Which fruits can help reduce stomach acid. How do bananas, melons, and apples affect gastric reflux. What are the best low-acid fruits for GERD sufferers. Which high-acid fruits should be avoided with acid reflux.

Understanding Gastric Acid and GERD

Gastric acid, also known as stomach acid, is a digestive fluid produced in the stomach. While it plays a crucial role in breaking down food and killing harmful bacteria, excessive acid production or reflux into the esophagus can lead to discomfort and various health issues. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is acidic, while above 7 is alkaline. A healthy stomach typically has a pH between 1 and 4, which is highly acidic. This acidity is necessary for proper digestion, but when it becomes problematic, dietary changes can help manage symptoms.

The Role of Alkaline Foods in Managing Acid Reflux

Alkaline foods have gained attention for their potential to help balance stomach acidity and alleviate GERD symptoms. These foods typically have a pH above 7 and are believed to neutralize excess stomach acid. While the body maintains its own pH balance, consuming alkaline foods may help reduce the overall acid load and provide relief for some individuals with acid reflux.

Are alkaline foods a cure-all for GERD? No, they are not a guaranteed solution for everyone. However, incorporating more alkaline foods into your diet, especially fruits, can be a beneficial strategy for managing symptoms and promoting overall digestive health.

Bananas: A Top Alkaline Fruit for Acid Reflux Relief

Bananas are often touted as one of the best fruits for individuals suffering from acid reflux or GERD. But why are bananas so effective?

• Alkaline nature: Bananas have a pH of about 5.6, making them mildly acidic. However, when metabolized, they have an alkalizing effect on the body.
• Rich in pectin: This soluble fiber helps to coat and protect the stomach lining.
• Natural antacid properties: Bananas can act as a natural antacid, helping to neutralize stomach acid.
• Low in acid: Compared to citrus fruits, bananas are much lower in acid content.

How can you incorporate bananas into your diet for maximum benefit? Try eating a ripe banana as a snack between meals or add sliced bananas to your morning oatmeal. Some people find that consuming a banana before bedtime helps prevent nighttime acid reflux.

Melons: Sweet Relief for GERD Sufferers

Melons, including honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon, are excellent choices for those with acid reflux. These fruits offer several benefits:

• High water content: Melons are composed of about 90% water, which can help dilute stomach acid.
• Alkaline-forming: When metabolized, melons have an alkalizing effect on the body.
• Low in acid: Melons have a relatively low acid content compared to citrus fruits.
• Rich in nutrients: They provide essential vitamins and minerals without triggering reflux symptoms.

How can melons be incorporated into a GERD-friendly diet? Try adding cubed melon to your breakfast, blending it into a smoothie, or enjoying it as a refreshing snack. Some people find that frozen melon chunks can provide soothing relief when experiencing heartburn symptoms.

Apples: An Alkaline Powerhouse for Digestive Health

Apples are another fruit that can be beneficial for those with acid reflux. While they do contain some acid, their overall effect on the body is alkalizing. Here’s why apples can be a good choice:

• Rich in pectin: Like bananas, apples contain pectin, which can help soothe the digestive tract.
• Alkaline minerals: Apples contain alkaline minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
• High water content: The water in apples can help dilute stomach acid.
• Low in acid compared to citrus fruits: While apples do contain malic acid, they are less acidic than oranges or lemons.

How can you enjoy apples without triggering reflux? Opt for sweet apple varieties rather than tart ones. Some people find that cooked apples are easier to tolerate than raw ones. Try baked apples or unsweetened applesauce as a dessert option.

Pears and Coconuts: Low-Acid Fruits for GERD Relief

Pears and coconuts are two more fruits that can be beneficial for those with acid reflux:

Pears

• Low acid content: Pears are one of the least acidic fruits.
• High fiber: The fiber in pears can help promote digestive health.
• Alkalizing effect: When metabolized, pears have an alkalizing effect on the body.

