Acid reflux is definitely unpleasant, and it is something that most of us will experience at some point in our lifetime. Luckily, acid reflux is not life-threatening and usually passes within a couple of hours. It happens when the ring of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus malfunctions and does not close as normal, leading to leakage of stomach acid back into your esophagus. While antacids can help tame the excess stomach acid and the symptoms, natural food remedies can also play a significant role in fighting the effects of acid reflux.
Here are 5 foods that can help you relieve the unpleasant symptoms experienced with acid reflux.
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Oatmeal
Oatmeal is full of fiber which makes you feel full more quickly. Eating high-fiber foods means you are less likely to overeat, which can contribute to heartburn. Oatmeal also expands in your stomach, absorbing any excess acid which can reduce reflux symptoms. Load up on this healthy breakfast alternative to keep the symptoms at bay
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Watermelon
Watermelon is a watery fruit and so it can help to dilute and weaken the excess stomach acid, relieving you of the unpleasant, painful feelings of acid reflux. Watermelon is also packed full of magnesium which aids the neutralization of any stomach acid which has leaked into the esophagus
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Salmon
Not only is salmon a great source of protein, low in cholesterol, and full of fiber but it is also non-acidic, counteracting the effects of acid reflux. Oily fish are also packed full of omega-3 fatty acids (good fats) making it a perfect addition to a low-acid, stomach-friendly diet!
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Root vegetables
Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beetroots are starchy veggies that are packed full of fiber. Just like oatmeal, they will fill you up quicker, preventing you from overeating, which often causes heartburn.
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Bananas
All foods fall somewhere along the pH scale (an indicator of how acidic or alkaline substances are). Foods that have a lower pH are acidic and so are more likely to cause acid reflux. Those foods with a higher pH are alkaline and can counteract the effects of acid reflux. Bananas are widely available alkaline foods and so eating a few bananas can help keep your symptoms at bay
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms of acid reflux which do not go away with a change to your lifestyle and diet, consult a doctor. A specialist doctor (a gastroenterologist) can carry out various tests which can measure the acidity in your stomach and your esophagus. Acid reflux is rarely-life threatening and it is often treatable with medications.
