Many cases of acid reflux can be treated with lifestyle changes. GERD symptoms, such as coughing, nausea, and hoarseness, are affected by what you eat. Even if the apples don’t relieve your symptoms, they still contribute to a healthy diet. Conventional apple skins may carry trace amounts of pesticides. Eat apples with other foods. Although these diets aren’t typically based on sound science, you may still wish to reduce your intake of acid-forming foods. Citrus fruits are considered reflexogenic, meaning that they cause or worsen reflux. Over 2,000 apple varieties are currently available, and among them only a few cultivars are considered very acidic (also expressed as tartness). We’ll tell you what beverages you can drink to relieve your…. I know this could be a shock to a lot of people, so let me explain. Remember that there’s a difference between foods with an acidic pH and those that contribute to a high dietary acid load. Likewise, avoiding certain foods with an acidic pH may relieve GERD symptoms — but only if you have this condition. They are also thought to increase your risk of developing diarrhea caused from Clostridium difficile bacteria. But that doesn’t mean they have an ‘acidic’ effect in your body. The acidic juices can affect the tooth enamel and erode it. Citrus fruits. These fruits include grapes, black currants, dates, kiwis, apples, papayas and pears. 1. Milk is a popular beverage that's hotly debated in terms of pros and cons for your health. Below is a list of low acidic fruits that can be beneficial to one’s health. Grazing leaves more acid and sugar on the teeth for a longer time. Other animal proteins like chicken and eggs further contribute to a high dietary acid load (15). This is necessary to control botulinum bacteria. This includes: Despite their effectiveness at treating heartburn, PPIs have received a bad rap. Your acid reflux can be triggered by…, Gastritis refers to inflammation in the stomach. Some people peel an apple in the morning and eat a slice of it to balance their stomach whenever they feel there stomach burning. Even though foods like lemons, limes, and tomato paste have an acidic pH, they’re considered alkaline because they have low PRALs. Follow your apple with a water chaser to wash away acid and sugar. … You’ve probably heard of alkaline diets, which are said to promote a non-acidic environment in your body. As such, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommend that people with GERD avoid or reduce their intake of citrus fruits (19, 20, 21). butter). The NIH and ACG likewise recommend that people with GERD avoid or reduce their intake of tomato products (19). Can You Use Turmeric to Treat Acid Reflux? So, you can see that apples are alkaline, but avoid overeating them as the sugar content is high. Western diets tend to be high in foods like meat, cheese, refined grains, and soda but low in vegetables and fruits. As a result, many people are looking to natural remedies to treat their acid reflux. Is Vinegar an Acid or Base? With alkaline diets on the rise and the prevalence of acid reflux, many people avoid acidic foods. What’s more, high dietary acid loads have been associated with increased blood sugar levels, obesity rates, and levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) (8, 9, 10). This may cause an increase in your acid reflux symptoms. 8 They remain acidic when they’re stewed. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And a food’s pH may give you a good indication of its acidity. 2. For example, citrus fruits and tomatoes have an acidic pH but low PRALs. On the one hand, diets that carry a low acid load, such as plant-based diets rich in vegetables and fruits, may help promote kidney and heart health. [malic and ascorbic acid is naturally found in apples] 2. Yet, tomatoes are highly nutritious and a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to many benefits. Western diets tend to be high in animal protein and other foods with high PRALs while low in fruits and vegetables (3). Rinse with water. These fruits have a pH that is closer to 7, which is reaching the point of being acidic, and should be consumed sparingly. Mildly Alkaline Mildly Alkaline ; Mildly Alkaline . What’s the pH of Milk, and Does It Matter for Your Body? What Is Regurgitation, and Why Does It Happen? Although OTC and prescription medications may relieve your symptoms, they also have the potential for negative side effects. Although apples are generally safe to eat, certain types of apples may trigger symptoms in people with acid reflux. Cooked foods tend to be more alkaline than raw foods. Excess phosphorus, especially in the form of highly absorbable phosphoric acid, has been linked to adverse health effects. Apple products, such as applesauce or apple juice, won’t have the same alkalizing effects as fresh apples. Think things like pineapple, banana, oranges, melons – these are commonly listed as alkaline fruits, but they are actually mid-to-very acid-forming. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 3. In general, this is considered mildly acidic and less acidic than substances like vinegar. This article outlines the differences between acid-forming foods and those with an acidic pH, as well as the reasons why some people avoid these foods. From bananas to cantaloupes, apples, peaches, coconuts, mangoes and even jackfruit, this list has something for everyone to try. This is a detailed review of the alkaline diet, including foods to eat and avoid and an in-depth look at the science behind it. Apples are also used as medicine. 