Are bananas acidic or alkaline? Discover the truth about bananas and their effects on stomach acid. Explore five fruits that can help reduce gastric acid.

Understanding Banana’s pH and Its Impact on Acid Reflux

Bananas are often considered a safe and beneficial fruit for individuals dealing with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is because ripe bananas have a pH of around 6.5, which is slightly acidic but still considered alkaline in nature. The high potassium content in bananas also contributes to their alkaline properties, helping to neutralize stomach acid and prevent acid reflux symptoms.

However, it’s important to note that the pH of bananas can vary depending on the degree of ripeness. Unripe bananas, with a pH around 5.6, are more acidic and may potentially trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms in some individuals. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to the ripeness of the bananas when consuming them for acid reflux management.

Five Fruits to Eat for Reducing Gastric Acid

In addition to bananas, there are several other fruits that can be beneficial for individuals with acid reflux or GERD. Here are five fruits that can help reduce gastric acid:

1. Melons

Melons, including honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon, are considered alkaline and can help neutralize stomach acid. According to reports from Johns Hopkins Medicine, melons are believed to relieve stomach acid and prevent irritation caused by acid reflux.

2. Apples

Apples contain alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can help relieve acid reflux symptoms. The low acid content of apples makes them a safe choice for individuals with stomach acid issues.

3. Pears

Pears are another low-acid fruit that can be beneficial for people with acid reflux. They do not contain as much acid as citrus fruits or tomatoes, which can trigger the recurrence of stomach acid reflux symptoms.

4. Coconut

Coconut is considered one of the fruits with the lowest acid content, making it a safe choice for individuals with stomach acid problems. In addition to its low acid levels, coconut is also believed to have other health benefits, such as improving brain function and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

5. Ginger

While not technically a fruit, ginger is a versatile ingredient that can help reduce stomach acid. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the digestive tract, making it a beneficial addition to the diet for those with acid reflux.

Fruits to Avoid for Acid Reflux

On the other hand, there are certain fruits that should be avoided or consumed with caution by individuals with acid reflux or GERD. These include:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, limes, grapefruits, lemons)
• Tomatoes
• Pineapple

These fruits are high in acid and can potentially trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms. Fruit juices, such as tomato juice and orange juice, should also be avoided for the same reason.

Incorporating Acid-Reducing Fruits into Your Diet

When dealing with acid reflux or GERD, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you consume and their impact on your digestive system. Incorporating the right fruits, like bananas, melons, apples, pears, and ginger, can help reduce gastric acid and provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms.

Remember, everyone’s body and digestive system may respond differently, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your own reactions and adjust your diet accordingly. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations on managing acid reflux through dietary changes.

Conclusion

In summary, bananas are considered alkaline and can be a beneficial fruit for individuals with acid reflux or GERD. However, it’s important to consider the ripeness of the bananas, as unripe ones may be more acidic. Additionally, there are several other fruits, such as melons, apples, pears, and coconut, that can also help reduce gastric acid and provide relief from acid reflux symptoms. By incorporating these acid-reducing fruits into your diet, you can take a proactive step towards managing your digestive health.

Hermina Hospitals | Five fruits you can eat to reduce gastric acid

• Posted On:  22 August 2022
• Posted By:  Hermina Padang
• 3 min read
• Reviewed By:  Prof.Dr.dr.Nasrul Zubir,Sp.PD, KGEH

Five fruits you can eat to reduce gastric acid

Hello, Hermina’s friends. Have you ever experienced stomach acid? Of course, stomach acid pain really makes Hermina’s friend uncomfortable during activities when experiencing stomach acid.

Surely Hermina’s friend is wondering if there are fruits that can prevent stomach acid. Of course, there is Hermina’s friend. Let’s read the article below to find out what fruits can prevent stomach acid.

Patients with gastric acid reflux disease, or GERD, need to be careful when eating fruit. Because there are a number of fruits that are high in acid and have the potential to make stomach acid recur. So, what are the fruits for stomach acid that are safe to eat?

From bananas to coconuts, here are a variety of fruits that are great for acid reflux.

1. Banana

Bananas are one of the delicious fruits for stomach acid.

banana, a yellow fruit that tastes delicious.

Bananas for stomach acid are considered safe because they have alkaline (alkaline) properties.

In addition, this fruit is also considered to help balance the acid in the stomach so that symptoms of acid reflux or GERD can be prevented.

2. Melon

Just like bananas, the benefits of melon for stomach acid come from its alkaline nature.

According to reports from Johns Hopkins Medicine, this sweet-tasting fruit is believed to relieve stomach acid and prevent irritation due to gastric acid reflux.

There are various types of melons that are safe for people with stomach acid reflux to consume, including honeydew melon, cantaloupe (cantaloupe), and watermelon (watermelon).

