7 Low-Acid Foods to Add to Your Reflux Diet

Highly acidic foods can lead to heartburn in some people. If a low-acid diet is part of your GERD relief strategy, here’s where to start.

Medically Reviewed

Regular heartburn sufferers know the importance of avoiding the foods that trigger their reflux. Certain foods that are high in saturated fat, for example, can loosen the pressure of the sphincter muscle, located at the top of the stomach. If it’s not tightly “shut,” it allows food and stomach acid to backwash into the esophagus and throat, causing heartburn.

While keeping acids in their place is one way of avoiding heartburn, another school of thought encourages avoiding highly acidic foods, too, as a way of stopping the acid before it’s even in the stomach.

Quick chemistry lesson: Water’s pH is 7, which is neutral. Anything lower is acidic, and anything higher is basic (or alkaline). Dropping by 1 on the pH scale means the acidity is 10 times higher, so even small decreases in pH can mean big increases in acidity.

A normal stomach pH is between 1 and 4. It’s already acidic. “The stomach’s pH is low because it secretes gastric acid, which plays a large role in food breakdown,” explains Michelle Duong Davenport, MA, an adjunct instructor at New York University and a researcher at the NYU School of Medicine.

Some History on Low-Acid Foods

Experts currently discourage reflux sufferers from eating certain foods and beverages known to cause heartburn, such as chocolate, peppermint, caffeine, and alcohol. Doing so can help prevent heartburn in some people, but everyone is different.

One study even makes a case for following a diet centered on low-acid foods.

The small study, published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology,included 20 people who continued to suffer from reflux symptoms despite standard treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and an h3-blocker. But after consuming only foods and beverages with a pH of 5 or greater for at least 2 weeks, 19 of those 20 participants saw improvement.

More research is needed, but the idea of a low-acid diet is intriguing. Additionally, eating low-acid foods may bring about other health benefits, ranging from decreased erosion of tooth enamel to a lower risk of bone fractures — a potential side effect of taking PPIs for heartburn.

So if your doctor suggests you try a low-acid lifestyle, here’s where to start. Read up on the low-acid diet staples that may bring GERD relief, along with some other health perks.

Bananas

“Bananas are generally considered to be alkaline in nature and not acidic,” says Patrick Takahashi, MD, a gastroenterologist at St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles. “They are a good source of fiber and vitamin B6, and help with maintaining potassium, which is good for your heart and bones in general.” Raw bananas are probably the best source of nutrients. You can eat them at any time, for a snack or with a meal. In some low-acid baking recipes, you can mash them up as a substitute for a fat component.

Skinless Chicken

Skinless chicken makes a great low-acid diet staple. High in protein, a 4-ounce portion provides two-thirds of the recommended daily amount. While chicken is perfectly fine, deep-frying it in greasy oil will only trigger heartburn. Prepare it mindfully, with as few reflux-triggering spices as possible.

Apples

Another low-acid option, apples make a great source of fiber, too. “Fiber can help you stay full longer, which can minimize overeating during the day,” says Tara Harwood, MS, RD, a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease Institute. “Fiber also helps with lowering cholesterol and preventing spikes in blood sugar.” Even the skins, which have polyphenols and flavonoids, can be good for you.

Fish

Fish is a nutritious component in any diet but an excellent source of protein in a low-acid diet. Salmon, for example, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit the heart, joints, and eyes. It may also protect against certain kinds of cancer. As with chicken, the most effective GERD recipes for fish will limit or exclude spices and heavy seasonings to avoid heartburn issues. And remember to skip the lemon. Its low pH makes it acidic.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great breakfast option for people sticking to a low-acid diet. High in filling fiber, oats can help improve cardiovascular health and stabilize blood sugar, among other benefits. When topping off a hot bowl of oatmeal with fruit, remember to avoid ones high in acid, like strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries.

Almonds

Unlike other nuts such as pecans, cashews, and walnuts, almonds are generally alkaline. The monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids almonds contain can protect the heart and the high fiber content can keep you feeling full between meals. Almonds also contain Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, and the minerals manganese and magnesium. Use almonds in place of other nuts when preparing low-acid recipes.

Whole-Grain Brown Rice

Brown rice is a healthy choice whether or not you’re following a low-acid diet. It’s high in fiber, which can help regulate the digestive tract, plus it’s heart-healthy and chock-full of B vitamins, which can help keep the body full of energy.

Are Bananas Alkaline or Acidic?

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May 4, 2022 by Kerri Last Updated: May 26, 2022No Comments

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and for good reason – they’re sweet, they’re creamy, and they’re packed with nutrients. But what about their nutritional value? Are bananas alkaline or acidic?

Bananas are often considered a “healthy” food, but what many people don’t know is that they can be acidic or alkaline. So, which is it? Are they alkaline or acidic? Read on to find out.

Are Bananas Acidic or Alkaline?

At first glance, the answer to this question might seem like a simple one: bananas must be acidic, right? After all, they are most often eaten as a sweet dessert or snack, and their tart flavor suggests that they are acidic in nature.

