Parul Sevashram Hospital

Say Goodbye to Heartburn: 8 Foods to Avoid and Smart Swaps

8 Foods to Avoid for Heartburn Relief

Heartburn causes a burning feeling in your chest. It starts after meals. It keeps coming back when you eat the wrong foods. The food you eat plays a big role in how your stomach feels.

Heartburn is linked to acid reflux. This means stomach acid moves up into your food pipe. When that happens often, it leads to pain and discomfort. Some foods make it worse.

At Parul Sevashram Hospital, you get care that focuses on your stomach health. You get help from specialists in digestive care. Here are 8 foods you should avoid and what to eat instead.

1. Avoid Spicy Foods

Spices like red chili or black pepper increase acid levels. These spices irritate your stomach and food pipe.

Try this instead

  • Cook with turmeric or coriander
  • Use mild flavors
  • Add herbs like basil for taste

2. Avoid Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. These fruits have strong acid that triggers heartburn.

Try this instead

  • Eat apples or bananas
  • Choose melons for breakfast
  • Drink coconut water

3. Avoid Tomato-Based Foods

Tomatoes have high acidity. Tomato sauce, ketchup, and soup make reflux worse.

Try this instead

  • Use curd-based white sauce
  • Eat steamed vegetables
  • Pick sweet pumpkin or bottle gourd

4. Avoid Fried and Fatty Foods

Fried food slows digestion. Fat adds pressure to your stomach. This causes acid to move up.

Try this instead

  • Grill or bake your food
  • Choose boiled rice or soft rotis
  • Add steamed greens to your plate

5. Avoid Raw Onions and Garlic

Raw onion and garlic are hard on the stomach. These cause gas and burning.

Try this instead

  • Use cooked onion and garlic
  • Add them in small amounts
  • Try asafoetida (hing) for flavor

6. Avoid Chocolate

Chocolate has caffeine and fat. Both of these trigger acid reflux.

Try this instead

  • Eat fresh fruits
  • Try oats with honey
  • Drink warm milk

7. Avoid Fizzy Drinks

Soda and colas cause gas. This gas builds pressure in your stomach.

Try this instead

  • Drink plain water
  • Use fennel water
  • Sip on warm herbal tea

8. Avoid Coffee and Tea

Tea and coffee affect the valve that controls acid. This lets acid rise.

Try this instead

  • Choose warm water with honey
  • Try green tea without caffeine
  • Drink buttermilk

When to Get Help

If heartburn keeps coming back, you need a check-up. Long-term reflux leads to bigger health problems. You should speak with a gastro doctor. This helps stop the problem early.

At Parul Sevashram Hospital, you get help from trained gastroenterologists. You get tests, answers, and simple treatment. The hospital offers care that suits every budget.

Heartburn in India: A Few Facts

  • 2 in 10 adults have regular heartburn
  • Most cases improve with food changes and doctor advice
  • People who eat late or lie down after meals have more reflux

Why You Should Choose Parul Sevashram Hospital

Take the First Step Now

Heartburn is not just a minor issue. It affects your daily life. Simple food swaps help you feel better. A quick visit to the doctor gives you answers. Visit Parul Sevashram Hospital today. Book your check-up online or call us. Get safe care for your stomach.

Written by Parul Sevashram Hospital  |  8 April 2025

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