Foods that trigger heartburn: what should you know?

Heartburn is a burning feeling caused by irritation from stomach contents moving upwards. A trigger may relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, increase stomach fullness, or irritate sensitive tissue. Coffee, chocolate, mint, tomatoes, citrus, spicy meals, fried food, alcohol, and fizzy drinks affect some people but not everyone. Similar discomfort can occur with gastritis, a peptic ulcer, or other conditions, so food triggers do not establish a diagnosis.

Write down what you ate and when symptoms began. Start with the clearest pattern, such as a very large meal or a meal followed quickly by bed, instead of cutting out many foods. Choose smaller portions, eat at a relaxed pace, and remain upright after meals. Reintroduce foods cautiously if symptoms settle, unless a clinician has told you to avoid them. Medication may help some people, but seek advice before using it regularly.

Get urgent help for severe chest pain, pressure, breathlessness, sweating, fainting, or pain moving to the arm or jaw. Arrange a medical appointment if heartburn is frequent, swallowing becomes difficult, you vomit repeatedly, notice black stools, lose weight without trying, or symptoms do not settle with practical changes.

Could another condition explain my burning? Which food changes are reasonable for my diet? When should I use acid reflux medication, and when should I be examined?