So, where do bananas fall on this spectrum? Are they acidic or alkaline? Although bananas are often thought of as being acidic, they are actually quite alkaline. In fact, Dr. Sebi includes bananas on his list of approved alkaline foods.

However, according to Dr. Sebi, not all bananas are alkaline and indeed some banana are more acidic than others. The recommended banana variety are burro bananas and baby bananas. According to Dr. Sebi these bananas are natural, non-hybrid, with seeds and alkaline.

Dr. Sebi is a world-renowned healer who has dedicated his life to helping people achieve optimum health. One of the cornerstone beliefs of his teachings is that the human body is designed to function properly in an alkaline state. Therefore, he recommends that people consume mostly alkaline foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and avoid acidic foods, such as meat and dairy.

Related:

Are Bananas Alkaline-forming?

Bananas are technically considered to be alkaline, but some are more alkaline than others. However, it is worthy to note that most bananas are alkaline-forming when ingested except for a few.

As we would later learn in this article, some bananas like burros have an alkalizing effect on the body. There’s also some evidence that the fermentation of these bananas can create alkaline compounds. So, bananas are alkaline-forming, and potentially have an alkalizing effect on the body.

Are Green Bananas Alkaline?

The answer is no, green bananas are not all that alkaline. The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while a pH below 7 is acidic and a pH above 7 is alkaline. Green bananas have a pH of 6.5 – 6.7, which makes them slightly acidic.

However, when they ripen, the pH increases. This makes ripe bananas almost neutral or alkaline on the pH scale. While green bananas are not technically alkaline, they are very close to being neutral.

Are Ripe Bananas Alkaline?

Ripe bananas have a pH of around 6.7 to 7.4, making them alkaline. The acidity level in bananas changes as they ripen. When a banana is unripe, it contains a higher level of acidity than when it is ripe. This is why unripe bananas have a strong, astringent flavor, while ripe bananas are sweeter and more mellow. The difference in acidity levels is due to the changing levels of enzymes in the fruit.

Whether you prefer your bananas ripe and sweet or green and unripe, one thing remains constant: they’re definitely not acidic.

Are Overripe Bananas Acidic?

As a banana overripens, the enzymes break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars and even alcohol, resulting in a higher overall acidity level. So if you’re looking for a less acidic banana, make sure to avoid overripe ones.

Table 1: Banana type Alkalinity

Banana type Alkalinity

Raw Bananas vs Boiled vs Fried vs Baked: Which is More Alkaline?

Which banana is more alkaline – raw or cooked? When it comes to bananas, the answer isn’t so simple. While raw bananas are more alkaline than cooked bananas, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for people who are trying to follow an alkaline diet.

Raw bananas are the most alkaline option, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for everyone. Raw bananas are high in resistant starch, which can be protective of the gut. However, raw bananas may be difficult for some people to digest and may cause bloating and gas.

Boiled bananas are slightly less alkaline than raw bananas, but they’re still a good option for people on an alkaline diet. Boiling helps to break down the resistant starch in bananas, making them easier to digest. In addition, boiling make some nutrients more bioavailable.

Ultimately, cooking methods like frying can impact the alkalinity of foods in a negative way.

Here’s a closer look at the different ways you can prepare bananas and how each one affects their alkalinity levels.

Table 2: Raw and Cooked Banana Alkalinity

Raw and Cooked Banana Alkalinity

Related:

What Type of Banana is Alkaline?

There are many different types of bananas, but not all of them are alkaline. The most alkaline bananas are burros and baby bananas. Burro banana, also known as Saba, Bluggoe, Orinoco, Horse, Largo and Hog bananas are shorter, sturdier and more block-like or square in shape than regular common (cavendish) bananas. In general, the more natural a banana variety is, the more alkaline it will be.

Cavendish bananas, which are the type most commonly found in supermarkets, have a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5. So if you’re looking for an alkaline banana, you’ll want to go for the burro variety.

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Why Are Burro Bananas Alkaline?

The answer has to do with their nutrient levels. Burro bananas are very natural (the most natural pf the bunch out there), they contain seeds, and have not been artificially hybridised. Their molecular structure has not been tampered with and as such, are packed with the most vitamins and minerals.

Burros are high in potassium, which is a key electrolyte for maintaining pH balance in the body. They’re also low in sodium, another important electrolyte. This combination helps to keep the body’s alkaline pH levels in check, preventing acidosis.

In addition, burro bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to elimination toxins from the body.

So even though our tongues might tell us that bananas are sour, the truth is that these delicious fruits are actually quite alkaline-forming when ingested.

Banana Type Alkalinity

There are many different types of bananas, but the most popular varieties in the United States are Cavendish, Plantain, and Red Dacca. Each type of banana has its own unique flavor and texture. For instance, Cavendish bananas are typically sweet and creamy, while plantains have a starchy taste that is often compared to potatoes. Red Dacca bananas, on the other hand, are both sweet and tart.

