Is that chocolate causing your heartburn?

Most people who suffer from chronic heartburn can trace some of the triggers of their heartburn to the foods they eat. Because of this, they've had to give up certain foods in order to avoid an episode of heartburn.

Topping most everyone's list of "can't have" foods is chocolate. But how can something that is such a joy to the tongue bring on the fire of heartburn?

The ingredient in chocolate that makes chocolate such a "feel good" food is the same ingredient that can trigger heartburn.

Chocolate contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant. Thus that "feel good" sensation when eating chocolate. Serotonin, however, has been shown to be able to relax the lower esophageal splincter (LES), thus allowing stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus.

Related Resources:

• Foods that can worsen heartburn
• Risk factors for heartburn
• Heartburn Record - Recording your heartburn episodes

Photo by letota (stock.xchng)