So much has been said about food that induce or worsen heartburn, with chocolates and tomatoes taking the top place. But what is less popular among the mainstream health and fitness pipeline are the food that can make heartburn feel better.
Low Acid Food
While acids can be the culprit for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems, it does not only point to acids that is already present in the body. Natural acids in common food such as fruits, vegetables, and drinks, also have their fair share of the blame.
Bani Roland, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, says that the most effective way to avoid digestive problems is to eat naturally low-acid food.
Melons and bananas have low acid content. Bananas are a good snack, and any kind of melon, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, are always refreshingly good.
Oatmeal is a fibrous resource that does not cause acid reflux.
Bread -- the whole grain kind -- is made with unprocessed grains. It should be distinguishable from "healthy sounding" kinds, such as wheat, whole wheat, or 7 grain, which may already have been stripped of natural fiber, vitamins, and nutrients.
Rice and couscous are complex carbohydrates that a can counter acid reflux. Brown rice is the most fibrous among rice varieties.
Green vegetables -- broccoli, asparagus, green beans, celery, and cauliflower -- all have low acid levels.
Potatoes, as well as other root vegetables, are also good for fighting heartburn. Except for onions.
Lean poultry and meat, including ground beef and steak, are good for combating heartburn. However, it is important to remove the skin before cooking. Preparation should be done by either grilling, broiling, baking, or steaming, and not frying the meat.

Fish, when poached, grilled, or baked, are also healthy options -- as long as it is not fried or prepared with fatty sauces.
Egg white are a good source of protein, besides containing low levels of acid. Ignore the yellow yolk, which may have the opposite effect on the body.
The appearance of food does not necessarily present its acid levels, neither is it indicated in the nutrition labels. But the pH level -- or the score if the acid content -- of food can easily be obtained in government sites.
Lower pH levels indicate higher acidity. Food with a pH level of 5 or higher may give fewer symptoms of heartburn.
More Food Against Heartburn
There  are certain food and herbs that are known to treat acid reflux and gastrointestinal problems.
Fennel is a crunchy, licorice-flavoured vegetable that is commonly used to enhance salads. It is also found to improve digestion, and has a pH level of 6.9, indicating low levels of natural acid.
Ginger, which is known for its restorative effects on an upset stomach, is also used to treat heartburn and reflux.
Parsley is has been used by health practitioners to treat digestive problems and acid reflux  for centuries.
Aloe vera is another age-old treatment for gastrointestinal problems that can improve digestion. The plant can be used in its natural form, as a supplement -- in the form of capsules and concentrates, and can be added to recipes as a thickener. Aloe vera used for ingestion should not contain anthraquinones or the compound aloin, which can have adverse effects on the digestive system.
However, while they may be effective in some cases, Jay Kuemmerle, MD, a gastroenterologist of Virginia Commonwealth University, warns that there may be times when they do not work on others.
Healthy Food vs Heartburn
Having the right kinds of food in one’s daily regimen can effectively alleviate heartburn. However, good food do not necessarily treat the effects of the identified trigger foods
According to Kuemmerle, "Eating a little ginger won't stop you from getting heartburn after a big dinner of a fatty steak, a salad with tomatoes, a couple of glasses of wine, and a coffee."
Maintaining a diet that is low in acid levels can also be a good option for reflux sufferers, but it may not be enough to avoid acidic food. For some people, it is not the acid in the food but in their own gastric organs that triggers reflux and heartburn.

Declares Kuemmerle, "The specific causes of heartburn vary a lot from person to person. That's why treatment always needs a personalized approach."