4. Acidic foods can be processed safely in a boiling water canner, usually without added acid (lemon juice, vinegar or citric acid). These apples contain very little acid and always offer the flat taste. For example, your stomach has a very acidic pH of 1.35–3.5 to break down the foods you eat (1). Apples and pears can be steamed or baked and pureed. Although many people report success in treating acid reflux with apples, there isn’t any scientific evidence to support these claims. But let’s just touch on the main points as to why I quite literally never touch colas, lemonades, sports drinks, and other fizzy, carbonated beverages. Apples contain malic acid and ascorbic acid, which is more commonly called vitamin C. But even though they contain acid, they're not considered one of the acidic foods that you have to avoid for heartburn or acid reflux. And Does It Matter. Canola Oil ; Corn Oil . Some say that eating an apple after a meal or before bedtime may help neutralize this acid by creating an alkaline environment in the stomach. Some foods have an acidic PH but don’t form acid in your body. Citrus fruits, including lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges, have an acidic pH and are known to exacerbate GERD symptoms (19). It’s said to have a role in fat loss and muscle sparing. Polyphenols have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. In general most grains, dairy products, meats, seeds, legumes and nuts tend to have an acid ash. A new device keeps stomach acid in its place, which is good news for patients with chronic acid reflux. Acidity may be natural, as in most fruits… Among apple varieties, the word acidic is used to describe the flavor of the fruit, and not its actual pH. In fact, many parents choose certain fruits to be their child's first food, as babies are less likely to reject the sweetness of fruits. This makes the low acid/sweeter apples of limited market value, if any. If you have GERD, cutting out foods with acidic pHs may reduce reflux symptoms. Notably, foods have different potential renal acid loads (PRALs), which are measured by acid excretion in the urine or the acid load that the kidneys must excrete to maintain your body’s pH (2). Relief of GERD-related symptoms can require regularly taking medication, which can get expensive. These 11 foods can all cause heartburn. If you’re trying to reduce your exposure to pesticides, you should purchase organic apples. Malic acid and ascorbic acid are some of the acids present in apple fruit. Tomatoes and citrus fruits have an acidic pH and may exacerbate reflux symptoms. Acidic foods can be processed safely in a boiling water canner, usually without added acid (lemon juice, vinegar or citric acid). Pectin, which is found in apples, reduces your risk for cardiovascular disease. On the other, diets with a high acid load may have the opposite effect (4, 5, 6, 7, 8). Here’s what the research has to say. Acid-forming foods are those that promote acidity in your body. Most consumers do not like such flat taste due to low acid. Thus, you shouldn’t avoid tomato products unless these foods exacerbate reflux symptoms (25). We can regard the reason for the acidity of the apples to malic acid in them. Ursolic acid hasn’t been studied in humans yet, though animal studies are promising. Margarine ; Evening Primrose Oil 1. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This pH is maintained through mechanisms like breathing and urination. Western diets are typically high in refined grain products like baked goods, fast food, and white bread, which have a high dietary acid load (16). Apples have a pH of 4, that falls in the acidic range. The pH of milk is often presented as a drawback…, While it's known that vinegars are acidic, some people claim that certain types have an alkalizing effect on the body. … Apples are extremely nutritious and contain Vitamin C. In fact, apples are known to be the best possible source of antioxidants. However, these foods are nutritious and shouldn’t be eliminated from your diet unless they cause or worsen reflux. The Alkaline Diet: An Evidence-Based Review, Gastritis Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid. Fruit is good for us, but some tend to be a little more acidic – limes and oranges, for example – than others, which can be a turnoff for those with sensitive stomachs. If you believe apples may help you, give them a try. There are several non-citric fruits that prevent acid reflux. Here are some highly acidic foods and drinks to be mindful of: Citrus fruits — lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, and oranges Apples, grapes, peaches, pomegranates, blueberries, pineapples Fruit juices and sodas (both regular and diet) Pectin may prevent a type of cholesterol from accumulating in the arterial walls. Last medically reviewed on September 3, 2020. Fresh apples generally have a higher fiber content, more antioxidants, and have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels. Alkaline foods with a pH level of 8.0 or more help to remove unwanted acid and neutralize our body fluids. They include fruits, pickles, sauerkraut, jams, jellies, marmalades, and fruit butters. Acid-forming foods typically include animal proteins like meats, eggs, poultry, fish and milk products, as well as grains and alcoholic beverages. Fruits such as melons, apples, and pears have an alkalizing effect on the body and reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Cheese, milk, and ice cream are high in phosphorus and contribute to a high dietary acid load (4). This can prevent future cell damage from occurring. If OTC remedies don’t bring relief within a few weeks, you should call your doctor. Apples also contain polyphenols, which are antioxidant biochemicals. On the other hand, we can not ignore that so many heartburn patients report an apple as the ideal heartburn cure. It’s the quantity of these foods and your overall diet quality that matter most. Fish. Reducing your intake of red meat, refined grains, cheese, and soda while increasing your intake of veggies and fruit may reduce the acid load of your diet. The following foods have an acidic pH (19). Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus. Green apples are more acidic. The same acidity applies to juice from oranges as well, which is also acidic. These factors contribute to a high dietary acid load, which is associated with several negative health outcomes. The Seven Most Acidic Foods. It also occurs in adults with acid reflux, GERD, and other conditions. Sweet apples are thought to work better than sour varieties. Magnetic "Bracelet" Can Control the Effects of Chronic Acid Reflux and GERD. Keep in mind that people with GERD may tolerate raw tomatoes better than canned tomato products. Plus, some research associates high PRAL diets with adverse effects like heart and kidney disease (4, 5, 6, 7, 8). Fish is a nutritious component in any diet but an excellent source of protein in a low-acid diet. Red meat is high in protein and phosphorus, and thus increases dietary acid load (9). choose organic, if possible, to reduce pesticide exposure, peel the skins off of conventional apples to remove trace pesticides, avoid green apples, because they’re more acidic. Foodary visitor responses include: Although blood pH is tightly regulated, the pH of your urine changes depending on the need to balance your body’s pH and is altered by what you eat. Some citrus fruits, like lemons or limes, are more acidic … Antioxidant flavonoids found in apples can limit or prevent oxidation caused by free radicals. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, and diet plays an important role. Many holistic practitioners believe that modern Western diets are too acidic for good health due to a lack of fruits and vegetables. Acidic Fruits Lemon Juice: Acidic or Alkaline, and Does It Matter? Avocados and bananas do not need cooking; simply mash and feed. Speak with your healthcare provider for advice on foods to eliminate. Malic acid is the most predominant organic acid in mature apple fruit, and almost solely determines fruit acidity levels. Thus, people with this condition tend to avoid them (18). It’s thought that these alkalizing minerals may help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Eating certain foods, and avoiding others, can help relieve the symptoms of gastritis. Soft drinks are loaded with phosphoric acid, which is a major contributor to the acid load of Western diets (11). This article explains whether…, Low stomach acid prevents the stomach from breaking down bacteria and absorbing nutrients into the body. Learn which foods you should avoid to prevent reflux. All rights reserved. Avocado Oil ; Borage Oil . Low-acid foods just happen to be mostly fruits and vegetables. For this reason, it’s a good idea to limit foods with high PRALs and increase foods with low PRALs — especially vegetables and fruits. Red apples generally don’t cause an increase in symptoms. Eat your apple in one sitting. An acidic body environment can greatly upset our internal systems. Most people can eat red apples without experiencing any side effects, so there’s no harm in adding them to your daily diet. Although dairy products like cheese and unsweetened yogurt are nutritious, a diet high in these products and low in plant foods may contribute to a high dietary acid load. Learn 5 ways to improve stomach acid levels…. Apples, bananas, pears and avocados are all great fruits with which to start. Western diets tend to be high in foods that contribute to a high dietary acid load, which may harm your health. Red meat and processed meat are among the most prevalent acid-producing foods in the Western diet. Apples are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Fresh apples are recommended over processed forms, such as juice, applesauce, or other apple products. Anything with a pH greater than 7 is considered to be alkaline and is non-acidic. More Low acid fruits: Conversely, not all foods with a low (or acidic) pH promote an acidic environment in your body. While you should avoid citrus and acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and nectarines, there are plenty of non-acidic fruit options from which to choose. 