Foods That Cause Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused by stomach contents irritating the food pipe. It may follow a large meal, bending, or lying down. Acid reflux is a common cause, while gastritis, a hiatus hernia, obesity, and a peptic ulcer may also need consideration when symptoms recur or have other features. A food that triggers heartburn in one person may be tolerated by another.

Write down what you eat, how much you eat, and when burning starts. Reduce only the suspected trigger first, then reassess. Smaller meals, slower eating, and staying upright after food may reduce backflow. Avoid meals near bedtime and choose water instead of fizzy or acidic drinks if those worsen symptoms. A pharmacist or clinician can explain whether acid-reflux medication is appropriate.

Book an appointment if heartburn is frequent, returns after self-care, or is accompanied by trouble swallowing, ongoing vomiting, unexplained weight loss, black stools, or persistent upper-abdominal pain. Seek urgent help for new chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw.

Ask whether your symptoms fit reflux, whether an ulcer or stomach inflammation should be considered, and which treatment or food trial is safest.