We have some tips to ease the burning.
  |
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
| | | If you're part of the 20% of U.S. adults who live with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which heartburn symptoms are a regular occurrence, your quality of life may be greatly impacted. In addition to medications, you can make some lifestyle changes that may ease your discomfort. Below, Kirsten Seele, a registered dietitian at Healthline, tells us more. | | | | | | | Hope this helps!
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |  | | Written by Ginger Wojcik
January 27, 2026 • 2.5 min read | | | |  | | | | Q: | What foods actually cause acid reflux? | | | A: | Acid reflux can occur in anyone from time to time. It involves the lower esophageal sphincter, which, when working properly, prevents stomach contents from traveling back into the esophagus. When this sphincter isn't functioning properly (which can happen for several reasons), you may experience heartburn. If you have symptoms of acid reflux regularly, you may want to see a doctor for GERD, a more chronic (long-term) condition.
When considering dietary and lifestyle changes, I highly recommend keeping a food diary to track trigger foods and identify potential changes that may lead to successful management. In general, these changes will affect stomach acid production or the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter.
High fat foods tend to relax the sphincter, increasing the chance of stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus. Therefore, it's best to avoid high fat meats and dairy products, and minimize fried and greasy foods. Also, be mindful of seasonings that could trigger symptoms (cayenne, garlic powder, etc.) and include unsaturated fats, such as avocados and olive oil, in moderation.
Other common triggers include: - citrus fruits and tomato products
- chocolate
- spicy foods
- garlic and onions
- mint flavorings
- alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages
In general, lower fat foods can minimize the chance of symptoms. So, opt for lean meats, low fat dairy products, vegetables, noncitrus fruits, such as grapes, bananas, watermelon, and whole grains.
Also, try to eat slowly to minimize overeating. When you're too full, it can put pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter, which can cause acid to come back up. Stay upright for a couple of hours after eating to help your body fully digest your food! | | | | | Kirsten Seele, Registered Dietitian | | | Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) | | | | | | | | What we're digesting | | 🥗 Your expert guide to following a NASH-friendly diet. Making healthier food choices is essential for managing this condition. | | 👁️ Can you stop or slow down macular degeneration? Here's what you need to know. | | 🫁 Is it bronchitis or pneumonia? The main difference is which part of the respiratory system is affected. | | 🥛 Are fortified and enriched foods healthy? Yes, but with an important caveat. | | | |   | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon! | | | | |  | | This edition was powered by | | bananas.️ | | | | |
| View in browser
Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here.
To see all newsletters, click here.
Privacy | Unsubscribe
We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy.
Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.
© 2026 RVO Health
1101 Red Ventures Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | |  | |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Keep a civil tongue.