Coconuts

• Very low acid content: Coconuts are among the fruits with the lowest acid levels.
• Rich in healthy fats: The medium-chain triglycerides in coconuts can be easier to digest than other fats.
• Hydrating: Coconut water can help keep you hydrated and may soothe the digestive tract.

How can you incorporate pears and coconuts into your diet? Try snacking on sliced pears, adding them to salads, or cooking them into a compote. For coconuts, you can drink coconut water, use coconut oil for cooking, or add shredded coconut to your meals.

Fruits to Avoid with GERD: High-Acid Culprits

While many fruits can be beneficial for those with acid reflux, some are best avoided due to their high acid content. These include:

1. Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are highly acidic and can trigger reflux symptoms.
2. Pineapple: Contains bromelain, which can increase stomach acid production.
3. Tomatoes: Technically a fruit, tomatoes are very acidic and can worsen GERD symptoms.

Why are these fruits problematic for GERD sufferers? Their high acid content can irritate the esophagus and increase stomach acid production, leading to more severe reflux symptoms. Additionally, citrus fruits contain citric acid, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus more easily.

Beyond Fruits: Other Dietary Considerations for GERD Management

While focusing on low-acid fruits can be helpful, managing GERD requires a comprehensive approach to diet. Here are some additional dietary tips:

• Avoid trigger foods: Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, and caffeine.
• Eat smaller meals: Large meals can increase pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Stay upright after eating: Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down.
• Limit alcohol and carbonated beverages: These can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase acid production.
• Consider alkaline water: Some studies suggest that alkaline water may help neutralize stomach acid.

Is diet alone enough to manage GERD? While dietary changes can significantly improve symptoms for many people, severe cases may require medical intervention. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing GERD.

The Science Behind Low-Acid Diets and GERD

The concept of a low-acid diet for GERD management is based on the idea that reducing the overall acid load can help alleviate symptoms. However, it’s important to note that the relationship between dietary acid and GERD is complex and not fully understood.

Do low-acid diets work for everyone with GERD? No, the effectiveness can vary from person to person. Some studies have shown benefits, while others have found limited evidence supporting low-acid diets for GERD management.

What does the research say about low-acid diets and GERD?

• A 2017 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that a plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet was as effective as standard medical treatment for reducing reflux symptoms.
• A 2018 review in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics suggested that while dietary modifications can be effective, more research is needed to establish clear guidelines.
• A 2019 study in the journal Gastroenterology Research and Practice found that an alkaline diet improved symptoms in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux, a condition related to GERD.

While these studies provide some support for low-acid diets, more research is needed to fully understand their role in GERD management. It’s always best to work with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Implementing a Low-Acid Fruit Diet: Practical Tips and Recipes

Incorporating low-acid fruits into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips and recipe ideas:

Meal Planning

• Start your day with a banana or melon smoothie
• Add sliced pears to your lunchtime salad
• Enjoy a baked apple for dessert
• Snack on coconut chips or fresh melon cubes

Recipe Ideas

1. Banana Oatmeal: Cook oatmeal with mashed banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a comforting breakfast.
2. Melon and Cucumber Salad: Combine cubed melon with cucumber, mint, and a light honey dressing.
3. Pear and Ginger Smoothie: Blend ripe pears with ginger, coconut water, and a handful of spinach.
4. Coconut Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds with coconut milk and top with fresh banana slices.

How can you ensure you’re getting enough variety in your diet while avoiding trigger fruits? Try experimenting with different low-acid fruits and preparation methods. Remember that individual tolerances can vary, so pay attention to how your body responds to different foods.

Beyond Diet: Lifestyle Changes to Manage GERD

While diet plays a crucial role in managing GERD, lifestyle modifications can also make a significant difference. Consider implementing the following changes:

• Elevate the head of your bed: This can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely.
• Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate GERD symptoms. Try relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes: Tight clothing can put pressure on the stomach and worsen reflux.

