Cabbage is used for stomach pain, excess stomach acid, stomach and intestinal ulcers, and a stomach condition called Roemheld syndrome. Cabbage is also used to treat asthma and morning sickness.
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.
Several types of chilled foods are naturally acidic (e.g. fruit juices) or acidified using either a fermentation process (e.g. yoghurt) or by the direct addition of acids (e.g. coleslaw).
Cabbage has 1 gram of fiber for every 10 calories. That helps fill you up, so you eat less. It also keeps you regular, and it could help lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and control your blood sugar. Cabbage also has nutrients that keep the lining of your stomach and intestines strong.
Vinegar — a common ingredient in most vinaigrette dressings — is acidic and can be a heartburn trigger3 for some people. If you go heavy on the dressing, you may feel the effects of acid reflux, even if you avoided more known heartburn triggers like tomatoes, citrus, or onions4.
Avocado: Despite being high in fat, avocados are rich in healthy fats, which can settle your stomach and prevent acid reflux symptoms. Whole Grain Rice: Whole grains are great to absorb the acids causing reflux, and rice is one of the most absorbent.
Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sodas may worsen symptoms, however. Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows up into a person's esophagus, or food pipe.
Foods That Help Reduce Acid Reflux
Root vegetables, like carrots and beets. Green vegetables, including broccoli, cucumbers or green beans. High-fiber foods, such as oatmeal and brown rice. Alkaline foods – which have a higher pH and are the opposite of acidic foods – including melons, cauliflower and bananas.
Foods to Eat on an Acid Reflux Diet
Noncitrus fruits: Apples, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries are safe bets. Lean chicken and meat: Order or cook it grilled instead of fried. Plain breads and cereals: Skip overly processed carbs with high-fat ingredients like muffins and croissants.
Veggies that commonly cause gas have the potential to also cause acid reflux and heartburn in GERD sufferers, and are therefore best avoided. Brussels sprouts and turnips have this effect on many people, and you should be cautious with foods like broccoli, cabbage and beans to see how they affect you.
“Additionally, cruciferous vegetables—like cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts—contain raffinose, an indigestible sugar. As it's fermented by bacteria in the gut, gas is produced, which is why you may experience flatulence and discomfort after eating these foods.
Overall, incorporating cabbage juice into your diet can be a simple and effective way to promote digestive health and potentially reduce symptoms of digestive disorders like ulcers and gastritis.
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. It is easy to choose foods by looking them up to see how acidic they are.
Being naturally low in fat and sugar, vegetables also help lessen stomach acid. The cucumber includes so-called proteases (enzymes with a protein cleaving function). Thus, cucumber helps to more easily digest protein-rich nutrients. The enzymes also clean the intestine by killing bacteria.
Honey is a well-known antioxidant and helps protect cells from free radicals. These free radicals may cause acid reflux because they can harm the lining in your esophagus, resulting in inflammation. Thus, adding some honey to warm water may reduce inflammation and soothe the burning sensation.
Whole grain foods like oatmeal, bread, and brown rice are healthy, hearty ways to combat occasional heartburn. These complex carbohydrates not only help absorb acid in the stomach, but they're also full of vitamins and minerals.
The high levels of monounsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil have been found to reduce acid reflux and inflammation in the esophagus. Additionally, compounds found in the oil can help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, which is responsible for keeping stomach acids from flowing back up into the esophagus.
Heartburn triggers: Large meals and fatty foods
A big greasy burger and supersized serving of fries right before bedtime is a good way to fuel the flame of heartburn. Fatty foods, large portions, and late-night meals are the top three triggers that affect many people with heartburn.
Foods that prevent acid reflux are high in fiber, such as oats and bran, sweet potatoes, green beans, asparagus, and broccoli. Alkaline foods such as banana, nuts, and cauliflower can also prevent acid reflux.
Potatoes. Potatoes — either boiled or baked and prepared without high-fat toppings — are a good option to help you prevent acid reflux. Try to stay away from french-fries and potato chips though. As good as they taste, their high fat content can cause stomach discomfort.