Heartburn is an all-too-common problem affecting both men and women. Symptoms of heartburn include a burning pain in your chest and a bitter taste in your mouth. The pain may intensify when you bend over. The burning sensation in your chest is caused by stomach acid going back into the esophagus, the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is often triggered by certain foods.

Since sensitivity to these foods may vary among individuals, try to note which foods exacerbate the problem. By eating or drinking smaller quantities or avoiding these foods altogether, acid reflux can be controlled. Here are common six foods to avoid if you suffer from heartburn:

1. Spicy foods

A spicy food choice is on almost every menu. Chili, curry, paprikash, and others are found on menus. These delicious and spicy foods can lead to heartburn. The culprit is the capsaicin, which is the active component in chili peppers.

Capsaicin is found in spices like chili powder and paprika are used to add “heat” to a dish. If you are sensitive to capsaicin, limit the number of spicy foods, or prepare less spicy versions at home.

2. Alcohol

Sometimes, we have a drink after work or with dinner. While an alcoholic beverage makes us feel more relaxed, it also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When this muscle is loose, it allows the stomach acid into the esophagus. Alcohol also causes the stomach to produce more acid. You might want to substitute non acidic juices, such as carrot, watermelon, or cucumber.

3. Red wine

Yes, red wine has some beneficial effects on your health, but it can also cause heartburn. It relaxes the sphincter that prevents acid reflux. When the acid gets into your esophagus, you’ll feel the painful sensation in your chest. Instead of wine, enjoy a decaffeinated tea or coffee. Avoid mint teas since peppermint can initiate heartburn.

4. Chocolate

While chocolate is sometimes considered an essential food group, it is also a heartburn cocktail. It has cocoa powder, caffeine, and theobromine. All of these are known to intensify the heartburn symptoms. Eating chocolate also causes serotonin to be secreted. Also known as the happy chemical, it relaxes us and makes us feel good. Unfortunately, it also relaxes the LES, causing acid reflux. The high-fat content in chocolate means it stays in your stomach longer.

5. Citrus fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are usually healthy choices unless you are a heartburn sufferer. The acid in these fruits can cause havoc in your stomach by increasing acid production. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter allowing the acid to back up and irritate the esophagus.

6. Coffee and caffeinated drinks

Caffeine is a known trigger for heartburn. If you experience reflux while sipping your morning cup of joe, you might consider cutting back the amount that you drink. Keep in mind that many energy drinks contain caffeine. If it causes symptoms, you might need to cut back on these other drinks as well.