Heartburn Food

Q: I Am looking for SOOTHING foods -- foods that are good to eat when suffering heartburn. There is a whole list of foods NOT to eat, but I know of very few GOOD foods. Would like to collect a list here. This list should go beyond "home remedies." I want a list of real foods -- menu items. Most of what's out there and what I have found are just home remedies. I will list what I've found, but I want food. Collected so far: Buttermilk. (Or buttermilk mixed with water and a pinch of salt.) Water with apple cider vinegar and honey. Water with lemon juice. Green tea. Herbal teas with peppermint and whatnot. Tea made from cloves. Ginger tea or just ginger. Garlic. (This seems crazy to me, but I have seen it recommended.) That's all I've got! Any other ideas? How about banana cream pie -- is that good for heartburn?

A:"Soothing foods", whatever those are, won't stop reflux and may very well not even control the symptoms. OTOH, it is important to avoid foods that promote dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter,

which in turn augments reflux. Those things include nicotine, alcohol, caffiene (such as in tea) and many tomato spices. Also, transient inappropriate lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) is promoted by a full stomach. "Soothing foods" is a teliologic concept that has little to do with acid reflux. I think you must have watched "Who's On First" about a dozen too many times. I eat a big chicken pot pie, heartburn gets worse. I eat a bunch of peanut butter sandwiches, heartburn gets worse. I eat some light fish or chicken broth -- that's soothing! That's soothing food! You CAN'T STARVE heartburn! You HAVE to eat something -- BUT what to eat??? Something SOOTHING!