“What Makes Heartburn Worse/Better?”

 

WHAT'S OK TO EAT, WHAT'S NOT? That burning discomfort in your chest or throat may have nothing to do with your heart. It can happen when stomach acid backs up, or refluxes, and irritates your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. Certain foods can trigger it, but they're not the same for everyone. So, when it comes to eating, what will help you avoid heartburn?

EATING TOO MUCH: The first thing to think about isn't any specific food: It's the amount you eat at one time. This is one case where bigger isn't better. No matter what food you're eating, how good it looks, or how much you like it, a stuffed stomach makes heartburn more likely. Try using smaller plates to help you trim your portions.

SLOW DOWN: Shoveling food into your face is also a no-no. The three Gs -- grab, gulp, and go -- don't lead to good digestion, and they can make heartburn symptoms more likely, says Leslie Bonci, a registered dietitian and director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Take your time and enjoy your meals.

FATTY FOODS: High-fat foods tend to stay in your stomach longer. And the longer they're there, the more likely there will be discomfort, say Bonci and Elaine Magee, a registered dietitian and author of Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Acid Reflux. Big servings of those high-fat foods -- like a lot of fried chicken, chips, or wings -- are a double whammy.

CUT BACK ON FATS IN PREP: You might be able to bake, broil, grill, or roast your favorite foods instead of frying them. Trim the fat off of meat and poultry and cut the skin off chicken. Tweaks like these might be enough to tame your heartburn.

HIGH-ACID FOODS: Tomatoes (including foods like salsa and marinara sauce) and citrus fruits (such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons) can trigger heartburn, especially if you eat them by themselves, on an empty stomach. Vinegar is another acid, and it's a common ingredient in salad dressings and other dishes.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: Try other fruits and vegetables with less acid to give your tummy a break. Or limit your portion size of acidic foods and offset them with something else. For instance, use less tomato sauce on your pasta and have a little meat or extra veggies at the same time. Experiment to find your comfort zone.

WATCH WHAT YOU DRINK, TOO: Certain beverages can make heartburn more likely. Drinks with caffeine (that's decaf coffee, too) boost acid in the stomach. Alcohol can relax the valve between your esophagus and stomach, letting acid escape more easily. And carbonation from fizzy drinks can bloat your stomach, which may lead to heartburn. Tomato and citrus juices have acid, too.

BETTER BEVERAGES: Choose drinks without bubbles and caffeine, such as herbal teas, milk, and plain water. If you must have that coffee, cola, or bloody mary, drinking a smaller size will help.

CHOCOLATE: Sorry, it has caffeine. If you can't bear life without chocolate, see if cutting back does the trick. Maybe you can eat only a bite or two, or just on special occasions. Also consider what other heartburn triggers may be at play. Eating chocolate for dessert at the end of a fatty feast, or by itself on an empty stomach, probably aren't good ideas.

FOODS WITH A KICK: It's not really surprising that the heat from peppery foods and hot sauces can scorch you from the inside. But did you know that peppermint could be a problem? Although it's cool, not fiery, it may relax that gateway valve, leading to heartburn. Flavorful, pungent garlic and onions -- especially raw -- can also be culprits.

DIAL DOWN ON THE HEAT: You aren't necessarily headed for a lifetime of bland foods. Easing up a bit on the spiciness could make a difference. You don't have to drown your wings in hot sauce, for example. Maybe go with two alarms for your chili instead of four. Look for other ways to flavor foods that don't require burning your tongue.

TRACK YOUR TRIGGERS: Everyone's different. You might be OK with a mildly spicy meal unless it has tomatoes. You may be able to drink a small cup of coffee as long as you don't gulp it down without food. Make notes or keep a diary to help you pinpoint what you can handle and what leads to heartburn.

CHEW GUM: After a meal, chewing gum keeps your mouth making saliva. The extra liquid helps neutralize acid and spurs your stomach to empty its contents into your small intestine faster -- basically, moving your food down the line before heartburn gets a chance to set in. Choose a flavor other than peppermint or mint to keep that barrier valve closed.