3. Apple

Apples for stomach acid are believed to be safe because they contain alkaline minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are claimed to relieve stomach acid reflux symptoms.

4. Pears

Because it does not contain as much acid as citrus fruits and tomatoes, you can eat pears for stomach acid.

Thanks to this low acid content, pears are considered not to trigger the recurrence of stomach acid reflux symptoms.

5. Coconut

Coconut can be a safe choice for people with stomach acid because it is considered one of the fruits with the lowest acid content.

What’s more, this fruit that contains a lot of water is believed to improve brain function, potentially prevent heart disease, and reduce the risk of stroke.

Stomach acid is a taboo fruit that needs to be avoided.

There are a number of stomach acid taboos that need to be avoided.

1. Orange
2. Lime
3. Grapefruit
4. Lemon
5. Pineapple
6. Tomatoes.

Furthermore, there are a number of fruit juices for people with stomach acid that should not be consumed first, such as tomato juice and orange juice, because they are considered to cause stomach acid to rise.

Processed tomatoes in the form of sauce or foods with tomato sauce, such as pizza and lasagna, should also be avoided because they have the potential to cause stomach acid to rise.

Some people with GERD also find it difficult to tolerate garlic and onions, as well as foods processed with these ingredients.

Hermina’s friend, after reading the article above, knows that there are fruits that can prevent stomach acid. With us, we have done prevention against gastric acid disease. We can avoid chronic gastric acid disease.

Are Bananas Acidic? Bananas for Acid Reflux [Good or Bad]

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Bananas are considered the most beneficial fruit for acid reflux, but is it that efficient? To know that, you must dig into the inner facts about whether bananas are acidic or alkaline.

Banana is considered an alkaline food because of their high potassium content. While the pH fluctuates with the ripeness and species, the perfectly ripe, creamy bananas are alkaline. The unripe bananas are acidic as they have a pH of around 5.6. However, ripe bananas have a pH of about 6.5, which is less acidic.

However, there is much more to it! Read on to find out if you should consume bananas when suffering from acid reflux.

Why Are Bananas Acidic or Alkaline?

To understand the basis of the alkalinity of bananas, you first need to know the basics of the pH scale. Anything on a pH scale less than 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline.

The ripe banana’s pH is 6.5, which is mildly acidic. But due to high potassium, ripe bananas show alkalinity in nature.

Image sources: usgs.gov

Also, most banana species are non-acidic, but a few, such as green bananas, may show a certain level of acidity.

Banana species	pH
Red banana	6.2
Cavendish banana	5.5
Burro banana	7.6
Baby banana	7. 3
Apple banana	5.8

pH of Bananas

Also Read: Are Mangoes Acidic? [Mango And Acid Reflux Good Or Bad]

Bananas for acid reflux [good or bad]

Unripe bananas contain the highest concentrations of oxalic, malic, and citric acid. So, if you suffer from acid reflux, it might intensify your stomach acidity after eating.

On the other side, in ripe bananas, the concentration of oxalic acid drops, leading to alkalinity in the fruit. Due to the alkalinity of ripe bananas, it works as a natural antacid, significantly reducing acid reflux.

But how does it work?

The banana’s high potassium content contributes to pH, making it alkaline. Also, ripe bananas contain probiotics, minerals, and vitamins, which help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. However, since your stomach already has an acidic pH, you need foods that do not amplify it. And ripe bananas are exactly what you need!

Low acidic and alkaline ripe bananas prevent acid reflux by shielding the stomach lining from the acids.

Also, ripe bananas contain beneficial digestive enzymes amylases and glucosidases. These enzymes help to strengthen your gut and esophagus and prevent acid reflux.

However, remember that it works when taken in moderation, so do not overeat it.

Are Bananas Bad for Acid Reflux?

Bananas are one of the safest foods to consume for chronic cases of acid reflux and GERD. The high alkalizing properties help reduce the acidity in the stomach and promote the growth of mucous around the stomach. Furthermore, it also ensures proper functioning of the esophageal sphincter, thus, preventing reflux.

Why Do Bananas Give Me Heartburn?

Is it possible that instead of preventing acid reflux, bananas trigger it for some people? Unfortunately, yes! But this is no reason to consider bananas among foods to avoid with acid reflux.

There could be two reasons if bananas are not working for you. Let’s have a closer look.

Some people have an exceptionally low tolerance for acidic food. Thus, you must closely monitor your diet for any signs of discomfort to rule out if bananas are triggering heartburn.

But wait, there is one more reason! You might be eating unripe bananas, causing acid reflux. Why does that happen? Do bananas cause acid reflux? Unlike ripe bananas, unripe ones have a higher percentage of potassium nitrate, making them comparatively more acidic.

