Heartburn is a medical condition in which gastric contents reach the esophagus and causes a burning sensation and pain. It is a condition of the digestive system in which the acidic content from the stomach flows back into the esophagus and causes a burning sensation and pain in the chest. Under normal conditions, a muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents this reverse flow. Heartburn affects 15 million Americans every day.
Common symptoms of heartburn are a burning sensation in the chest and an acidic taste in the mouth. The symptoms typically aggravate after a meal and when you lie down. In most people, heartburn is occasional and is not a serious health issue.

Prevent heartburn with these foods:
Our stomach releases acids to digest our food and the food we eat can significantly change the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Since the production of acid in the stomach largely depends on the type of food you eat, changing dietary behavior can be very beneficial. However, if the problem persists for a long duration, an expert opinion must be sought.

• Ginger: A regular intake of ginger can be beneficial in reducing heartburn symptoms owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. One can directly add ginger to a meal or drink ginger tea.
• Vegetables: Vegetables are a very good option for controlling the amount of acid in the stomach. Their sugar and fat content are naturally low. One can incorporate potatoes, cucumbers, asparagus, and broccoli in their diet to get relief from heartburn.
• Non-citrus fruits: Bananas, apples, and melons are preferred over citrus foods to keep the acid levels under control.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a rich source of dietary fiber and absorbs stomach acids. One can also include whole-grains in the meal to increase fiber intake.
• Seafood and lean meat: One can incorporate low-fat seafood and meat in their diet to control heartburn symptoms.
• Egg white: Egg white is low in fat and is more effective for heartburn than egg yolk. Egg yolk is rich in fat and may cause or aggravate heartburn.
• Include healthy fats in your diet: The type of fat you eat is important. One must control the amount of saturated and trans-fats which are known to aggravate heartburn. Incorporation of unsaturated fats in cooking oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil, and sesame oil can be beneficial.
• Change your eating pattern and behavior: Eating behavior such as time of eating can also trigger heartburn. One must avoid eating just before going to sleep. It is recommended that you finish your dinner at least 3 hours before you sleep. Eat slowly, because eating fast increases the pressure on the stomach valves.
• Drink water with your meal: Drinking a small amount of water while eating or a little before eating dilutes the stomach acids and helps in reducing the symptoms of heartburn if any.