Does Food Cause Heartburn?

Heartburn frequently occurs after eating. Sometimes it is almost immediate. Other times, it is longer, but it still appears to be linked to food. This is why so many people believe food causes heartburn.

If so, what is the food that causes heartburn?

Identifying the Food that Causes Heartburn

Identifying the food that causes heartburn for a particular person is not always easy. Here are some of the commonly-held theories.

* Any food that is difficult to digest is a food that causes heartburn. Think fatty foods, greasy foods, heavy sauces, and heavy deserts.
* Too much of any food makes it a food that causes heartburn. Excess food in the stomach makes it difficult to digest - see #1.
* Any food eaten too fast becomes a food that causes heartburn.
* Any food not thoroughly chewed can be a food that causes heartburn.

Is There a Specific Food that Causes Heartburn?

Some believe heartburn sufferers each have a specific food that causes heartburn for them. The food may not bother others. It may be similar to foods that do not bother that individual. The problem is that heartburn is not an allergy.

Muscle, Not Food

It is more accurate to say it is not food that causes heartburn, but a muscle. Heartburn is actually a muscular weakness. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is not functioning properly. When it does function properly, the LES opens a “door” between the stomach and the esophagus to allow swallowed food to enter the stomach. Then it closes quickly to keep stomach acids from flowing back into the esophagus.

A poorly functioning LES fails to keep the “door” closed. It may be that certain foods produce greater amounts of acid, which makes the failure of the LES more noticeable. It may be that eating too rapidly makes a weak LES have trouble keeping up to your pace.

There may be any number of explanations involved, but ultimately, it is not food that causes heartburn.

Strengthening the Muscle

There are ways to strengthen and assist the LES. Instead of working to identify the food that causes heartburn for you, you may want to try these.

* Glutamine has been shown to strengthen muscles. If your body is not making enough of this amino acid, you may want to take a supplement to strengthen the LES.
* Apple cider vinegar, or a few slices of Jonagold apple with a dill pickle, seems to do what prescription medications such as “Nexium” do. They tell the stomach to reduce its acid output. This dilutes any stomach juices that may flow back up the esophagus.

Caution: Please see your doctor about ongoing heartburn. This information is for educational purposes only.