Top 25 Summer Heartburn Triggers
Don't Get Burned by These Summer Favorites
-- By Nicole Nichols, Health Educator

Chili dogs, chocolate ice cream, and cherry cola. Summer brings a lot of tempting treats. But unfortunately, many of these warm weather foods can leave your belly more than a little upset—especially if you're prone to heartburn.Check out the list below for the 25 most common heartburn-causing foods of the season, why they're problematic for heartburn sufferers, and some alternative foods that will allow you to participate in the festivities without going hungry.

1. Beef kabobsBeef can be greasy and high in fat. Kabobs made with chicken, fish and/or veggies
2. Corn on the cob with butterButter is a known heartburn trigger.Summer's sweet corn is plenty flavorful. Try it boiled or grilled, without the butter.
3. Chili dogsChili is spicy and tomato-based, while hot dogs can be high in fat.Go for a veggie, lean beef or turkey dog and ditch the chili.
4. Chocolate mousseChocolate and dairy foods such as mousse and pudding can trigger heartburn.
If dairy foods cause distress for you, try fruit-flavored gelatin as a sweet dessert.
5. French friesGreasy and high in fatTry baked potatoes in the oven or on the grill. If you must have fries, make your own, but bake them instead of frying.
6. Fried chickenGreasy and high in fatTry skinless chicken breasts that are baked or grilled.
7. Funnel cakes Deep fried and high in fat
8. Grilled onionsOnions are common triggers for digestive distress.
9. Grilled peppersSweet or hot, peppers can cause heartburn.
10. HamburgerGreasy and high in fatOpt for a lean chicken, turkey or veggie burger.
11. Hot dogs and sausagesSome sausages can be spicy while both meats are high in fat.Try a veggie dog or a lean turkey or beef hot dog, but watch out for those heartburn-triggering toppings!
12. Hot salsaBoth spicy and tomato-based (acidic)


If tomatoes don't bother you but spices do, go for mild salsa. If you want a dip for your chips without the spice or the tomato, try mashed avocado.
13. Ice cream This dairy food can cause issues for many people and can be high in fat. Steer clear especially of mint and chocolate flavors, which can both trigger symptoms.Sorbet is dairy-free, fruity and sweet!
14. Iced coffeeCoffee and the caffeine it contains can trigger heartburn.Try iced tea instead, which contains far less caffeine.
15. Ketchup and mustardKetchup is tomato-based (a heartburn trigger) while mustard contains another trigger—vinegar.Get creative with your sandwich toppers. Try hummus, fresh herbs, low-fat mayo or a favorite low-fat salad dressing.
16. Lemon meringue pieCitrus fruits can cause heartburn.
17. LemonadeMade with an acidic citrus fruitTry apple juice or chilled water with just a touch of lemon.
18. PicklesMade with vinegar, a common triggerTry sweet relish instead.

19. PineappleAn acidic foodTry mango or papaya, which can aid digestion.
20. Potato chips with ranch dipBoth can be high in fat, while many dips are dairy-based
21. Root beer floatsRoot beer is carbonated while ice cream is a common trigger (due to dairy and fat content).
22. Salad dressingMany can be high in fat and contain herbs and spices (like garlic) that are triggers.Go for low-fat salad dressings that are light on garlic and spices.
23. SauerkrautNot for people sensitive to vinegar
24. TomatoesAn acidic food and common trigger
25. Watermelon An acidic fruit that can cause digestive distressFresh summer fruits abound.

Just avoid acidic and citrus ones. While the foods listed above are common heartburn culprits, others can eat some (or all) of them without problems. Keeping a heartburn journal can help you narrow down your unique list of triggers, just as eating smaller meals dining more slowly can also help. Here's to cool summer fare that doesn't leave you feeling burned!

Heartburn Condition Center (link)
Keeping a Heartburn Journal (article)
High BMI Increases GERD Risk (article)
Diet and Nutrition (forum)
Dietary Tips for Digestive Distress (article)
VIDEO: Is it Heartburn or GERD? (link)
Coach Nicole's Blog (link)
Common Foods Comparison (link)