Green leafy vegetables are naturally low in fat and sugar and help to reduce stomach acid secretions. Spinach, broccoli, kale, asparagus and Brussels sprouts are highly alkaline which are good for the gut and offer respite from acid reflux.
Leafy Greens and Veggies
Fibrous vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and asparagus are alkaline, which helps to keep stomach acid in check. This is also because these delicious and nutritious foods are low in sugar and fat, which means they are friends to those with heartburn.
Compared to other crops, spinach has higher amounts of oxalic acid, which it most like uses to defend itself against insects and animals that try to eat it. Oxalic acid is an antinutrient because it blocks the body's ability to absorb nutrients by bonding with minerals.
Green leafy vegetables are naturally low in fat and sugar and help to reduce stomach acid secretions. Spinach, broccoli, kale, asparagus and Brussels sprouts are highly alkaline which are good for the gut and offer respite from acid reflux.
For raw and cooked spinach, squeeze some lemon juice over the top to help dissolve the acid and reduce oxalic acid from coating your teeth. Cook or blanch the spinach. The more you cook the spinach, the more neutral it will become; the less acid there will be in it.
Avocado: Despite being high in fat, avocados are rich in healthy fats, which can settle your stomach and prevent acid reflux symptoms.
Green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, peas, cucumbers, and Brussels sprouts are known to prevent and alleviate acid reflux. In addition to being very low in fat, these vegetables are also high in alkaline content. The low pH offsets the high pH of the stomach acid.
Whole grains — High fiber, whole-grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain breads help stop symptoms of acid reflux. They are a good source of fiber and may help absorb stomach acid. Lean protein — Low-fat, lean sources of protein also reduce symptoms. Good choices are chicken, seafood, tofu, and egg whites.
Whole Grains
Whole grains can be complete foods, like popcorn or quinoa, or ingredients in other foods, like whole-wheat flour in bread. The amount of fiber found in whole-grain foods may help absorb stomach acid.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Foods to Eat on an Acid Reflux Diet
Noncitrus fruits: Apples, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries are safe bets.
Spinach is one of the leafy vegetables that helps in improving digestion and helps deal with indigestion. It contains insoluble fiber which helps in pacing the food through the digestive tract and aid in digestion. Spinach also contains magnesium, which is known to relieve upset stomach and heartburn due to acidity.
Add the following foods to your meal planning to manage symptoms of acid reflux: Green, leafy vegetables: They're low in fat and sugar and help reduce stomach acid. Examples include green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, lettuce and cucumbers.
When heartburn hits and you need relief, try an antacid like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox. These medications act quickly to neutralize the acid in the stomach, which can reduce your symptoms.
Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux. Oatmeal – Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast standard also works for lunch. Fennel – This low-acid crunchy vegetable has a mild licorice flavor and a natural soothing effect.
Is yogurt a good choice? Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation.
These root vegetables are good, and others are, too -- carrots, turnips, and parsnips, to name a few. They're full of healthy complex carbs and digestible fiber. Just don't cook them with onions or garlic, because those can irritate your acid reflux.
Milk and dairy products are high in fat and tend to make heartburn worse. When you have frequent GERD symptoms, like heartburn, eating high-fat dairy products like cheese can aggravate your symptoms.
Spinach. The leafy green is packed with nutrients, but you'll absorb more calcium and iron if you eat it cooked. The reason: Spinach is loaded with oxalic acid, which blocks the absorption of iron and calcium but breaks down under high temperatures.
Summary. Spinach allergy is not a top food allergy, but an allergy to it can still occur. In addition, some people with histamine intolerance may react to eating spinach because it is a high-histamine food. Allergy symptoms can include skin, gastrointestinal, nasal, and respiratory problems.
For some people, raw and cooked spinach causes digestive discomfort, which often includes bloating and excessive gas. In many cases, the only way to prevent this discomfort is to avoid spinach altogether.