HEALTHY HABITS: Don't lie down right after a meal; allow 3 hours between dinner and bedtime. Smoking and carrying extra pounds may also raise your chance of heartburn. Everyone gets it now and then, but you should talk to your doctor if it happens to you a lot. Heartburn could be a symptom of digestive problems.

REVIEWED BY: Carol DerSarkissian, MD, WebMD on December 20, 2020

SOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians.

American College of Gastroenterology.

American College of Gastroenterology's Consumer Health Guides.

Bonnie Taub-Dix, registered dietitian; spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association; nutritionist, New York City and Woodmere, NY.

Cleveland Clinic.

Daniel Mausner, MD, section head of gastroenterology, Mercy Medical Center, Rockville Centre, NY.

Deepa A. Vasudevan, MD, assistant professor of family medicine, University of Texas Medical School, Houston.

DeVault, K. and Castell, D. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2005.

Elaine Magee, registered dietitian; author, Tell Me What To Eat If I Have Acid Reflux.

Leslie Bonci, registered dietitian; director of sports nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Pettit, M. Pharmacy World and Science, December 2005.

Robynne Chutkan, MD, founder, Digestive Center for Women, Chevy Chase, Md.; gastroenterologist, Georgetown Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Shekhar Challa, MD, president, Kansas Medical Clinic; author, Spurn the Burn, Treat the Heat.

Talley, N. and Vakil, N. American Journal of Gastroenterology, October 2005.

University of Maryland Medical Center.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“Foods to Boost Male Health”

Lean Red Meat: If you're a steak-and-potatoes guy, you're in luck. Red meat can be good for you, says Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, a dietitian for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lean cuts of beef and pork are packed with protein and have only a little more fat than chicken breast. Red meat is also a good source of leucine, an amino acid that helps build muscle.

Tart Cherries: How do the Pittsburgh Steelers soothe sore muscles? Cherry juice. Bonci says she keeps some in their training room at all times. "The pigment in cherries and cherry juice mimics the effects of some anti-inflammatory medicines," says Bonci. "And there are no side effects."

Chocolate: Chocolate may improve blood flow if you eat the right kind. The flavanols in dark chocolate may curb levels of bad cholesterol, improve circulation, and keep blood pressure in check. Men with poor blood flow are more likely to have erection problems, so heart-wise foods may protect your sex life, too. But too much chocolate can lead to weight gain. Enjoy 1 ounce a day instead of other sweets.

Shellfish: Shellfish and other types of seafood are rich in zinc, which is critically important for the heart, muscles, and reproductive system. Zinc levels below normal are linked to poor sperm quality and male infertility. Not fond of seafood? Beef, turkey, chicken, nuts, and seeds offer a healthy dose of zinc, too.

Avocado: Sure, this creamy fruit is high in fat, but it's the good kind. The monounsaturated fat in avocados packs a one-two punch against cholesterol. It can knock down total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol (LDL), too. The trick is to use a "mono" fat instead of saturated or trans fats. And eat no more than 25%-35% of all your calories from fat. Olive oil and nuts also contain good fats.

Fatty Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and halibut are another excellent source of healthy fat. They have a special type known as omega-3 fatty acids. These protect against heart disease, the top killer of men in the U. S. Two servings of fatty fish a week can lower your chances of dying from heart disease.

Ginger: Slices of this spicy root are often served with sushi or grated into an Asian stir-fry. Health-wise, ginger may help calm inflammation in the body -- which can come in handy when you push yourself too hard. Eating ginger regularly may help reduce the pain of exercise-related muscle injuries.

Milk and Yogurt: The whey in milk and yogurt is another source of leucine, a muscle-building amino acid. Bonci recommends Greek yogurt, with a thick, creamy taste that men may like better. It's also packed with protein, potassium, and friendly bacteria that keep the gut healthy. "Plus, it requires no preparation whatsoever."

Bananas: The banana is celebrated for its bounty of potassium -- and with good reason. Potassium is critical for muscle contractions and bone health. It also helps blood pressure. Getting enough potassium may be as important as eating less sodium when it comes to lowering blood pressure.

Pistachios: Nuts provide protein, fiber, and zinc while satisfying the urge for a crunchy, salty snack. Pistachios are a stand out -- higher in plant sterols that can improve cholesterol levels. Eat them from the shell, so you work harder for each one. It's a fun way to snack and keeps you from gobbling up too many calories too quickly.

