Does Mustard Get Rid Of Heartburn

In this brief article, we will answer the question, “does mustard get rid of heartburn?” We’ll also tell you about various other benefits of mustard, and the foods you should eat and avoid to relieve yourself from heartburn.

Does Mustard Get Rid Of Heartburn?

Yes, depending on the person, mustard can help get rid of heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid.That is because it is controversial, if mustard alleviates or aggravates reflux symptoms, because it contains mustard seeds, which stimulates gastric mucosa and increase intestinal secretion (1), but it also contains turmeric, which was shown to potentially protect the gastrointestinal tract through its anti-inflammatory effect (2). Generally, a teaspoon of turmeric is said to do the trick. 

Also, the yellow color of mustard comes from the spice turmeric, which is known to ease indigestion. 

What Causes Heartburn?

After consuming too many fatty foods, or when the stomach is too full, the esophageal valve between the end of the esophagus and the entry into the stomach opens, causing food and acid to flow back from the stomach towards the throat. This causes symptoms known as heartburn. Normally, there is a strong muscle that keeps stomach acid in your stomach where it belongs. In GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), this muscle is weak. This allows stomach acid to flow upward into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach, called the esophagus. This can cause a burning feeling in the chest often referred to as “heartburn.” People who have GERD may also have other symptoms like trouble swallowing, chest pain, and coughing (3).

Chef IntroIs Mustard Good For Your Stomach?

Yes. Mustard seeds are great sources of fiber that facilitate bowel movement and improve the overall working of the digestive system. Mustard seeds act as a laxative, stimulant to gastric mucosa and increase intestinal secretion (1). Mustard extract has been linked to reduced cancer risk in several cancer types including colon cancer and gastric cancer (4).

Consuming mustard seeds, paste, or leaves, is generally safe for most individuals, particularly when they’re eaten in reasonable amounts that constitute an average person’s diet. 

If consumed in large amounts, typically present in mustard extracts, these mustard derivatives can cause abdominal pain, gut inflammation, and diarrhea.

What Other Things Is Mustard Good For?

Mustard contains numerous phytochemicals such as: vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, chlorophylls, glucosinolates and polyphenols and possesses a plethora of pharmacological activities including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and bacteriostatic and antiviral activity. Mustard has also been used to combat several illnesses such as cancer, obesity, depression, diabetes, and cataract (4). Other than relieving heartburn, there are various other health benefits of mustard, such as:

• relieving muscular pain
• effective against ringworm
• managing respiratory disorders
• treating chronic diseases such as diabetes
• managing symptoms of cancer 

The high content of fiber, protein, many B-complex vitamins, and vitamin C makes mustard effective against these conditions. Mustard greens have many polyphenols. Polyphenols are a group of phenolic compounds with several hydroxyl groups which are widely found in plants. They are important secondary metabolites in plants and mainly exist in the skin, roots, shells, leaves, and fruits of plants. Most polyphenolic compounds are hydrophilic substances contained in cells, and are found  predominantly in the glycosidic form after their combination with carbohydrate. Polyphenols include flavonoids and tannins and have been shown to exhibit strong antioxidant and anticancer activity (4).

What Is The Difference Between Dijon Mustard And Yellow Mustard?

Yellow mustard is made with white and yellow mustard seeds and contains turmeric which gives it its bright yellow color. It has a mild flavor and contains a good amount of vinegar. 

Dijon mustard is made with black mustard seeds and is tangier and spicier as compared to yellow mustard. Also, Dijon mustard contains less vinegar and is creamier than yellow mustard. 

In terms of health benefits, both contain the attributes of mustard and can be substituted for one another. 

How Can You Avoid Heartburn?

Here are two potential ways to avoid experiencing heartburn and acidity (1,3,5). 

1. Eat Smaller Meals, And More Often

Consuming too much food about two to three times a day could cause heartburn and acid reflux. Meals containing over 500 calories can cause more reflux as compared to lower-calorie meals, and foods containing over 10 to 15 grams of fat also increase the chances of heartburn.

Instead, try eating five to six smaller meals throughout the day. Also, chew each bite slowly and fully to help maximize digestion. 

2. Avoid Too Much Of These Foods 

Besides the common culprits such as whole milk and coffee, here are some other foods that can also trigger heartburn: 

• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate 
• Citrus fruits, such as pineapple and orange
• High-fat foods and fried foods (french fries, fast food, desserts)
• Peppermint
• Carbonated drinks, such as sodas and soft drinks
• Spicy foods, as well as chili and pepper
• Canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato juice, since they are more acidic than raw, whole tomatoes

Analyze your diet and check whether you are regularly consuming any of these foods and in what quantities. Also, if you suspect that particular foods or drinks are causing or aggravating heartburn, try removing them from your diet temporarily and observe the results.

3. Eat More Of These Foods

Here are some foods that can help relieve the symptoms of heartburn: 

• Starchy foods, including rice, potatoes, couscous,  and crackers 
• Legumes, such as beans and lentils
• Certain vegetables that are less acidic, such as yellow squash, kale, corn, and asparagus
• Less acidic and non-citrus fruits including dates, cantaloupe, dates, watermelon, and melon
• Lean cuts of chicken and roast turkey 

• Seafood with low acidities, such as shrimp, salmon, herring, and most freshwater fish
• Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and eggs

Conclusion

In this brief article, we answered the question, “does mustard get rid of heartburn?” We also told you about various other benefits of mustard, and the foods you should eat and avoid to relieve yourself from heartburn.

If you have any more questions or comments please let us know.

References

1. Thavorn, K., Mamdani, M.M. & Straus, S.E. Efficacy of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Syst Rev, 2014, 3, 71. 
2.  Sharif, R. H., et al. Physicochemical characters of oilseeds from selected mustard genotypes. J Banglad Agri Univ, 2017, 15, 27-40. 
3. Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux. and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). J Pract Nurs, 2008, 58, 21-3. 
4. Tian, Yan, and Fangming Deng. Phytochemistry and biological activity of mustard (Brassica juncea): a review. CyTA-J Food, 2020, 18, 704-718.
5. Gupta, E. GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux (Heartburn). John Hopkins Medicine.