Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, causes heartburn. When the sphincter, which is at the base of the esophagus, malfunctions, acidic fluids from the stomach flow back into the food pipe, making one feel a burning sensation in and around the throat and abdomen. It is a common health condition, affecting 1 in every 5 people in the country. Some foods may trigger heartburn and should be avoided.

Fried foods
Deep-fried fatty foods take longer to digest compared to other foods, staying in the digestive system for longer. This results in the stomach making more acids to digest them. Fried foods such as onion rings and french fries are rich in unhealthy fats, making them key foods to avoid for heartburn management. Apart from delaying digestion, such foods tend to make the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relax, making the gastric fluids back up into the esophagus. One should also avoid excessive butter, whole milk, sour cream, regular cheese, bacon, fat, ham, and lard, as well as desserts such as ice cream and creamy fruit salads when dealing with acid reflux issues.

Coffee
Caffeine is a major trigger of inflammation in people. Like fatty foods, caffeine-rich foods also relax the LES, resulting in the acids in the stomach flowing into the esophagus instead of passing through the excretory system. So, one should choose herbal teas over coffee. Regular tea contains caffeine too, but less than coffee.

Chocolate
Chocolate is yet another food rich in caffeine, making it one of the foods to avoid when dealing with heartburn. In addition, cocoa triggers a serotonin rush, as does another component of chocolate called theobromine. This sudden surge of serotonin relaxes the LES, making gastric contents back up into the esophagus.

Jalapeño
Spicy foods are also the worst foods to have when trying to prevent acid reflux. The capsaicin present in chilies and jalapeñoseverely slows down the digestion process. Additionally, such foods irritate the esophagus and trigger inflammation. Although spice lovers may find it difficult to let go of hot sauces and chilies, they need to limit spicy food intake to prevent acidity and intense heartburn.