In addition to their different flavors, each type of banana also has a different level of alkalinity. For example, Cavendish bananas have a pH level of 4. 5-5.2, making them slightly acidic. Plantains, on the other hand, have a pH level of 5.6-6.0, making them neutral. Red Dacca bananas fall somewhere in between, with a pH level of 5.3-5.8.

Table 3: Banana Types and their Alkalinity

Banana Types and their Alkalinity

Read More:

Green vs Ripe Banana Alkalinity

There is some debate over which between green and ripe bananas have greater alkalinity. On one hand, many people argue that green bananas are more alkaline, since they contain more chlorophyll and other nutrients that can help to balance out natural acidity. However, others point to the higher sugar content in ripe bananas as evidence of their greater alkalinity.

In reality, green bananas have greater alkalinity than ripe burros.

However, whether you choose to enjoy them green or ripe, you stand to get all the benefits these versatile fruits can offer.

What kind of Banana is Good for Acid Reflux

For those who suffer from acid reflux, choosing the right foods can be a tricky one. While there are a number of foods that are known to trigger acid reflux, there are also some that can help to relieve symptoms.

Generally, foods high in alkalinity help relieve symptoms. And one such foods is bananas. However, more alkaline bananas help better with acidic reflux. Hence, burro bananas will help better with acid reflux.

Burros are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to reduce stomach acids. They are also low in acidity, making them less likely to trigger heartburn. So, be sure to include burro or baby bananas into your diet.

As an added bonus, burro bananas are also a good source of potassium, which can help to reduce stomach cramps.

Final Notes

Bananas are often thought of as an alkaline food, but not all bananas are alkaline. Burro bananas are considered more alkaline. This means they have an effect on the body’s pH levels and help to restore balance.

As with any food, it’s important to focus on eating a variety of alkaline fruits and vegetables to get the most benefit them.

Category: Burro Bananas

About Kerri

Hi, I’m Kerri, wife, mother, and founder of AlkalineVeganLounge.com. I am on a mission to help you find your voice, stop wasting time, and get going with the plant-based lifestyle. With the right guidance, tips, and commitment, you can become a better person, live healthier and achieve your dreams.

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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.

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News came

Health July 31, 2016

Repost

Scientists study the effects of food on the acid-base balance of the body by analyzing the mineral composition of foods. If the mineral composition is highly alkaline, then the product is more likely to have an alkaline effect, and vice versa.

In other words, the reaction of the body to certain microelements determines which foods are alkalizing and which are oxidizing. Lemons, for example, are acidic on their own, but have an alkaline effect during digestion. Similarly, milk has an alkaline effect outside the body, but an acidic effect when digested.

The composition of the soil used to grow fruits and vegetables has a significant impact on their mineral values. As a result, the content of certain substances may vary, and different tables may reflect different pH levels (acidity-alkalinity) of the same products.

The main thing in nutrition is to exclude processed foods from the diet, replacing them with fresh ones, and give preference to fruits and vegetables.

List of alkaline and oxidizing fruits, vegetables and other foods

Alkaline foods

Very alkaline:

baking soda, chlorella, dulce, lemons, lentils, linden, lotus root, mineral water, nectarine, onion, persimmon, pineapple, pumpkin seeds, raspberries, sea salt, sea and other algae, spirulina, sweet potato, tangerine, umeboshi plum, root taro, vegetable juices, watermelon.

Moderately alkaline foods:

apricots, arugula, asparagus, tea bunches, beans (fresh greens), broccoli, cantaloupe, carob, carrots, apples, cashews, chestnuts, citrus fruits, dandelion, dandelion tea, blackberries, endive, garlic, ginger (fresh), ginseng tea, kohlrabi, kenyan pepper, grapefruit, pepper, herbal tea, kombucha, passion fruit, kelp, kiwi, olives, parsley, mango, parsnips, peas, raspberries, soy sauce, mustard, spices, sweet corn, turnips.

Slightly alkaline products:

sour apples, pears, apple cider vinegar, almonds, avocados, bell peppers, blackberries, brown rice vinegar, cabbage, cauliflower, cherries, eggplant, ginseng, green tea, herbal teas, sesame seeds, honey, leeks, nutritional yeast, papaya , radish, mushrooms, peach, marinades, potatoes, pumpkin, rice syrup, swede.

Low alkali products:

alfalfa sprouts, avocado oil, beets, brussels sprouts, blueberries, celery, cilantro, banana, coconut oil, cucumber, currants, fermented vegetables, linseed oil, baked milk, ginger tea, coffee, grapes, hemp oil, lettuce, oats, olive oil, quinoa, raisins, zucchini, strawberries, sunflower seeds, tahini, turnips, umeboshi vinegar, wild rice.

Oxidizing products

Very slightly oxidizing products:

goat cheese, amaranth, brown rice, coconut, curry, dried fruits, beans, figs, grape seed oil, honey, coffee, maple syrup, pine nuts, rhubarb, sheep cheese, rapeseed oil, spinach, beans, zucchini.