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  Does Peanut Butter Cause Heartburn?

Peanut butter is among the favorites when it comes to processed food, paired with loafs of bread or bananas for snacks and breakfast. It full of calories yet very healthy, but better when raw rather than preserved. Badly preserved peanut butter poses risks on health as it may contain added trans-fat and become hosts to carcinogenic substances. Because it contains high amount of calories, it may become one of the major reasons for the common symptom of acid reflux which is heartburn.   

What’s good about Peanut Butter? 

does peanut butter cause heartburnFood experts confirmed that peanut butter contains high amounts of fiber, protein and micronutrients. 8 percent of every serving contains fiber content which helps regulate blood cholesterol and sugar levels. Protein amounts up to 24 percent along with significant micronutrients such as Vitamin E which helps reduce the risk of cancer and other heart diseases. It also contains Niacin or Vitamin B3 which aids in repairing damaged cells in the body. Also present are essential minerals such as iron, potassium and calcium, promoting solid bone structure and increased amounts of hemoglobin.  

Like coffee, peanut butter also has properties that prevent the body from developing gall stones and Alzheimer’s. Large quantities of Resveratrol are also found, which is an antimicrobial agent and is anti-viral, anti-cancer and even anti-aging.   

Though peanut butter has a lot of health benefits, these are negated by unwanted side effects when taken in large amounts. Balance is important when we picture a healthy lifestyle and too much of anything can bring on unwanted results. While some people don’t see how peanut butter can cause heartburn, it is definitely one included on the lists of foods that add to the cause, because of its calorie content. Other people reasoned out that it may not be the peanut butter but the amount of bread which caused the symptoms, but still, being cautious is better than regretting in the end.  

Heartburn Overview 

The burning sensation in the chest caused by acids flowing back to the esophagus is known by many as heartburn. This doesn’t have anything to do with cardiovascular disorders, but is a common symptom for acid reflux which may develop into a more serious condition like GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease. It is mainly caused by taking in excessive amounts of alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods and fats, stimulating gastric acids in the stomach. It can also be brought about by unbalanced diet and unhealthy lifestyles. Recurrent cases should not be dealt with lightly, as they might be symptoms for other underlying diseases. Heartburn, however, is not life threatening and can be managed, given the proper treatment.  

Peanut and Heartburn 

Other studies showed how the peanut and heartburn can be very beneficial to one another. The selenium contained in peanuts is an effective mineral that can help relieve the person of heartburn. However, as mentioned previously, one should always be careful on the amounts of intake. It can be very beneficial when limited but dangerous when excessive. Salted peanuts can also trigger acid reflux, when tested on patients who already have the symptoms.  

To sum it all up, prevention of heartburn comes down to our meal choices. It is advised to take five small meals each day instead of the commonly promoted three large meals. The choice of food is also a very significant factor. If you try to change your bad eating habits, you’ll soon find that you can never go wrong with a balanced diet.