Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. It occurs when there is a backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. One of the major reasons this happens is because of a weakened lower esophagus sphincter (LES). The sphincter prevents the food from moving from the stomach all the way up to the esophagus.
Our diet plays an important role in the amount of acid our stomach produces. Thus, it is necessary to eat the right amount of food, as it is the key to control gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or simply put, acid reflux.

Here are 11 heartburn-easing dietary or food options one can use to reduce the symptoms of the same:

• Ginger – A form of a plant root that has high immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is great for gut healing. It prevents the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria which causes stomach ulcers and increases acid production.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – One of the most common heartburn-easing dietary and food alternatives, it helps in stabilizing acid production in the stomach. Doctors suggest to start-off with consuming one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before meals.
• Turmeric – Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin that helps in healing esophageal cells and reduces inflammation in the esophagus. It is one of the best nutritious herbs that treat the symptoms of acid reflux such as heartburn.
• Wild salmon – It contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin that reduces the symptoms of acid reflux caused due to indigestion of pylori.
• Pineapple – Although a citrus food, it contains a compound called bromelain that helps in better digestion of proteins, which eventually helps in reducing indigestion. It is great for dampening inflammation and pain caused due to indigestion.
• Sunflower seeds – Sunflower seeds contain antioxidants and vitamin E and are essential in aiding the reduction of the severity of the acid reflux. They also help in soothing any mucosal damage that could be caused to the esophagus.
• Apples – The fruit contains multiple health benefits. It can be incorporated in heartburn diet, as it is full of flavonoid called as quercetin that helps in reducing heartburn caused due to acid reflux symptoms.
• Celery – An antioxidant-rich vegetable, it contains anti-inflammatory vegetables that help in protecting the stomach lining, thereby reducing the risk of stomach ulcers resulting in acid reflux.
• Spinach – Apart from being rich in minerals like iron, the dark green leafy vegetable can be used as a heartburn-easing dietary or food option. It contains natural antacid properties which together with vitamin B produce an enzyme that aids digestion, thereby preventing acid reflux.
• Sauerkraut or Kombucha – A type of fermented food, kombucha contains probiotics that nourish the digestive tract and aids in preventing regurgitation leading to heartburn.
• Coconut – Coconut contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and it helps in preventing infections in the digestive tract, soothing the gut, and nourishing the nervous system.

Apart from all the heartburn-easing dietary options or food products mentioned above, keeping yourself hydrated is one of the most beneficial ways to reduce the acidic activity of the stomach. Avoid using acid-blocking medications without a doctor’s recommendation. If you are on medication to specifically treat heartburn, then it is important to consult the doctor before incorporating any of the above-mentioned food products to avoid any allergic reaction.