Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, right behind the breast bone. It’s caused by acid reflux back up into the esophagus from the stomach. When food reaches the stomach, it combines with acids and enzymes for digestion. The abdomen is lined with protective cells from the acids. However, the esophagus doesn’t have these cells, and when stomach acids backup, heartburn results.

Foods that trigger heartburn often include:

1. Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks and especially red wine can be a cause of heartburn and acid reflux disease. People who drink alcohol more frequently might be exposed to heartburn chronically and suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It leads to heartburn when relaxed abdominal muscles, cause the spillage of acids into the gullet while also irritating the food pipe and stomach since it is made up of chemicals. Alcoholic drinks are sugary and carbonated; they are triggered by heartburn. Carbonated drinks contain gas, which alters the concentration of the acid in the stomach.

2. Spicy foods
Spiced foods,  like Doritos or hot wings, irritate the stomach and are the beginning of heartburn. Peppers, for example, contain components that delay the emptying of the gastric juices. This delay may provoke the acid levels in the stomach leading to reflux. Spicy foods are a trigger to heartburn since the spices contain elements that lead to the rising of the gastrointestinal juices, which refluxes back to the food pipe. Spicy foods have garlic and onions, which have many acids that may cause acid reflux.

3. Fast food
Fatty food, and processed snacks like Cheezies, take longer to digest. The fact that they take a longer period in the stomach causes the abdominal muscle to open up. When it does, the stomach acids find their way to the food pipe, causing heartburn. Some other foods you may want to look out for include: fries, fried meats, burgers, dressings such as mayonnaise, pastries, and full-fat dairy foods.

4 .Chocolate
As sweet as they are, chocolate is a common trigger for heartburn .It is believed that cocoa causes the intestinal cells that relax the abdominal muscle to release a surge of serotonin. When the gastric juices are spilled over to the gullet, it is more than likely that heartburn will occur. A person may want to avoid chocolate bars, candy, and drinks such as hot chocolate.

5. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits contain large amounts of citric acids. Oranges, lemons, limes, and tomatoes are commonly used by people to add flavor to their food and beverages. The acidity in these fruits causes the sphincter to relax, and the acid rises to the esophagus that is irritated, and finally, the person gets heartburn.

The best thing you can do is note what foods have a negative effect on you. Foods that cause heartburn should be avoided. Anxiety and stress are also triggers for heartburn. As you watch your diet, make sure you maintain low-stress levels as well.