What are foods trigger heartburn?

The foods that cause or exacerbate heartburn are called trigger foods

The trigger foods vary from person to person in variety as well as quantity. There may even be some trigger foods unique to you. You will have have to experiment to figure out your trigger foods.

1. Deep fried foods

Traditional Indian Cuisine examples: Samosa, Pakora, Sev, Mathrri, Paratha, Poori, Kachori, Shakar para, Gulab Jamun
American examples: Deep fried battered vegetables (Onion rings, Zucchini, Mushrooms), French fries, Doughnut, Corn chips, Potato chips, Chicken nuggets, Southern fried chicken

2. Fruits

Apples (fresh, dried, juice) and bananas are considered safe foods, Papaya may actually help with the heartburn. Citric fruits are trigger foods. Examples of citric fruits are: Tamarind, Amla, Apple cider, Orange juice, Lemon, Lime, Lemonade, Limeade, Grapefruit juice, Cranberry juice, and dried cranberries.

3. Vegetables

Most of the vegetables are safe except Tomatoes, Raw Onions, Raw Garlic, Fresh or dry Peppermint. These items influence how we make our curry sauce, and chutneys.
Tomatoes influence products such as Ketchup, Curry sauces, Spaghetti sauce.
Potatoes depend on cooking method. Mashed potatoes or French fries are trigger foods, while baked or boiled potatoes, and baked potato chips are safe.

4. Dairy products

All no-fat and low-fat dairy products are consider safe. Dairy products made with whole milk are trigger foods. Example are: Regular milk, Whole milk yogurt (Dahi), Sour cream, Milk shake, Ice cream, Paneer, Rasgulla, and regular Cottage cheese.

5. Meats

Lean meats, fish, and skinless chicken are safe. Meats that have visible fat (including marbling) and chicken with skin are trigger foods.

6. Fats/oils

All fats and oils are trigger foods. They should be used sparingly. This includes both saturated fats such as Ghee and butter, as well as unsaturated fats such as olive oil. Whether we use them to baste our Roti, sauté Masala, or use to make Tarka, they are still trigger foods. The Dal by itself is safe, but the Tarka/Bhagar effects the acid.

7. Spices and condiments

Most of the spices are safe. The trigger foods are: Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Mustard seeds, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Amchoor (Dry mango powder), Achaar (pickles),
White vinegar, and Ketchup. Note that Garam Masala has many of these spices. Check commercial Curry powders for these spices as well.

8. Beverages

The triggers foods are: Liquor, Beer, Wine, Coffee (decaffeinated and regular), Tea (decaffeinated and regular)

9. Tobacco

Cigarettes, chewing tobacco in any form

10. Chocolate

Chocolate is considered a trigger food in any form. Example: Candy bars, Brownies, Chocolate milk.

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