10 Foods That Help Heartburn
Heartburn is often a painful condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It is usually experienced just after eating and is caused when the stomach’s juices escape and rise up the esophagus. This causes the unprotected tissues of the esophagus to be burned by the caustic juices.
The severity of the symptoms can vary. In some cases, it may be necessary for an operation to remedy the problem. For less severe cases, there are remedies available from pharmacies that will help relieve the symptoms.
There are also various foods that you can eat to help prevent it and soothe symptoms. Below are 10 of these foods to look out for.
Helpful Food #1: Ginger
Ginger is a type of root that is known for its quite unique flavor. It is often used in cooking and can help to give otherwise bland dishes some flavor. It has not only been used as food though, it has had a place in medicine for thousands of years.
Ginger is able to help ease inflation, something that can cause considerable discomfort for many people. Not only can this help with conditions like arthritis, but it could also help with certain stomach conditions. Because ginger is able to help reduce inflammation in the digestive system, it can also help to reduce the symptoms of heartburn.
Helpful Food #2: Banana
Bananas are a godsend for people that are very busy. All we need to do is peel away its natural protective wrapper and we have quick and easy access to a delicious and nutritious snack. They are packed full of important vitamins and minerals and help to give an energy boost when we need it most.
It gets even better because bananas can help to prevent heartburn and reduce the severity of symptoms. This is partly because they are a good source of magnesium, and partly because their pH level can help create a natural balance. They are so enjoyable and so easy to prepare that there is no harm in at least trying them out.
Helpful Food #3: Couscous
Couscous is a grain that is thought to have originated somewhere in North Africa. There, it became a popular food source and its popularity also spread to the Middle East. In recent years, it has also seen a surge in popularity in the West and in the rest of the world.
There are various reasons for the popularity of couscous, mainly that it is ideal for use in healthy diets. While packed with nutrition, however, couscous is also thought to be able to help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn. Couscous is very flexible in cooking, so have a look for suitable recipes and try it out.
Helpful Food #4: Seafood
Depending on where you are in the world, seafood is a fairly common addition to the dinner table. It is eaten more commonly in coastal areas, for obvious reasons, but that is not to say that inland areas can’t enjoy it also. Regardless of where you are in the world, seafood tastes great. It is also very nutritious.
In addition to great taste and nutrition, seafood is also thought to be able to help people with heartburn. This is partly because it has so little fat, which might otherwise cause an increase in burning stomach acids. Seafood is also flexible and is found in different dishes across the world.
Helpful Food #5: Melon
The delicious light and sweet flavor of melon is often just what you need after a good meal. It is a fruit that is popular in desserts although many people also like to have some in a salad. If you are in a hurry then you can just enjoy it as it is. Not only does it taste great, but melon is also very nutritious.
If you are somebody that suffers from heartburn then you will be pleased to know that melon can help. Melon is a very good source of magnesium, which can help to neutralize the offending stomach acids. Its pH level can also help to stabilize pH levels in the stomach overall.
Helpful Food #6: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a type of plant that originated in the Arabian Peninsula. It has thick leaves that are edible, although it is not often used in cooking or as food at all. It is quite popular as a house plant, while it also has other properties that help make it popular. The plant also has numerous properties that are thought to be able to help out in medicine.
Many people feel that using aloe vera can help to reduce the severity of heartburn symptoms. It is readily available in pharmacies as a supplement, while you can also use the leaves of the plant directly.
Helpful Food #7: Oatmeal
Oatmeal needs little introduction. It is most commonly used in breakfast dishes such as muesli, but it is used in other dishes as well. It is full of proteins and other vitamins and minerals and is great for giving you a boost in the mornings. Oatmeal is also ideal for people on a weight loss diet because it is both filling and low in calories.
People with acid reflux will be pleased to know that oatmeal can also help to reduce their symptoms. It helps to absorb excess stomach acid, helping to prevent them from escaping out from the stomach. It is great with raisins and other similar ingredients because it can soak up acidity from those as well.
Helpful Food #8: Poultry
Poultry is popular worldwide. Chicken, in particular, is very popular, although other poultry foods like turkey are also enjoyed around the world. They are also a good source of protein as well as other important nutrients.
Poultry is also low in fat, making it suitable for a lot of healthy diets. This also benefits people with heartburn because less fat means fewer digestive juices, and this means less acid reflux. Just bear in mind that that frying chicken can add a lot of fat, so you should maybe try grilling or roasting it instead.
Helpful Food #9: Fennel
Fennel is not an ingredient that is common in households, although it is certainly worth trying out. It has quite a distinct flavor that is similar to licorice and this means you can use it to create something a little different. As a root vegetable, it is also a very good source of vitamins and minerals.
In addition to adding something different, fennel is also thought to be able to help the stomach perform smoothly. This can mean that there are fewer digestive juices that could otherwise lead to heartburn. Fennel is fairly easy to find, although you might find it is called fresh anise.
Helpful Food #10: Parsley
There are few serious kitchens that don’t have some parsley in one form or another. It is used in cuisines all over the world and can really help to bring a meal to life. While it is also famed for its use in cooking, parsley is also very well known for its use in medicine.
In addition to other health benefits, it is thought that parsley is able to settle an upset stomach and also help with digestion. This should be good news for people with heartburn because it means that parsley may be able to help reduce their symptoms.