How effective are these lifestyle changes in managing GERD? Many people find significant relief by combining dietary changes with these lifestyle modifications. However, severe cases may still require medical treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help for GERD

While dietary changes and lifestyle modifications can be effective for many people with GERD, it’s important to know when to seek medical help. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms persist despite dietary and lifestyle changes
• You experience difficulty swallowing
• You have persistent nausea or vomiting
• You’re losing weight unintentionally
• You have chest pain (always seek immediate medical attention for chest pain, as it could be a sign of a heart attack)

What treatments might a doctor recommend for GERD? Depending on the severity of your symptoms, treatment options may include:

1. Over-the-counter antacids
2. Prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers
3. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered

Remember, while diet can play a significant role in managing GERD, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always work with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that’s right for you.

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.

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.

11 unusual ways to use bananas

Life

January 29

Skin care, gardening, cleaning – and that’s not all of their areas of application.

1. Make a face mask

A good alternative to store-bought products that moisturizes and softens the skin. Mash a ripe banana to make a paste and apply a thin layer on the face and neck. Hold the mask for 10-20 minutes and then rinse with cool water. For even more hydration, mix a banana with a quarter cup of unsweetened yogurt and two tablespoons of honey.

2. Polish silverware and leather shoes

Sounds like a joke, but banana skin really does help bring back the shine to silver and leather. Remove excess fibers from the inside of the peel and rub it on the surface of dishes or shoes. Then dry with a paper towel or soft cloth. The hack can also be used to bring back the shine of leather furniture.

3. Tenderize the meat

Simply add a ripe banana peel to the pan with this product and cook as usual. The enzymes contained in it will help break down the proteins in the meat and soften it during frying. The taste of the dish will not change.

4. Refresh indoor plants

If the leaves of house flowers are dull and dusty, do not rush to spray them with water: this will only smear dirt on them. Instead, rub each leaf with the inside of a banana peel and they will shine.

5. Drive away aphids in the garden

Bury dried banana peels 2 to 5 centimeters deep around the plant that the aphids have attacked and the pests will soon disappear. It is better not to use the whole peel and pulp: rodents and other animals can find them a tasty treat and dig them up.

6. Feed your crops

Bananas and their husks are high in potassium, an important nutrient that is good for you and your garden. Feeding can be done in two ways. First: dry the peel, grind in a blender and add to the ground when planting – just pour a pinch into the hole before lowering the plant into it. The second way is to puree fresh skins with water and use as a liquid fertilizer.

7. Soothe skin from burns and scratches

Banana peel has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it will be useful if you are bitten by an insect or if you are scratched, stinged with nettles or sunburned. Place the skin on the affected area and press lightly. Hold until you feel relief, changing the compress from time to time.

8. Speed ​​up the ripening of fruits and vegetables

Ripe bananas produce ethylene gas, which induces ripening. Therefore, if you need a vegetable to ripen faster, put it in a paper bag along with a banana.

9. Brighten your teeth

After brushing your teeth, rub them for a couple of minutes with a banana peel. It contains citric acid, which gently whitens the enamel.

10. Remove the splinter

Apply a banana skin to the affected area for half an hour with its inner surface. The enzymes contained in it will destroy the bonds between the proteins of the upper layer of the skin (which is why the substances are used in facial exfoliating products), after which even deeply stuck splinters will be removed without problems.

11. Relieve Heartburn

Bananas are alkaline, and the alkali neutralizes stomach acid. If you suffer from heartburn, be sure to add these fruits to your daily diet. For example, eat a banana after breakfast to protect your stomach lining throughout the day.

Read also 🧐

• How to use citrus peel
• 8 ways to use ground coffee after brewing
• 20 unusual ways to use olive oil

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 eating 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 sour foods. Thus, you should use it regularly in cooking, and in this way you will effectively alkalize your body.

Almond.

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.