Chocolate
Chocolate is a part of this list as it has a high risk of triggering the symptoms of diverticulitis. Packaged chocolate usually comes jam-packed with sugar, fat, and calories. The reason it can cause acid reflux is due to an ingredient called methylxanthine. It’s the kind of ingredient that’s usually not an issue for most people, but it does have a habit of relaxing one particular muscle — the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). By relaxing the LES, it makes people who eat chocolate more likely to experience the symptoms of heartburn.
For those having trouble avoiding chocolate, it’s best to look for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. The former has more health benefits, though both have a likelihood of triggering acid reflux. In general, chocolate is best left as a rare treat instead of something one would regularly enjoy.
After all, chocolate contributes to weight gain as it does have addictive qualities, especially due to the wide variety of products containing chocolate. As part of a healthy diet — especially for those suffering from acid reflux, it’s best to avoid chocolate.
