Have you ever experienced acid reflux or heartburn?
It can be absolutely miserable. You might feel nauseous, get a bad taste in your mouth, and even have you chest discomfort.
Acid reflux, medically referred to as "gastroesophageal reflux (GER)" occurs when the contents of your stomach come back up into your esophagus, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains.
If you experience it long-term, it might be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is ridiculously common. About 20% of the U.S. population suffers from GERD.
Heartburn is one of the common symptoms of GER and GERD. It occurs when stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, which can leave a burning feeling in your chest.
Many people who suffer from GER/GERD know that certain foods can make it flare up. There are also some foods that can actually help fight acid reflux!
#1: Bananas
Not only are bananas healthy, filling, and full of potassium, they're also good for acid reflux.
RefluxMD explains that most fruits have a high acid content, but bananas don't, which makes them good for people who have GER/GERD.
More from LittleThings: 18 Foods That You Should Eat When You Can't Poop
#2: Aloe Vera
Most people think about aloe vera as a cure for sunburn pain, but it actually does a lot more than that.
According to a study in the US National Library of Medicine, aloe has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that are hugely beneficial to your health.
Aloe vera can also be consumed in juice or syrup form. Another study shows that aloe can reduce the symptoms of GERD.
#3: Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a pretty neutral food in general (it's not acidic), which makes it great for people with acid reflux, according to reports from Livestrong.
Plus, oatmeal has a lot of healthy dietary fiber and can keep you full for a while.
#4: Leafy Green Vegetables
When it comes to veggies, leafy greens are the way to go if you have acid reflux. Why? They're very low in acid.
Make sure that if you use these veggies (spinach, broccoli, Swiss chard, etc.) in salads, you avoid tomatoes, onions, and acidic salad dressings.
#5: Ginger
Many people know that ginger is great for soothing the stomach, but it can also help reduce acid reflux.
Health reports that ginger has anti-inflammatory benefits and can treat acid reflux when used in moderation.
To consume ginger in a tasty way, try adding the fresh ingredient to cooked meals and smoothies, or try drinking some soothing ginger tea.
#6: Chicken And Turkey
Lean poultry can be a great food to eat if you have acid reflux — just make sure you remove the skin first.
Of course, cooking methods are essential when it comes to chicken and turkey, and you should never eat it fried if you're trying to avoid acid reflux.
Instead, Dr. V. John Bagnato from Georgia Reflux Surgery recommends grilling, baking, or poaching your poultry.
#7: Melon
Like bananas, melons are low in acid content, which makes them an ideal fruit for acid reflux sufferers.
Health says watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe are all great options!
#8: Seafood
Like chicken and turkey, seafood can be a good source of protein for people who have acid reflux when prepared correctly.
Fish and shellfish are both good options, but — like poultry — they should never be fried.
You should make sure not to put fatty sauces on top of the fish.
#9: Parsley
According to the Utah Digestive Health Institute, parsley can ease acid reflux symptoms.
Parsley is often used to treat upset stomachs, and it can also help with GER/GERD.
Use parsley as a seasoning or garnish on your meals to get the healthy benefits.
Foods To Avoid
Foods that are high in acid content can worsen heartburn and GER/GERD symptoms, so you should always try to avoid them.
Examples of foods you shouldn't eat include chocolate, citrus fruits, peppermint, tomatoes, spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee (and other caffeinated drinks).
Please SHARE this article with anyone you know who suffers from acid reflux!
