Do You Suffer With Acid Reflux?
Acid Reflux: Fruits and Vegetables That Can Help
Introduction
Acid reflux is a well known chronic condition: it is thought to affect 10% to 20% of the population in Western countries. It causes the content of the stomach to rise up into the esophagus, provoking many unpleasant effects to the mouth, the teeth and the esophagus itself. Some foods, in particular those rich in fats and spices, can worsen the condition, while others seem to improve it. In the following paragraphs we are going to discuss some fruits and vegetables which can help people suffering from acid reflux, trying to explain the reasons behind their effectiveness.
Foods High in pH: Alkaline Foods
As the name itself suggests, the symptoms caused by acid reflux are due to the acid normally contained in the stomach. It is not a surprise then that acid foods, i.e. foods with a low pH, may worsen the condition. In contrast, foods with high pH, commonly called alkaline foods, may lower the acid level in the stomach, easing the symptoms related to acid reflux. Some common fruits belonging to this category are the following:
- Nuts
- Melons
- Bananas
Foods Rich in Water
Water can dilute the acid contained in the stomach, and therefore can ease acid reflux symptoms. Watery fruits and vegetables are therefore good for people suffering from acid reflux. Some of them are listed below:
- Lettuce
- Watermelons
- Cucumbers
Foods Containing Magnesium and Potassium
A 2013 study has given evidence of the fact that foods rich in Magnesium and Potassium can reduce acid reflux symptoms. A list of common fruits falling in this category is the following:
- Berries
- Apples
- Peaches
- High-fiber Foods
One of the significant causes of acid reflux is overeating. Simply put – when we eat too much. For this reason, people suffering from this disease can benefit from foods which help them avoiding eating too much. Foods which have this characteristic are high-fiber foods. Some foods rich in fibers are:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
Appendix: Probiotics and Prebiotics
It has not been proven scientifically yet, but many people claim that probiotics (a particular class of live microorganisms) and prebiotics (food compounds that help the growth of beneficial bacteria) may help the digestive system. Since people suffering from acid reflux are more likely to suffer from digestive problems in general, something to consider is probiotic foods.
Examples of these probiotic foods include for example yogurt, and other prebiotic foods such as apples and leeks, good for persons suffering from acid reflux.