Besides, a few species of bananas are naturally less alkaline, owing to higher starch content. A higher starch content thus contributes to higher gut fermentation, leading to bloating and heartburn.

What Kind of Banana Is Good for Acid Reflux?

Essentially, all kinds of bananas work well for acid reflux. However, a few species are comparatively more alkaline and have a better chance of relieving symptoms. This includes the “Burro bananas” and the “Baby bananas.”

With a pH of 7.6 and 7.3, these species promote mucous formation around the stomach and the proper functioning of LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter).

Are Ripe Bananas Acidic?

Are bananas alkaline or acidic? Well, ripe bananas are alkaline, with a maximum pH of 7.6. But here’s the catch! Some species of bananas, namely the cavendish and red bananas, are acidic even when perfectly ripe.

This is because of their natural starch content, resulting in a lower pH. However, for the most part, ripe bananas are non-acidic, and patients suffering from acid reflux can easily consume them.

Are Green Bananas Acidic?

Have you noticed a tangy, grassy taste in unripe or green bananas? This is due to a greater starch content in unripe bananas, leading to higher acidity.

While it essentially depends on how ripe the bananas are and the species, unripe bananas usually have a pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.2. The level of enzymes and oxalic acid also affect the pH balance, making green bananas acidic compared to ripe ones.

Are Overripe Bananas Acidic?

Just as unripe bananas are acidic, overripe bananas are also acidic, although for completely different reasons. Hence, it is important you choose perfectly ripe bananas to ensure optimum alkalinity and help with gastric problems. An overripe banana means breaking down more carbs and producing alcohol. This affects the pH, making them acidic.

Are Cooked Bananas Acidic?

Cooking the bananas breaks down some of the starch, decreasing the alkalinity. This makes them slightly less alkaline than raw bananas; however, they are still not acidic. The alkalinity also depends on how you cook the bananas, whether you bake, boil, or fry them. Boiling or frying the bananas reduces the potassium content to 40%, resulting in a decline in alkalinity.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Bananas?

There are many health benefits of eating banana. Some of the core health benefits are described below.

High Nutritional Value

Bananas are capable of fulfilling your dietary needs while keeping your calories under control. You get a complete package without fat with a total calorie count of 112. From potassium and folate to vitamin C and fibers, it makes an ideal snack with high nutritional gains.

Better Digestion

Thanks to the prebiotics and fibers, such as pectin, your gut health stays top-notch. This prevents constipation and keeps your bowel movement in check to prevent risks of diverticulitis. The fibers also prevent chances of colon cancer, although more studies are required to attest to this observation.

Weight Loss

A medium-sized banana can easily keep your hunger at bay. The best part is that it keeps you full at only 126 calories. The fibers add bulk to your diet, which reduces the hunger pangs and helps maintain a steady weight. Dieticians around the world widely recommend the Banana diet due to its proven weight loss results.

Cardiovascular Health

Potassium has shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as blood pressure and stroke. What better way to incorporate potassium than the good old bananas? Additionally, the magnesium and folate in bananas contribute to the overall health benefits aiding their popularity.

Easily Accessible

Bananas are one fruit accessible throughout the year in almost all parts of the world. You can eat it as is, or add it to your smoothie, shake, or granola. Since it does not contain much protein, you might want to add it to yogurt or a high-protein source if you plan to add it to your diet.

FAQs

Is ripe banana good for acid reflux?

Ripe bananas are great for patients suffering from acid reflux, thanks to their 7.6 pH and high potassium levels. The alkaline nature of bananas helps against acidity by promoting mucous lining around the stomach. Besides, the natural probiotics and vitamins in bananas also help fight acid reflux symptoms.

Which foods neutralize stomach acid?

Foods that are high in alkalinity are good for neutralizing stomach acid. This includes bananas, apples, pears, avocados, and green vegetables. Ginger tea also helps tame down acidity with its anti-inflammatory properties.

What fruits have low acidity?

A few common fruits with low acidity include melons, bananas, avocados, olives, pears, and mangoes. Hence, people with acid reflux can consume these without fruits without any worries of triggering their symptoms.

What acid does a banana have in it?

Raw bananas have a high concentration of oxalic acid, malic acid, and citric acid. However, as the banana ripens, the level of oxalic acid falls, making it less acidic. Naturally cultivated bananas have more acids compared to treated ones.

Bottom Line

Now that you know the answer to “Are bananas acidic or alkaline?” you can incorporate these into your diet without any worries. However, do not consume them in excess as they can be triggering for some people with extremely low acidity tolerance.

Finding a high-alkalinity species such as the Burro bananas is better, but even the typical species in your local grocery stores work fine.

