October 5, 2024

3 Reasons a Vegan Diet Might Cause Heartburn or GERD

Heartburn or GERD

If you’re a vegan, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced heartburn at some point. In fact, many people who switch to a vegan diet experience heartburn and other digestive problems. So, what’s the deal? In this article, we will discuss the three main reasons why a vegan diet might cause heartburn and will provide some tips to reduce your risk of developing these symptoms.

1. You’re Not Getting Enough Healthy Fats

One of the main reasons a vegan diet might cause heartburn is that it doesn’t contain enough healthy fats. Fats help to coat the stomach and prevent acid from seeping up into the esophagus. Without enough healthy fats in your diet, you’re at a higher risk of developing heartburn. To ensure you’re getting enough healthy fats, eat plenty of avocados, nuts, and seeds.

You can also use olive oil or coconut oil when cooking. If your symptoms still persist, consider visiting a professional for heartburn in Las Cruces to get a more personalized treatment plan. They can perform tests to see if you have any underlying conditions that might be causing your symptoms.

2. You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

Water is essential for good digestion and helps to keep the stomach acids in check. Without enough water, the acids can become too strong and cause heartburn. So make sure you drink eight glasses of water daily to keep your digestive system working properly. You can also try adding some lemon to your water, which can help neutralize stomach acids. Apart from this, if you recently underwent bariatric surgery, consider checking out some tips for preventing acid reflux after bariatric surgery, as in most cases, these surgeries can lead to heartburn because of the changes in the digestive system and knowing how to prevent in the first place can be a big help.

3. You’re Eating Too Many Processed Foods

Another reason a vegan diet might cause heartburn is that it’s often high in processed foods. These foods are typically low in fiber and nutrients, which can lead to digestive problems. They can also be difficult to digest, which can trigger heartburn. The best way to avoid this problem is to eat a variety of whole plant-based foods and limit processed foods as much as possible.

If you have trouble digesting certain foods, try to avoid them altogether. It will also help you to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. This will give your body time to properly break down the food before it reaches your stomach.

The Bottom line

Now you know the three main reasons a vegan diet might cause heartburn and some tips on how to prevent it. Remember, if you experience heartburn frequently, make sure to talk to your doctor. They will be able to help you figure out the best plan for managing your GERD.