There can be many reasons for heartburn – including smoking, being overweight, stress and not enough sleep – but one of the most common triggers is certain foods and drinks.
If you are prone to heartburn, see how the following affect you, and give them a miss:
Alcohol
Cheese
Chocolate
Black pepper
Coffee
Fatty and fried food
Garlic
Mustard
Onions
Oranges, grapefruit and orange juice
Peppermint
Spicy food
Soft drinks
Tomato sauce
Vinegar
You can also do the following:
Eat smaller meals
Too much food in one go distends the stomach, putting pressure on the ring of muscle that keeps acid in the stomach. This makes it easier for the acid to escape and cause heartburn.
Don’t eat just before bedtime
Lying down makes digestion more difficult. Finish eating at least two hours before heading for bed.
Sit up straight
Body positions that involve bending over increase pressure on the abdomen, pushing stomach acids back up the oesophagus. A good excuse for not doing sit-ups after eating!
Take a look at seven health benefits of dark chocolate here.
Image: bauersyndication.com.au