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10 alkaline foods to eat every day

pH levels are divided into two groups of seven, and the neutral pH level is 7, i.e. values ​​below 7 are acidic and above 7 are alkaline.

If the body is alkalized, it is in optimal condition, and all functions are performed properly, the body is full of energy.

Alkalinizing the body actually speeds up metabolism, lowers blood pressure, detoxifies the system by lowering blood cholesterol, and burns extra weight. It also helps prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.

In addition, you should stop drinking acidic drinks and foods such as coffee, meat, eggs, beans, flour, carbonated drinks, canned food, refined sugar, fried foods, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products.

You should eat other foods that are much healthier and more nutritious and will alkalize your body.

Garlic.

Garlic effectively neutralizes the acidity of fish, meat and other acidic foods. Thus, you should use it regularly in cooking, and in this way you will effectively alkalize your body.

Almonds.

Although most nuts are acidic, almonds are an exception. Moreover, almond milk improves brain function, aids digestion, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Almond strengthens health and gives energy for the whole day.

Avocado.

Avocado has a pH of 8.0, so it effectively neutralizes acidic foods in the intestines and alkalizes the body. In addition, we recommend including avocados in your daily diet, because in addition to being healthy, it is also delicious. Add avocados to salads, or use with salt and pepper.

Watermelon.

Watermelon is a product with an extremely high content of vitamins and minerals. In addition, they have a pH of 9.0 and are rich in water and fiber, which cleanses the entire body.

Papaya.

High in vitamins, fibre, minerals and water, these fruits effectively cleanse the body and help digestion.

Fresh lemons.

One of the best habits is to drink a glass of lemon juice or lemon water as soon as you wake up. Thus, you will alkalize the body, help digestion, and prevent various diseases and infections.

Asparagus.

At pH 8.5, asparagus is a powerful antioxidant. It is rich in water, fiber, minerals and vitamins.

Broccoli.

Broccoli will provide plenty of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber, so it will aid digestion, strengthen the immune system, and prevent cancer.

Ripe bananas.

Ripe bananas are alkaline and are especially good for the body. But unripe bananas are acidic and can lead to bloating, constipation, and poor absorption of nutrients.

Cayenne pepper.

At pH 8.5, cayenne pepper cleanses the body, lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, and enhances brain function. In addition, it has powerful antibacterial properties, strengthens the immune system and prevents infections.

Source: fithacker.ru

What should a freediver eat

Natalia Avseenko

What should a freediver eat?

Pretty
often top freedivers use an alkaline diet, which allows
shift the starting point of acidification of the body. It is believed that this diet
helps to increase breath holding due to a later moment of onset
contracts. The essence of this diet is that for alkalizing muscles
it is necessary to build a diet based on alkaline foods. Their content in
daily diet should be 80 percent. The remaining 20 percent can
get from the group of acidic products.

Before
depth, onions and garlic should be excluded from the diet, because they inhibit the process
constriction of blood vessels. You also need to be careful when using
dairy, sour-milk products, because they contribute to the production of mucus, abundance
which, in turn, interferes with successful purge. For the same reason
it is necessary to reduce the consumption of sugar and sweets, as well as nuts. Experts
“Academies of Apnea” believe that cabbage and broccoli before the depth are harmful, and before
statics are very useful. Before depth and dynamics is also not recommended
the use of lemons. Before static, they are very useful.

This diet
is effective after at least 2 months of its use. She’s extreme
and you have to be very careful with it.

Alkaline
products

Most alkaline: xylitol, lemons, watermelon, lime, grapefruit, mango, papaya,
asparagus, onion, garlic, vegetable juices, parsley, fresh spinach, broccoli, lemon
water, herbal tea.

Alkaline:
maple syrup, rice syrup, dates, figs, melon, grapes (sweet), kiwi,
berries, apples, pears (sweet), raisins, zucchini, green beans, celery, lettuce,
zucchini, sweet potato (yam), almonds, olive oil, green tea.

Moderate
alkaline: sweet apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, currants, grapes
(slightly sour), guava, nectarine, pears (not sweet), oranges, pumpkin (not
sweet), sea salt, sour apples, beets, cauliflower, potatoes with
skins, raspberries, strawberries + wild strawberries, apple cider vinegar.

Least
alkaline: artichokes, coconut (fresh), cucumber, eggplant, leek,
mushrooms, pickled cucumbers (homemade), radish + radish, natural honey,
brown sugar, cherries, sweet cherries, pineapple, peaches, carrots, tomatoes, fresh
corn, mushrooms, cabbage, peas, olives, black olives, chestnuts, wild rice, millet,
goat and sheep milk / cheese, ginger tea, olive oil, tofu, soy
milk, soybeans, soy cheese, yeast.