Does sushi lead to that burning feeling in your chest? There are some culprits behind heartburn from eating sushi. Acidic rice, spicy wasabi, and gulping down rolls too quick can bring on the pain.

Certain aspects of sushi can trigger acid reflux and heartburn:

• The high acidity of white rice tops the list. It can kick stomach acid production into overdrive.
• Spicy wasabi also irritates for some. Its heat and horseradish can inflame the esophagus.
• Eating too fast means larger chunks reach your stomach. This makes reflux more likely.
• Individual sensitivity plays a role too. Some people are more prone to heartburn from trigger foods.

The good news? You can still enjoy sushi without the flaming aftermath. Try lower-acid brown rice and limit wasabi. Smaller portions eaten slowly help too.

Now let’s dive deep into why sushi and heartburn seem to go hand-in-hand for some unlucky fish lovers.

High Acidity of Rice

One of the biggest heartburn triggers in sushi is the rice. White rice is high in acidic content.

When acidic rice enters your stomach, it can kick acid production into overdrive. Too much stomach acid causes painful heartburn.

Specifically, the acetic acid in rice vinegar used to flavor sushi rice can be harsh on the esophagus and stomach lining.

Rice also contains a starch called amylopectin that is digested more slowly. This slow digestion allows more time for acid reflux issues to occur.

To lower the acid punch, opt for sushi rolls made with brown rice or try rice-free fillings wrapped in cucumber.

Spicy Wasabi’s Burn

Wasabi, the fiery green condiment served alongside sushi, can also ignite heartburn in some people.

Authentic wasabi is grated from a root vegetable with a high content of volatile isothiocyanates. These compounds give wasabi its intense, sinus-clearing spice.

For those sensitive, wasabi can irritate the throat and esophagus. This leads to inflammation that makes acid reflux more likely.

Additionally, wasabi triggers faster eating as you grab for water to cool the spice. Eating fast means you swallow larger chunks that can reflux easily.

Go low or no on the wasabi to avoid its heartburn effects. Choose milder sushi dipping options like ginger or low-sodium soy sauce.

Hasty Eating Habits

How you eat sushi also factors into its potential heartburn. Sushi is often wolfed down, yet needs slow, mindful eating.

Gobbling down rolls or nigiri means you swallow bigger, poorly chewed pieces. Large food particles are more likely to cause reflux issues when they reach your stomach.

Fast eating also introduces air into your digestive tract, which can trigger acid production and cramping.

Plus, devouring sushi quickly means you consume more in one sitting. The larger food volume itself can lead to acid reflux.

Slow down and savor each piece to avoid heartburn. Chew each bite thoroughly before swallowing.

Individual Sensitivity

Some individuals are simply more prone to heartburn than others due to factors like:

• Hiatal hernia
• Pregnancy
• Connective tissue disorders
• Damaged esophageal sphincter
• Obesity

If you’re sensitive, certain foods are more likely to trigger acid reflux. For some, the ingredients in sushi can be instigators.

Keeping a food diary helps identify your heartburn triggers. Note when symptoms occur and which foods you ate.

Tips to Prevent Heartburn From Sushi

Luckily, with a few preventive tweaks, you can still enjoy sushi without the flaming aftermath:

• Choose sushi made with brown rice or rice-free fillings like tofu or cucumber.
• Limit your intake of wasabi, or opt for mild sushi dipping sauces instead.
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to avoid large chunks that can reflux.
• Have smaller portion sizes of sushi at each sitting.
• Avoid mixing alcohol and sushi, as alcohol relaxes the esophageal sphincter.
• Take an over-the-counter antacid prior to eating sushi if you’re highly prone to heartburn.
• Wear loose clothing to meals and don’t lie down immediately after eating sushi.
• Talk to your doctor if sushi frequently causes severe heartburn. You may need medication or further evaluation.

With a few modifications, you can still enjoy the flavors of sushi without the searing aftermath. Use these tips to make sushi time pain-free!