Fatty Foods Lead to Heartburn

High-fiber, low-fat diet may prevent heartburn, according to research.

Recent finding: People who ate four servings of fat were twice as likely to have heartburn than those who ate one serving. Heartburn, which affects about one in five Americans, is caused when stomach acids enter the esophagus. Fat may increase reflux by filling the lower end of the esophagus, thus making it easier to reflux. It also promotes obesity which is a risk factor for reflux. Fiber may bind to some of the fat, making reflux less harmful. If left untreated, heartburn can lead to ulcers, bleeding in the esophagus and esophageal cancer.