Acid reflux is one of the uncomfortable digestive conditions that can drain all the fun from your life at that moment. Acid reflux happens when lower esophageal sphincter is damaged or has become weak. The acidity of the foods we eat affect the amount of acid that our stomach produces. Including foods to improve acid reflux can be one of the ways to bring the acidity level of the food we eat down. Some people experience fatal acid reflux known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Best Foods to Improve Acid Reflex 

Some foods act as triggers of acid reflux and heartburn is a common indication of acid reflux. The trigger foods differ from one person to another and knowing what your triggers are can help you plan your diet and improve acid reflux. Here are some foods to improve acid reflux:

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods to start your day with because it is lenient on your body and numerous health benefits. Oatmeal is also one of the best foods to improve acid reflux due to the acidity neutralization properties. You can go for the gluten free oatmeal if you are intolerant or hypersensitive. Oatmeal has antioxidants and selenium which protect the lining of our guts and esophagus from acid. Also, the high amount of fiber in oatmeal helps them assist digestion and absorption which may lead to acidity due to long hours of ingestion [1].

Ginger

Ginger is a natural remedy that has been used for years for gastrointestinal conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic acid reflux is closely associated with low melatonin levels. Melatonin occurs naturally in the body, but ginger can give you a boost because it is highly concentrated in it. Bloating and slow digestion process can yield insight elevation of acid reflux, but the good news is that ginger can speed up metabolism [2]. You can use one teaspoon which is the recommended amount of ginger daily to improve acid reflux. You can use it in a dessert or drink ginger tea.

Fish and Seafood

When you are taking supplements to improve acid reflux, then you could try foods to improve acid reflux. Seafood and fish are great when it comes to calming acid reflux. However, they should be baked or grilled and not fried. They are low in fat content and can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux [3].

Aloe Vera

Acid reflux comes about as a result of acidity in the stomach being high and thus the burning sensation and heartburns. The standard yeast growth may sometimes be greater than the required, and this results to yeast fermentation that increases intra-abdominal pressure. Aloe Vera can balance the pH in the stomach making it one of the foods to improve acid reflux. However, aloe vera is a powerful laxative, and it is not recommended for long term use and dependence [4].

Melon

Most people are not aware that melon is one of the best foods to improve acid reflux. There are numerous types of melons and for those who know their acid reflux properties usually ask which type is the best to improve acid reflux. The variation of melons does not affect how they help you develop acid reflux. Melons contained a pH of 6.1 and concentrated with magnesium which is excellent for acid reflux. They work best when they are ripe and the more you eat, the more you neutralize the acidity in your stomach [5].

Salad

There are too many foods that can trigger acid reflux and avoid them is one way of prevention. Fried fast foods are the common triggers, and for a healthy diet, you can replace them with salad. However, when preparing your salad with the aim of improving acid reflux, you should try and avoid adding tomatoes and onions to it. The dressing should contain low fat ingredients, and for a long time, olive oils are more recommended. Leafy greens are low in calories and fat and will keep you full for a long time. This will prevent you from eating foods that can elevate the acid level in your system.

Bananas

Bananas can be great to snack on, and they contain natural antacids which are high for improving acid reflux. Ripe bananas are the recommended home remedies for heartburn which is a symptom of acid reflux. The pH found in banana is about 5.6, but overripe bananas are not good for improving acid reflux. However, there are some people who banana do not improve their acid reflux but worsen it. These people are about 1%, and you have to know if you fall under this line.

You have to take caution before you decide to use bananas.

Fresh Pineapple and papaya

Protein is one of the hard things to digest and papaya contains papain which helps the digestion system run through protein fast. They also have anti-inflammatory benefits. Pineapples, on the other hand, are concentrated with enzymes such as bromelain [6]. Fresh pineapples are more recommended and not the juice or the canned ones.

Many other foods can be used to as foods to improve acid reflux. You just have to know which one is right for you before you take them. Changing your lifestyle can also help in acid reflux like quitting smoking. When you resolve in taking medication, they can work for a while, but they create dependency and may have side effects. Natural remedies are the best to improve acid reflux, but trial and error work on this types of condition.

References:

[1]     “home remedies,” 06 January 2016. [Online]. Available: http://homeremediesforlife.com/oatmeal-for-acid-reflux/. [Accessed 29 December 2016].

[2]     M. BOOE, “Livestrong.com,” 04 May 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.livestrong.com/article/488251-is-ginger-good-for-acid-reflux/. [Accessed 29 December 2016].

[3]     V. H. Robin Madell, “Healthline,” 18 August 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/diet-nutrition#Commontriggers3. [Accessed 29 December 29016].

[4]     D. Reynolds, “Emax Health,” 19 August 2013 . [Online]. Available: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/16-foods-may-help-fight-acid-reflux. [Accessed 29 Dcember 2016].

[5]     “Natural Heartburn Treaments,” 28 January 2014. [Online]. Available: http://www.naturalheartburntreatments.com/is-any-kind-of-melon-good-for-acid-reflux/. [Accessed 29 December 2016].

[6]     “Health,” [Online]. Available: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20440834,00.html/view-all#banana-0. [Accessed 29 December 2016].