Food Combining for Acid Reflux Relief
- Ida Fanelli
- Mar 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 19, 2024
Food Combining for Acid Reflux Relief
As someone who suffers from acid reflux, I have recently researched food combining to make it more tolerable. Acidic foods, in general, are bad for acid reflux, including citrus fruits and juices, vinegar, pickles, soured milk or fermented yogurts, tomatoes, tomato juice and sauce, alcohol, coffee, and greasy and processed foods.
Smoking can increase stomach acid and irritate the esophagus as well.
Stress can also contribute to acid reflux symptoms.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Wearing clothing that is too tight around the stomach area also can cause acid reflux. Overconsumption of meals also can cause food to back up into the esophagus.
However, many alkaline foods can help neutralize acid in the body and make acid reflux more tolerable.
Food Combining for Acid Reflux Relief: For example:
Cucumbers have a high-water content that dilutes excess acid in the stomach. They also contain a protein digestive enzyme that helps to digest protein-rich foods and clean the intestine by killing bacteria. Most vitamins are in the cucumber peel, so wash them well before eating the skin.
Spinach, kale, and broccoli have alkaline characteristics, making them excellent antacids.
The radish family (including horseradish, daikon, and red radishes) is an excellent remedy for heartburn. It contains many mustard oils, which soothe the stomach and lower the production of stomach acid.
Bananas are high in potassium and are less acidic than many other fruits, with a pH of around 5.0.
Coconuts are one of the least acidic fruits.
Dates and figs are low in acid.
Watermelons, melons, and cantaloupes are also low in acid.
Papayas are low in acid and offer a taste of the tropics.
Berries like blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are alkaline in pH.
Nectarines, apricots, and peaches are high in pH, making acid reflux potentially more tolerable.
Avocados, pears, and kiwi is also alkaline in pH.
The addition of sugar to tomato paste also reduces its acidity.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the digestive system. You can drink ginger tea or add ginger to your meals.
Black Pepper: improves digestion by stimulating the stomachs hydrochloric acid content.
Aloe Vera can help soothe the lining of the esophagus and stomach. You can try drinking aloe vera juice or taking a supplement.
Chamomile is a natural relaxant and can help calm the muscles in the digestive tract. You can try drinking chamomile tea.
Licorice root can help soothe the stomach lining and reduce inflammation. You can try drinking licorice tea or taking a supplement.
Apple cider vinegar: While acidic, it can help neutralize stomach acid. Try adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drinking it before meals.
The stomach needs an acidic environment to digest food; altering the pH too much can interfere with digestion. However, in some cases, people with acid reflux may experience discomfort and pain due to excess stomach acid moving up into the esophagus.
When the above foods are not available:
Naturopathic and holistic medicine doctors recommend that everyone, including acid reflux sufferers, use unprocessed Himalayan salt or Celtic Sea Salt. These salts are rich in various minerals and support proper acid production in the stomach. These salts help prevent acid reflux by balancing and regulating the body's pH.
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A small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with water can help neutralize the excess acid and temporarily relieve the discomfort.
(Some professionals believe this slows down the stomach's ability to digest food by neutralizing the HCL acid in the stomach.)
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Alkazone Balance Your pH, Antioxidants Alkaline Mineral Drops, Single 1.25 Oz Pack, Portable Alkazone is an electrolyte mineral supplement that claims to help balance the body's pH by increasing its alkalinity. It is also important to note that excessive consumption of alkaline substances can lead to a condition known as alkalosis, which can cause symptoms like confusion, muscle twitching, and nausea. Take it only as a temporary measure.
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Slippery elm has been a natural remedy for centuries to soothe digestive issues, including acid reflux. Slippery elm works by coating and soothing the lining of the esophagus and stomach, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation caused by acid reflux. It stimulates the production of mucus in the digestive tract, which can help protect the lining of the esophagus from acid damage. While slippery elm is generally considered safe, it may interact with certain medications. Consult a healthcare provider only to take large amounts or extended periods.
If you don't have a drug plan or want to deal with acid reflux more naturally, try slowly testing which foods work well with your unique digestive system. Remember, many factors cause acid reflux, not just one food group's ingestion. The underlying cause of acid reflux is often related to the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or the presence of a hiatal hernia. Ensure not to eat before sleeping.
I recommend the book below, "Acid Reflux Formula " by Drew Niemeyer. Cookbooks for acid reflux are also available. Depending on your acid reflux severity. Consult with a healthcare practitioner before making drastic changes to your diet.
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