Have you ever experienced acidity? It’s that burning sensation that occurs due to the backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. You feel pain in your heart and your mouth tastes bitter. Sometimes the pain is so severe that people have mistaken it as a heart attack. Well, this happens due to the buildup of acid reflux in your stomach. It can even progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcer if left untreated.
You should incorporate the right foods in your diet so that acid reflux is not triggered. Here we are going to give you a list of the best foods you can eat when you have acidity.
1. Vegetables
Eating lots of vegetables will reduce the risk of acidity. It contains low fat and sugar content which reduces the acid in the stomach. You should eat broccoli, beans, cauliflower, asparagus, and leafy greens because these vegetables are highly alkaline and so will prevent acidity. You should also eat fennel and celery because:
- Fennel is alkaline and helps to improve stomach function. You can make thin slices of it and have it as a salad.
- Celery has zero calories and very high water content so is good for acid reflux. It also helps to reduce appetite and so you won’t overeat.
You should eat cooked or boiled vegetables and avoid topping them with dressings and creamy sauces as these might trigger the acid reflux.
2. Ginger
Ginger is known as a natural treatment for acidity. You can chew raw ginger or just add some grated ginger root to your smoothies and tea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce acidity in the stomach. It prevents the flowing of stomach acid up into the esophagus.
You will be surprised to know that one of the chemicals that are found in the ginger is actually present in antacids. So, you can say ginger is almost as effective as antacid, and it’s something natural. However, you should only take it in moderation so that there will not be any side effects.
3. Oatmeal and whole grains
Oatmeal is a fiber-rich food and great for breakfast. It helps to absorb acid, thus reducing the chances of acid reflux. It also helps to improve your cardiovascular health and maintain blood sugar. Another advantage of having oatmeal is that it makes you feel full for a long time, so you won’t eat much and end up in increasing the acidity.
You can have whole grain bread or rice instead of oatmeal as they are also low acid foods. They also contain fiber, help to regulate the digestive tract and keep the heart healthy. It will give you lots of energy also to work throughout the day.
4. Non-citrus fruits
Non-citrus fruits such as bananas, melons, apples, etc. will reduce the risk of acidity in the stomach. These fruits are less acidic and will neutralize the stomach.
- Apple is a low-acid option and a good source of fiber helping you to stay fuller for a longer period. It also helps to lower the cholesterol level and keep the blood sugar level under control.
- Banana has a pH of 5.6 and so helps to reduce acidity. When you eat a banana, it creates a coat over the irritated esophageal lining and thus reduces the discomfort due to acidity. As it is rich in fiber, it is good for the digestive system and lets the food pass through instead of sticking around and producing acid.
- Melon which is alkaline with a pH of 6.1 is good for the acid reflux. It is also a source of magnesium which helps to reduce acidity.
You must avoid eating citrus fruits like orange, lemon, pineapple, etc. as these will create acid reflux and discomfort. Instead, you should eat apples, bananas, melons, and other alkaline fruits to prevent any acidity problem.
5. Lean meats
Lean meats like turkey, chicken, etc. have low-fat content and can prevent acid reflux. You can have these broiled, baked, poached or grilled. You should avoid eating high-fat meats like chicken wings, bacon, sausage, deep fried meat, etc. as these foods decrease the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and take time for the food to pass through the stomach causing acidity.
6. Fish and seafood
Baked or grilled seafood is great for preventing acid reflux. You should include lobster, shrimp, shellfish, salmon, etc. in your diet. These contain protein and omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the eyes, heart, and joints. When cooking these fish, try to avoid putting heavy seasonings and lemon as these may cause heartburns.
7. Yogurt
If you have acidity problem, yogurt will give you a soothing effect and lessen your discomfort. Yogurt is rich in protein and so helps to digest food properly. Probiotics, a good bacteria found in the digestive tract, is also present in yogurt. Apart from making digestion easier, it is good for the immune system too.
8. Beverages
You should drink lots of water if you have acidity. You must drink low-acid juices like cranberry, apple, etc. and caffeine-free drinks like soft drinks. However, you shouldn’t have these beverages late at night. You should try to avoid coffee and alcohol as these may cause acid reflux.
9. Almonds
Almonds are alkaline and so good for preventing acidity. They are also good for whitening your skin. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that protect the heart. The high fiber content in it helps to keep you feeling full. The enzyme emulsion in almonds helps to break down food and speed up digestion. So, almonds can provide immediate relief when you have acidity.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is full of Vitamins and minerals that are good for the body. It also has other benefits and can treat acid reflux as well.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce irritation in the body.
- It helps in digestion and so reduces acidity.
- It removes toxins from the body and so makes you healthy.
- It reduces acid production lowering the brisk acidity.
Aloe Vera is very nutritious and has been proven to be effective for treating acid reflux. So, you should drink aloe Vera juice if you have acidity problem.
How to lower the chances of Acidity?
In order to prevent acidity, you should bring some changes in your lifestyle. Here are some things you can do to lower the chance of acidity:
- Lose weight and avoid consuming nicotine and alcohol.
- Chew gum when you have acidity as it increases saliva production and can help to reduce the acid content in the esophagus.
- Maintain good posture during the meal and afterward. You should sit straight while eating as it will be easy for the food to enter your stomach.
- Don’t go to bed for a minimum 2 hours after eating; instead, walk around so that the gastric juices in your stomach help in digestion. If you sleep right after eating, then the amount of gastric acid in your stomach will increase.
Make it a habit to avoid foods that may trigger acid reflux. Include the foods just discussed in your diet and get relief from the discomforts of acidity.
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