Humankind’s History with Heartburn
Humans have been eating foods that aren’t great for us for a long time, and history backs this up. Historians have found evidence of heartburn symptoms as far back as 3000 BC in Ancient Mesopotamia. The term “heartburn” was first recorded in 1591, though it was spelled “hartburning” and only described as a feeling. It wasn’t until 1747 that physician John Wesley officially described it as “a sharp, gnawing pain at the orifice of the stomach,” finally pinpointing the pain’s location in the body.
Today, about 60 million Americans regularly experience heartburn. This condition occurs when the muscle connecting your esophagus to your stomach is weak or malfunctioning, allowing acid to flow back up into your throat. This results in a sharp, gnawing pain and a burning sensation behind the breastbone.
Fortunately, you can alleviate heartburn symptoms with some dietary changes.
Top Foods to Eat to Ease Heartburn
Heartburn is often triggered by acidic, spicy, fried, or sugary foods. However, incorporating these six healthy foods into your daily diet can help counteract the symptoms.
Leafy Greens
Eating nutrient-rich foods is crucial for combating heartburn, and leafy greens are a top choice. They are high in fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, and more. Opt for dark green varieties like kale and spinach for the best nutritional benefits.
Non-Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits are known to contribute to heartburn due to their acidity. Instead of oranges, grapefruit, and cranberries, choose bananas, figs, and melons, which are less likely to increase acid levels in your system.
Kombucha
Kombucha, a naturally fizzy fermented tea, is packed with nutrients that help prevent heartburn. Although it contains some acids, they are beneficial and come with probiotics, good bacteria, and enzymes that balance your digestive system’s biome. Kombucha is also used to prevent ulcers and heartburn.
Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps ease nausea and has been used for centuries to treat stomach ailments. Its phenolic compounds soothe contractions in your gastric system, reducing the chances of acid escaping from your gut.
Fennel
Fennel is low in acid and won’t trigger acid reflux. Historically, people have chewed fennel seeds to aid digestion. It naturally raises the pH levels in saliva, neutralizing acid and helping to prevent tooth decay.
Celery
Celery is excellent for your digestive system. It’s full of fiber, low in calories, stimulates saliva production, and even freshens your breath. Fiber helps keep everything moving through your body efficiently, managing heartburn and other digestive issues.
Points to Remember
Around 60 million Americans regularly struggle with heartburn, caused by a weak or malfunctioning muscle at the base of the esophagus that allows acid to seep back up from the stomach into the throat.
While acidic, spicy, fried, or sugary foods can cause heartburn, you can manage the symptoms with a healthy diet. Incorporate foods like leafy greens and kombucha for essential nutrients, celery for fiber, non-citrus fruits and fennel to balance acid levels, and ginger to control gastric contractions. If heartburn persists, consider trying an organic, herbal formula designed to soothe occasional heartburn, indigestion, and digestive irritation.