Brazil Nuts: A single ounce of Brazil nuts has seven times the daily value of selenium. This mineral boosts the immune system and helps the thyroid gland.

Tomato Sauce: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a substance that may protect against some cancers. Some research suggests that men who eat tomato sauce regularly are less likely to get prostate cancer, but not all studies support this. Tomatoes have many other plant nutrients, too, that support good health. Adding salsa to a burrito or tomato sauce to pasta is an easy way to make a meal more nutritious.

Soy Foods: The food that offers the best protection against prostate cancer may be soy. That's the finding from a study of 40 nations. Tofu, miso soup, and soy milk are all delicious ways to eat more soy. In Asian countries, people eat up to 90 times more soy foods than Americans eat. And prostate cancer is far less common in those countries.

Mixed Vegetables: Vegetables are packed with phytochemicals, nutrients that boost cell health and protect against cancer. There are many different phytochemicals, and the best way to get a variety of them is to eat different colored veggies. "There should be color on your plate at every meal," Bonci says. 

Orange Vegetables: Orange vegetables are an excellent source of beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin C. These nutrients may lower your odds of developing an enlarged prostate, according to a large study. Good choices include red bell peppers, carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.

Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach, collard greens, and kale can help the eyes as well as the prostate. These leafy green vegetables have plenty of lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that impairs vision. 

Eggs: Eggs provide lutein, protein, and iron, but you have to eat the whole egg. One yolk, with 185 mg of cholesterol, fits into the daily limit for healthy people. You might also cut back on high-cholesterol sweets to make room for whole eggs in your diet. If you have high cholesterol, ask your doctor if you should limit how many eggs you eat per week.

High-Fiber Cereal: Fiber may not sound manly, but it can be a performance enhancer. Executive or athlete, you can't focus on your goals if your gut is acting up. Fiber keeps you full longer and helps your digestive system run smoothly. This doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite cereal -- just try mixing in some shredded wheat. "Don't deprive yourself," Bonci advises, "but add something good."

Brown Rice: Brown rice is another great source of fiber, and it's easy to dress up with tasty, colorful food. Try adding lean meat, baby spinach, and pineapple. If you don't like the texture, mix some white rice with the brown. Brown rice and other whole grains can help you stay at a healthy weight and lower your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Berries: "Berries can help you be on top of your game mentally as well as physically," Bonci says. They're loaded with antioxidants that may help lower the risk of cancer. Animal studies suggest blueberries can also enhance memory and thinking. Similar research in people is in its infancy, but looks promising. When fresh berries are expensive or tough to find, try buying them frozen and making a shake.

Coffee: When you need a pick-me-up, Bonci recommends making a good old-fashioned cup of joe. Research shows it can make you more alert, and plain coffee has almost no calories. This makes it a far better choice than expensive, high-calorie energy drinks.

Focus on the Good Stuff: To change your diet, add good foods rather than denying yourself bad ones. As you get used to eating more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, these foods may come to replace some of the less healthy choices. Dietitian Bonci offers a sports metaphor to sum up the benefits: You'll play better today and stay in the game longer. 

Reviewed by: Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD on November 04, 2018

Sources:

American Optometric Association.
American Urological Association Foundation.
Harvard School of Public Health.
Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, January 2010.
Journal of Pain, September 2010.
Kuehl, K. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2010.
Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, director of sports nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; nutritional consultant to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
MedlinePlus.
National Institutes of Health.
News Release, National Cancer Institute.
Nutrition Research, February 2009.
Oregon Health and Science University.
Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute.
USDA Nutrition Evidence Library.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)
The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“Could You Be Hooked? Surprising Addictions”

Smartphones: You can't quit it, can you? You keep it with you all the time and check it every few minutes. You work too much because you can't turn it off on the weekend. You ignore the people you're having dinner with to catch a text or a post from someone miles away. Get help from a doctor, counselor or other professional if your phone is getting in the way of your life.

Caffeine: Do you need your morning jolt of caffeine? That’s not necessarily an addiction, but trying to cut it out of your life may leave you anxious for a fix and nursing a serious headache. That's called withdrawal.