1. green apples are acidic in nature, and so is the apple juice so it is these two varieties you should avoid. However, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is characterized by heartburn and regurgitation, may avoid these foods. In many low acid baking recipes, it is possible to mash them up as an alternative to a fat component (e.g. Fruit is generally high in fiber, which is essential to good health. Apples contain large amounts of a soluble fiber known as pectin. Citrus fruits, including lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges, have an acidic pH and … Apples also contain antioxidants that can reduce your risk of cancer. Keep reading: Home remedies for acid reflux/GERD ». Low-Alkaline Fruits. Many of the acidic citrus fruits contain antioxidants, Vitamin C and potassium. According to a study in Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventative Dentistry, apple juice doesn’t erode the tooth enamel as it has good amounts of phosphorus and fluoride. A typical serving size is one medium apple or about one cup of chopped apples. If you’re curious about lowering your dietary acid load or controlling your acid reflux by cutting out acidic foods, consult your healthcare provider for advice. The flavonoids in these fruits help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and also prevent tumors from spreading. Learn more…. Eating the right kinds of food is key to controlling your acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Alkalizing fruits can help you balance your body. Replacing refined grains with fruits, vegetables, and other alkaline foods may help reduce dietary acid load (4). Some foods, including those with an acidic pH, are known to increase symptoms of GERD. Apples are a great source of fiber, too. This may be because some cooked tomato products like ketchup, tomato paste, and tomato sauce are more acidic than fresh tomatoes (23, 24). If this sounds confusing, don’t worry. This is usually only done as a last resort after all other options have been tried. The simple truth is that most fruits are not alkaline-forming. The majority of fruits are considered to be alkaline producing foods. Still, many of these foods are perfectly healthy for people without GERD. Green apples are more acidic, which can have a negative impact for some. The ursolic acid found in apple skins may assist with fat loss and increased muscle growth. Eating an apple skin with minimal residue shouldn’t cause any adverse side effects. These fruits include oranges, cherries, pineapple, strawberries, lemons, peaches, limes and tomatoes. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but does it keep acid reflux away, too? Although it’s beneficial to reduce your intake of acid-producing foods, items like cheese, yogurt, and red meat can have a place in a healthy diet. However, there’s a difference between acid-forming foods and foods with an acidic pH. But there are exceptions: Lemon has a pH closer to 2 (acidic) yet has buffering (alkaline-forming) properties, per an August 2019 review in Nefrologia . Pesticide residue may be present on conventional apple skins. These foods are loaded with beneficial nutrients and are associated with numerous health benefits (22). The pH of apple cider vinegar is in the range of 2-3 because of the vinegar mother present in it ie; very acidic. Coconut Oil ; Cod Liver Oil . Side Effects and Dangers If prescription drugs don’t work, your doctor may recommend surgery to reinforce your lower esophagus. Your body has a tightly controlled blood pH level of about 7.4, which is slightly alkaline or basic. Dairy is a concentrated source of potentially acid-forming compounds, including sulfur-containing amino acids, chloride, and phosphorus (8). Regurgitation is pretty common in infants. Tomato-based products like tomato sauce and salsa are some of the most common culprits of reflux symptoms. Fiber could help you stay full longer, which often could minimize overeating throughout the day. All rights reserved. Acid reflux happens when your stomach contents rise into your esophagus. The ursolic acid found in apple skins is also known for its healing properties. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cola/Soft Drinks: Cola has to come in at number one and I could write a whole thesis on why. Cutting back on high PRAL foods, such as soda and animal proteins, and replacing them with low PRAL foods, such as vegetables and fruits, is beneficial for disease reduction and overall health. This can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Keep in mind that these findings are based on dietary patterns that are very low in plant foods and very high in red meat, processed foods, and soda. An unbalanced diet could result in acidosis. Apples contain ascorbic and malic and acid, and juice of apple has quinic, malic, and chlorogenic corrosive, which give it an acidic pH of 3.35 to 4. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Most fruits and vegetables tend to have an alkaline ash. A slice of cheese or bread will neutralize the acids. Malic Acid in Apples https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/apples-and-acid-reflux Conversely, fruits and vegetables have a low dietary acid load and tend to be alkaline or basic in nature. This article takes a look at the science behind this claim. However, you shouldn’t cut citrus fruits from your diet unless they worsen reflux symptoms. GERD affects about 20% of the U.S. population and is usually treated through dietary changes and medication (17). Note that most fruits in general are acidic, especially citrus fruits. They may prescribe prescription-strength H2 receptor blockers or PPIs. Acidic Food #1. Replacing some apples with pears is an easy change that is slightly healthier, with equal alkalizing effect. However, the pH of different body parts varies significantly. It helps protect from UV rays and gives skin its color. For example, an apple for dessert prompts acid reflux instead of comprehending it. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Since apples are a food that is naturally acidic, they are not able to 'neutralize' your stomach content.