"What should I eat when I have a stomachache?"... Good foods vs. foods to avoid?

 

4 Foods That Relieve Heartburn

 

Honey = Honey provides various benefits in managing acid reflux. First, it forms a coating-like barrier on the stomach and esophagus, preventing food and stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.

 

🔸️Chicken and seafood = It is also good to eat lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish. Limit the use of oil and butter, and prefer cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, or steaming.

 

🔸️채소= 채소는 섬유질이 풍부하고 지방이 적으며 알칼리성다. 샐러드만 먹기 버겁다면, 채소를 추가하거나 잘게 썰어 요리에 넣거나 과일과 함께 주스로 먹어도 된다. 브로콜리, 콜리플라워, 양배추, 시금치, 당근, 옥수수, 오이, 생강, 그린빈, 녹색 피망, 감자, 고구마 등을 추천한다.

 

🔸️Whole grains = Whole grain foods are rich in fiber, which helps digestion and reduces symptoms of heartburn. Generally, eating foods high in fiber promotes better digestion and less heartburn. It is recommended to try brown rice, couscous, oatmeal, and whole grain bread.

 

4 Foods That Worsen Heartburn

 

🔹️Acidic foods = If you frequently experience heartburn, you should avoid citrus fruits such as tomatoes, oranges, lemons, pineapples, and grapefruits. These fruits are highly acidic and can trigger heartburn symptoms.

 

🔹️Carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine = Surprisingly, even consuming these beverages improperly can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Carbonated drinks quickly lower the pH in the esophagus and temporarily decrease the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can exacerbate GERD. Especially, drinking coffee after meals can also interfere with the activity of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing stomach acid to reflux, so caution is needed. Alcohol consumption should also be approached carefully, as it lowers the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter and increases stomach acid secretion.

 

High-fat foods = Foods with high fat content can worsen heartburn symptoms. It is believed to be because fats take longer to digest. Examples of high-fat foods include chocolate and other sweets, cheese, butter, dairy products like ice cream, and fatty red meats such as filet mignon or bacon.

 

🔹️Mint = Not a familiar ingredient for Koreans, but it is best to avoid products with spearmint or peppermint scents. Mint can impair the proper functioning of the esophageal muscles, potentially causing heartburn.