Why does eating eggplant cause heartburn?

Generally, heartburn after eating eggplant may be caused by poor eating habits, food irritation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcer, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatments and medications may be needed. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended to receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Poor Eating Habits

Eating large amounts of eggplant can overwhelm the intestines' normal digestion and absorption capabilities. Additionally, using spicy seasonings or excessive oil during cooking, making the eggplant overly greasy, may cause heartburn, possibly accompanied by bloating, acid reflux, and other discomforts. It is recommended to improve unhealthy eating habits, avoid overeating, and reduce intake of greasy and spicy foods.

2. Food Irritation

Compounds in eggplant may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, increasing gastric acid secretion and consequently causing heartburn, possibly accompanied by stomach discomfort and pain. It is recommended to consume eggplant in moderation, avoid excessive intake, and minimize the use of irritating seasonings during preparation.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a common digestive system disorder caused by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, which fails to effectively prevent stomach acid from flowing back, leading to acid erosion of the esophageal mucosa and resulting in a burning sensation. Symptoms may include coughing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and others. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as Chitosan Lipid Capsules, Bicyclol Tablets, and Orlistat Capsules to alleviate symptoms.

4. Gastritis

Gastritis is primarily triggered by Helicobacter pylori infection, drug irritation, poor eating habits, and other factors. Patients with gastritis have weakened gastrointestinal function, making eggplant difficult to digest and potentially stimulating excessive gastric acid secretion, causing heartburn. Additional symptoms may include upper abdominal discomfort, fullness, and belching. It is recommended to seek treatment under a physician's guidance using medications such as Composite Rennin Capsules, Bismuth Potassium Citrate Tablets, and Colloidal Bismuth Pectin Capsules.

5. Peptic Ulcer

Long-term alcohol consumption, smoking, eating spicy foods, and other factors can damage the protective mechanisms of the gastric mucosa, leading to peptic ulcers. Patients with gastric ulcers have ulcerated areas on their gastric mucosa, and consuming eggplant may stimulate gastric acid secretion, with acid irritating the ulcers causing heartburn. Symptoms may also include upper abdominal pain that worsens after meals, nausea, and others. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated Tablets, Rabeprazole Sodium Enteric-coated Tablets, and Lansoprazole Tablets for treatment.

It is also recommended not to lie down immediately after meals in daily life; instead, light walking is encouraged to promote gastrointestinal motility and accelerate gastric emptying, thus alleviating discomfort symptoms.