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Avoiding heartburn is as simple as identifying what triggers it in your case and then devising a diet around it. A heartburn diet may mean you will have to eliminate some of your favorite foods but compare this to the pain of suffering an attack.

Creating a heartburn diet on your own means identifying both the foods and drinks which seem to disagree with you. Once you have a list and think you've got all the triggers covered, make an appointment with your doctor and discuss these with him/her.

Together, you will come up with a plan of attack. Controlling heartburn starting with your diet is the vital first step. Let's take a look at some of the more common foods you should avoid which can trigger a heartburn attack.

Heartburn Food Triggers

The following is by no means the complete list and it may very well be that you can still consume some of these. But research shows that the following are high on the most wanted list of heartburn triggers:

- Fruit and vegetables including orange, lemon and cranberry juice. Tomatoes are also a no-no while mashed potatoes and fries can play havoc with your system.

- Meats and dairy products including ground beef and buffalo wings while dairy items such as sour crea, ice cream and cottage cheese can trigger off attacks.

- Some grains will trigger heartburn. Items including dressed macaroni and spaghetti should be avoided.

- Drinks including alcohol and coffee can bring on heartburn.

- Dressings including oils and fats should also be avoided.

"Safe" Foods

At the other end of the spectrum, foods which you should consider as part of your heartburn diet include fruits and vegetables such as apples and bananas, baked vegetables such as potatoes, broccoli, cabbage and carrots.

Lean meats including beef and steak and broiled meats as well as broiled fish are considered good alternatives. Goat cheese plus fat free and low fat dairy products should always be considered over full fat versions.

Consider cereals such as bran along with multi-grain bread. Brown rice can be added to the list along with corn bread. Stick with mineral-based drinks such as water and keep any sweets or dessert intake fat free.

These are just an example of what's hot and what's not and should be used only as a guide. Discuss them with your doctor and if you're really serious about maintaining a good heartburn diet, then consulting a dietician will be a smart move.