The Facts about Heartburn and Yogurt

There are many conflicting reports about heartburn and yogurt. Some sources will tell us that yogurt is a heartburn trigger. Others tell us that yogurt is an effective treatment for the symptoms of heartburn. So, which one is correct? Believe it or not, they are both correct.

It is important to understand that there are several variables involved when discussing heartburn and yogurt. What we have eaten earlier in the day, what kind of yogurt we consume, what medications we have taken, and even our physical activity can determine whether or not we will experience heartburn.

Heartburn and Yogurt: How Yogurt Might Trigger Heartburn

Heartburn can occur for a number of reasons; these reasons are known as “triggers”. In addition to heartburn triggers, there is sometimes an underlying cause that makes us more likely to get heartburn and other digestive upsets such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and esophagitis (inflammation and swelling of the esophagus).

Yogurt ends up on the “heartburn trigger” list of foods because it is a dairy product that usually contains milk fat. Milk fats like those found in yogurt can trigger heartburn for the same reason that any fatty food triggers heartburn.

Fatty foods remain in the stomach longer because they take longer to digest. Not only is the stomach creating more acid during this time, the esophagus is exposed to the acid longer and may eventually relax – letting acid reflux occur and heartburn to begin.

Heartburn and yogurt that is high in fat may be very aggravating to some individuals. Therefore, it is best to avoid whole fat yogurt and choose a low-fat variety instead. The only sure way is to avoid yogurt entirely, but that may not be necessary – especially if you really like yogurt.

Some foods can actually prevent or relieve heartburn and yogurt is one of them, if you know where to look and what type of yogurt you need.

Heartburn and Yogurt: Using Yogurt as a Remedy

If we want to consider home remedies for heartburn and yogurt seems like a good alternative, it is very important to know that there are different types of yogurt. Two of them (raw and commercial) are comprised of different types of ingredients that affect stomach acids in different ways.

Commercial yogurt is the kind we can readily buy at any grocer or ask for in some drive-thru restaurant windows. Heartburn and yogurt of this variety is more likely to be a problem because of all the added ingredients.

Commercial yogurt, even the low-fat variety, contains artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and flavors that disrupt the pH balance in the stomach, resulting in the production of more acid. The extra activity in the stomach acids can cause acid reflux and heartburn.

Raw yogurt, however, is actually good for digestive health and can reduce acid reflux and ease heartburn. If one suffers from chronic heartburn and yogurt is a favorite food, raw yogurt is definitely the best option.

This type of yogurt contains probiotics which help to balance the pH levels in the stomach. The probiotics actually reduces acid in the stomach and therefore provides an environment where heartburn is much less likely to occur.

One might say that heartburn and yogurt with probiotics can be considered enemies since the probiotics in raw yogurt can prevent heartburn in the first place and also soothes the symptoms of acid reflux once it has begun to make us feel sick.

Raw yogurt is less commonly available, though there are a few brands carried by major grocery store chains. (Look for those that mention digestive health on the label and be sure they are free of additives.)

In general, yogurt should be consumed with discretion if you are susceptible to heartburn triggered by food. If you find that you experience heartburn symptoms immediately following the consumption of yogurt, try to avoid it in your diet or switch to raw yogurt.

It may be easier to purchase at a holistic health food store or at an organic grocer. As part of a regular diet regiment, yogurt containing probiotics can yield many other health benefits as well.

There are Many Benefits of Yogurt and Heartburn Prevention is just One

Yogurt is good for our overall digestive system. In addition to preventing acid reflux and soothing heartburn, yogurt contains bacteria that help amino acids from protein become absorbed into our system.

If you drink whole milk or like to eat other dairy products, yogurt can help to digest lactose as well. Raw yogurt is also helpful for those who are lactose intolerant. Just remember that milk fats can cause acid reflux, so drinking whole milk should still be avoided by heartburn sufferers if yogurt doesn’t help when dairy products are consumed.

Finally, yogurt effectively reduces the overall number of bacteria in the digestive system that can cause illness. Our bodies are riddled with natural, necessary germs. However, an imbalance between the different types of bacteria can make us sick and even lead to serious disease. Raw yogurt helps to balance the population by introducing active cultures into our intestines and colon.