Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with excitement and joy, but it can also bring along numerous discomforts. One of the most common discomforts that pregnant women face is heartburn.
Heartburn during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes, an expanding uterus, and increased pressure on the stomach that forces acid into the esophagus. Fortunately, certain foods can provide relief to heartburn during pregnancy.
In this article, we will discuss the best foods for heartburn during pregnancy that you can include in your diet to alleviate discomfort and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Dairy Provides Relief
Milk can be your savior when it comes to relieving the discomfort of heartburn during pregnancy.
As we mentioned before, milk is naturally alkaline, which means it helps to decrease the acidity in your stomach and soothe those pesky heartburn symptoms.
Additionally, drinking a glass of warm milk with a tablespoon of honey can provide even greater relief. And don’t forget about yogurt – it’s another great option to calm your stomach.
But be cautious of consuming too much at one time, as it could trigger heartburn in some individuals.
Acidic Foods: Proceed With Caution
As you continue to search for the best foods to alleviate heartburn during pregnancy, it’s important to be cautious of acidic foods.
Although oranges and tomatoes are high in nutrients, their acidity can potentially trigger heartburn. It’s best to consume these foods with caution, alongside a whole meal, to avoid discomfort.
In addition, soda and caffeine may also worsen your symptoms, so limit your intake of these items. Focusing on a balanced diet with heartburn-friendly foods like split peas and non-acidic fruits and vegetables can help prevent or alleviate heartburn during your pregnancy.
Avoid Citrus, spicy and Greasy Foods
Now that we’ve talked about foods to eat more often and foods to consume with caution, it’s time to discuss foods that should be avoided. Citrus fruits, spicy dishes, and greasy foods may be triggers for heartburn during pregnancy.
These types of foods can lead to acid reflux and cause discomfort. To prevent heartburn, it’s best to steer clear of these trigger foods.
Instead, opt for heartburn-friendly alternatives such as raw almonds, ginger, split peas, and small, frequent meals. The American Pregnancy Association also recommends consuming yogurt, milk, or honey to alleviate discomfort.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals and Avoid Trigger Foods
Now that you know some of the best foods for heartburn during pregnancy, it’s important to also understand the importance of small, frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods.
Eating large meals can put pressure on your stomach, leading to heartburn. Instead, aim for smaller meals throughout the day. It’s also important to identify your trigger foods, such as citrus, spicy foods, and greasy foods, and steer clear of them altogether.
This can help prevent heartburn from occurring in the first place. By combining these dietary changes with some of the other recommendations, such as consuming raw almonds and ginger or incorporating yogurt and milk into your diet, you can help alleviate discomfort and enjoy a more peaceful pregnancy.
Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed to find what works best for you.
Yogurt, Milk, and Honey As Recommended By American Pregnancy Association
Now let’s talk about one of the most recommended foods by the American Pregnancy Association – Yogurt, milk, and honey! These dairy products are not only delicious but also act as great neutralizers for stomach acids that cause heartburn during pregnancy.
Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which helps with bone development in the fetus, and yogurt contains probiotics that can help with digestion.
Adding a tablespoon of honey to your glass of warm milk can also soothe the burning sensation in your chest. So, try to include a cup of fresh yogurt or a glass of milk with honey in your daily meals to help ease the discomfort of heartburn during pregnancy.
Trust us, your taste buds and your baby will thank you!
Raw Almonds and Ginger
If you’re experiencing heartburn during pregnancy, raw almonds and ginger might be just what you need to feel better.
As we mentioned earlier, almonds are a heartburn superfood and can help neutralize stomach acid. Ginger, on the other hand, has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate acid production.
So, if you’re feeling the burn, try snacking on a handful of raw almonds or sipping on some ginger tea. It’s an easy and delicious way to alleviate your heartburn symptoms.
Plus, incorporating these foods into your daily diet can have long-term benefits for your overall health. So go ahead and give these natural remedies a try!
Split Peas Are A Heartburn-Friendly Food
If you’re experiencing heartburn during pregnancy, incorporating split peas into your diet may help alleviate symptoms.
Not only are they a good source of protein, but they’re also low in fat and high in fiber, making them a heartburn-friendly option.
When preparing split peas, try seasoning them with herbs and spices instead of acidic or spicy ingredients to further decrease the chances of heartburn. Remember to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and continue to avoid trigger foods.
Preventing or Relieving Heartburn Through Diet Changes
When it comes to preventing or relieving heartburn during pregnancy, there are several dietary changes that can be helpful.
Firstly, consider eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, as opposed to large ones.
Avoid trigger foods such as carbonated beverages, caffeine, acidic foods, and spicy foods. Fermented foods like raw sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir can also be beneficial as they are rich in enzymes and good bacteria that support a healthy gut.
Some heartburn-friendly foods include bananas, split peas, and dairy products such as milk and yogurt. For relief, try drinking a small glass of almond milk after meals or snacking on raw almonds or ginger.
Making these small changes to your diet can help ease discomfort and keep heartburn at bay during your pregnancy.
