Acid reflux: what should I eat to help heartburn symptoms: food & diet -

This week, for our bitesize 'WHAT TO EAT WHEN...' heath food series, we asked the pros: what soothes the burn of acid reflux?

So, heartburn - that uncomfortable sensation in your upper chest after eating - is the result of acid leaving the stomach and heading back up your food pipe. "Anything that raises the pressure in your stomach can cause it, from pregnancy and weight gain to stress and anxiety. For some, it runs in the family," says gastroenterological surgeon Mr Marcus Reddy of Spire St Anthony's Hospital.

STOCK UP ON

Sugar-free gum "Remember when your parents nagged you to sit up straight at the table, chew well, don't gulp down your food and drink together, don't eat too late…? Turns out these are rules to live by if you have acid reflux," says Reddy. But if the burn has already hit: "Chewing gum encourages the production of alkaline saliva, which neutralises the rising acid," says Reddy.

DITCH

Spicy foods, Tomatoes, Oranges You guessed it: anything acidic. "These don't cause acid in the stomach, but they can aggravate inflamed tissue, making symptoms worse," advises Reddy.

Mint tea"Peppermint can relax the valve that normally stops acid leaving the stomach," says herbalist Dr Chris Etheridge from the Henry Potters Advisory Committee.

Make sure you see your GP or a registered healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or you are worried there could be a more serious underlying medical issue

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