It’s late at night. You had spicy pasta for dinner and topped it off with a slice of chocolate cake.
Sounds like a perfect evening! Until it isn’t. Suddenly, you experience an all-too-familiar burning sensation creeping up your chest. Yep, heartburn’s here to ruin your night.
Heartburn can occur at night, especially after a heavy meal. When you lie down, stomach acid can flow back into your esophagus slowly, causing burning discomfort in your chest.
It’s super annoying and can throw off your day (or night). But don’t worry! We’ve got your back.
In this blog, we’re exploring six common culprits behind heartburn and sharing tips to improve your symptoms. Let’s get into it!
What Is Heartburn and Why Does It Occur?
Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest, usually after you eat spicy food. It happens at night when you sleep right after a meal.
Here’s how it works: Your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts like a gate between your stomach and esophagus.
When it doesn’t close properly, stomach acid escapes and flows back into your esophagus. This acid irritates the lining, causing that familiar fiery feeling in your chest.
If heartburn occurs regularly, it could be a sign of a bigger problem: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Left unchecked, GERD can lead to long-term damage, so it’s important to go for a check-up if you’re experiencing frequent heartburn.
What triggers heartburn? It’s not just spicy foods. Overeating, smoking, certain medications, carbonated drinks, and even a weakened LES can all play a role. By understanding these causes, you can take steps to avoid the burn and keep your digestion on track.
6 Foods You Should Avoid In Heartburn
Certain foods can cause your stomach to produce excess acid, which can then travel up into your throat, leaving you with that fiery discomfort.
By avoiding these trigger foods, you can ease the intensity of heartburn and support a healthier digestive system.
- High-Fat Foods (Fried Food, Snacks & Fast Food)
High-fat foods can be a real troublemaker for your stomach. They take much longer to digest because breaking down fats is a slower process compared to other types of food.
The longer these foods linger in your stomach, the higher the chances of acid sneaking back into your esophagus, triggering that all-too-familiar burn.
On top of that, high-fat meals slow down your stomach’s emptying process, making the situation even worse. This delay creates the perfect storm for heartburn to strike.
- Mint
Mint might seem harmless, but it can actually be a surprising trigger for heartburn.
It works by relaxing the muscles at the bottom of your esophagus, which is supposed to keep stomach acid in its place.
When this muscle relaxes too much, acid can flow back up into the esophagus, leading to that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest.
- Citrus Fruits and Juices
Citrus foods, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, can cause heartburn because they are acidic.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, consuming citrus fruits and juices can increase the chances of heartburn.
Citrus fruits and juices stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, which in turn increases the chance of reflux.
If these fruits trigger heartburn, limit the amount of citrus, eat smaller meals, and stay upright after eating.
- Spicy Foods (Hot Stews, Curries)
Spicy food contains a substance called capsaicin, a chemical compound that gives a spicy taste to the food. It also causes direct irritation.
Spicy foods like hot sauce, chili peppers, and chili powder are popular ingredients that add bold flavor to meals and are staples in many households.
Spicy food can also cause abdominal pain and a burning feeling in your chest if you have a gastrointestinal disorder. So, it is generally recommended to avoid spicy foods if you experience acid reflux.
- Alcohol
Alcohol can have several negative effects on your digestive system.
It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), making it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn.
Alcohol also causes the stomach to produce more acid, and due to this, the chances of acid reflux increase.
Alcohol consumption may increase the symptoms of GERD and cause damage to the esophagus. Patients with GERD symptoms are recommended to avoid alcohol to maintain their digestive health.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a common dietary staple but are highly acidic, making them a frequent trigger for acid reflux.
Their citric and malic acids can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and cause heartburn.
Tomato-based sauces, often paired with onion and garlic, can further aggravate the condition.
Efficient Ways To Reduce The Burning Sensation And Take Control
There are multiple ways to reduce heartburn, and one of the most effective approaches is:
- Avoid lying down immediately after meals.
- Increase physical activity, but avoid intense exercise after eating.
- Opt for smaller, more frequent meals.
- Limit the use of antacid medications (unless your doctor tells you to).
- Incorporate more alkaline foods into your diet.
- Elevate your upper body while sleeping.
- Eat slowly and mindfully.
- Stick to small, regular portions.
By following these steps in your daily routine, you can reduce heartburn.
However, if your heartburn is persistent and not getting better, remember to consult your healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Read more: Stop Stomach Or Chest Burning Sensations Immediately
When To See A Doctor For Heartburn?
If you are experiencing symptoms like chest pain, trouble swallowing, and weight loss, then you should go to your health provider; if you don’t take these signs seriously, then they become worse.
Occasional heartburn is not a problem, but if you experience it frequently, it requires medical attention. The good news is that you can also reduce your heartburn by avoiding certain foods.
But if your heartburn disrupts your daily life, it becomes a serious condition requiring medical care.
So, if you experience heartburn twice a week, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Your provider will help diagnose the cause of the heartburn and recommend treatment according to your condition.
Can Urgent Care Help You Relieve Heartburn?
Yes, urgent care can help relieve heartburn. If you are experiencing chronic heartburn and it is disturbing your daily life, urgent care can provide you with immediate relief.
Urgent care clinics will recommend medicines like antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and alginates.
Urgent care providers assess your medical condition, symptoms, and triggers and suggest treatment.
If you’re experiencing heartburn, don’t wait for the discomfort to worsen. Book an appointment at Family Urgent Care today for fast, professional treatment and expert advice tailored to your needs. Our team is here to help you feel better quickly!
