Food Combining for Acid Reflux Relief
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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 make acid reflux symptoms worse.
Wearing clothing that is too tight around the stomach area also can cause acid reflux. Over consumption of meals also can cause food toback upintothe esophagus.. However, there are many alkaline foods that can help neutralize acid in the body and make acid reflux more tolerable. 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 of the vitamins are in the cucumber peel, so be sure to wash them well before eating the skin.
Spinach, kale, and broccoli have alkaline characteristics that make them excellent antacids.
The radish family (including horseradish, daikon, and red radishes) is a great remedy for heartburn. It contains a high number of mustard oils, which soothe the stomach and also 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 are also alkaline in pH.
The addition of sugar to tomato paste also seems to reduce its acidity.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the digestive system. You can try drinking ginger tea or adding ginger to your meals.
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 in nature, It can actually help neutralize stomach acid. You can 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, and 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:
Small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with water can help to neutralize the excess acid and provide temporary relief from the discomfort.
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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 pH of the body 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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Nature's Way Slippery Elm Bark, Traditional Support to Soothe GI Tract*, 100 Vegan Capsules
Slippery elm is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to soothe a variety of digestive issues, including acid reflux. Slippery elm is believed to work by coating and soothing the lining of the esophagus and stomach, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation caused by acid reflux. It is also thought to stimulate 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 and should not be taken in large amounts or for extended periods of time without consulting a healthcare provider.
If you don't have a drug plan or would like to deal with acid reflux in a more natural manner, try slowly testing which foods work well with your unique digestive system. Keep in mind that acid reflux can be caused by many different factors and not just the ingestion of one food group. 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.
The above book by Drew Niemeyer is highly recommended. Cook books for acid reflux are also available. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using any dietary supplements or making significant changes to your diet.