Chocolate and Other Sweets: Sometimes you have to have it. And you may not be able to stop. Don't feel bad -- foods high in carbs, fats, and sugar can affect your brain just like drugs do. Jonesing for an occasional milkshake doesn’t mean you're hooked. But your sweet tooth can get out of control and lead to other health problems.

Shopping: We've all bought something we don't really need. If it happens a lot, what you're really looking for might be some dopamine, the feel-good-chemical for your brain. It could also mean you have impulse-control problems or anxiety issues. Hit the stores -- or the one-click online purchase button -- too often and it can cause financial, legal, and social problems.

Gambling: As many as 8 million Americans have a problem. Whether you do it in person or online, at slot machines or the poker table, that rush provides your brain a hit of dopamine and makes you happy -- for a while. But if lady luck isn't with you, too much betting can wreak havoc with your finances, job, and family life.

Plastic Surgery: Some people can't get enough nips and tucks. That's because many of them have "body dysmorphic disorder" and are obsessed with defects only they can see. This problem is caused by some of the same brain chemicals that play a role in addiction.

Tanning: Addicted to the sun? That's right. The ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of sunlight releases chemicals in your body called endorphins. They can make you feel so good you'll risk sunburns, blisters, and skin cancer for them. Some frequent indoor and outdoor tanners could have this problem. Others might be obsessive-compulsive or have body dysmorphic disorder.

Exercise: A good workout can help you get over addictions, as long as you don't become hooked on the activity itself. Exercise helps your brain learn, which can speed recovery. But you have to be able to say "no" to that endorphin-fueled runner's high if you're ill or injured. Plus, a new habit you start while working out may be harder to shake.

Social Media: Do you spend so much time on Facebook and Twitter you feel like you're addicted? New studies show that you might be among the 10% of social media users who really are hooked. The random pace of posts affects your brain the same way that cocaine does. Sharing details about yourself with others also creates a rush of positive feelings that leaves you wanting more.

Sex: Can't stop having sex -- or looking at porn? Doing it more, enjoying it less, and risking too much to get it? Maybe you have a strong sex drive. But there could be more going on. It's not an official addiction, but there is a thing called hypersexual disorder. If you have it, your brain may be wired like that of someone with a drug or gambling problem.

How Does Addiction Start? Anything that alters your mood can become addictive. It begins as self-medication to help you manage pain. The reward you get when you see that text message pop up, find the perfect pair of shoes, or roll a lucky seven makes you want more. That becomes something you can't live without.

Are All Addictions the Same? Is addiction to shopping or texting the same as being hooked on drugs or alcohol? We know these things can affect your brain in many of the same ways. But experts don't yet agree about how far those similarities go. If you feel you have a habit that's out of control, talk to your doctor or a therapist.

Reviewed by: Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on February 28, 2019

Sources:

Sam Alibrando, PhD, author, Follow the Yellow Brick Road: How to Change for the Better When Life Gives You Its Worst.
Kwan, M. PLOS One, Feb. 27, 2013.
Ramani Durvasula, PhD, assistant professor, California State University at Los Angeles.
American Psychiatric Association: "Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders."
Corsica, J.A. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, March 26. 2010
Avena, Nicole. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, published online May 18, 2007.
Harvard Health Publications: "The Addicted Brain."
Indiana University: "How Can I Manage Compulsive Shopping and Spending Addiction (Shopoholism)."
News Release, National Council on Problem Gambling.
Mayo Clinic: "Compulsive gambling."
Anselme, P. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, published online December 2, 2013.
University of Chicago Addictive, Compulsive and Impulsive Disorders Research Program: "About Us."
Bonnie Carpenter, EdD, psychologist, Philadelphia.
American Psychiatric Association: "Internet Gaming Disorder May 2013."
The Skin Cancer Foundation: "Tanning Addiction: The New Form of Substance Abuse."
Mustroph, M.L. The European Journal of Neuroscience, October 2011.
Cerrand, C. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, December 2006.
Kor, Ariel. Sexual Addict Compulsivity, published online April 9, 2013.
News Release, University of Utah Health Care. 

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.