The Stop and Select Guide
The key to a smooth ride around heartburn is to find the right mix of foods and beverages. This guide assigns a color code to common foods and beverages according to the food's tendency to create acid, irritate the gastric lining and/or relax the lower esophageal sphincter. You can assess the likelihood of a heartburn episode based on the color code of foods you consume. Items are listed by standard USDA food pyramid groupings and are categorized by one of the following colors:
The more "yellows" and "reds" you consume, the more likely you may be to experience heartburn.
Tolerance for foods and beverages listed below will vary from person to person. Eight ounces of lemonade may be tolerable for one person and a heartburn disaster for another. Pay close attention to portion size for all foods consumed and note what quantities, if any, are bearable for your stomach. Use your "personal serving sizes" as a guide. For portions that are excessive, move up one level on the color continuum (i.e., green to yellow, yellow to red).
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