and grains also cause heartburn. So, keep the consumption of fatty chicken and meat to a minimum. Avoid cheese, macaroni and pasta, etc. It is best to opt for low fat variants of these.

Remedies
Other than reducing the consumption of the above mentioned foods, we also need to make certain changes in out lifestyle. Here are some helpful tips that you can try to implement. The first thing one must do is eat smaller portions of food, it is best not to fill the stomach to the fullest. One must eat slowly and chew the food well, as gulping down food can cause heartburn. One must make lifestyle changes like to reduce stress level, and avoid smoking. To get the exercise that the body requires is very important. Although remember, to avoid exercising before eating. Another thing to keep in mind is to not go to bed immediately after eating, it is best to keep 3 hours of gap between the meal time and bed time. Don't wear clothing that is too tight, especially around the waist.

Chewing gum helps as it promotes the production of saliva which helps reduce heartburn. Avoid peppermint after meals as it triggers heartburn. Some of the best heartburn cures are high fiber foods like apples and bananas. Include a lot of green vegetables in your diet. Eat whole grain products, and it is best to switch to low fat food items. Papaya is among the best heartburn fighting foods and so is dry ground ginger. It is best to have a diet plan that helps you avoid heartburn.

Prevention of heartburn can help us alleviate some serious health risks like acid reflux disease. Remember, what we eat directly affects our health, so eat healthy and live healthy.