Apples and natural apple juice work well in an acid reflux diet. Some fruits, such as citrus fruit, may worsen acid reflux because of their acidic content. Apples help minimize the production of stomach acid and have a soothing effect to control symptoms of acid reflux, which may include the burning sensation of heartburn in the upper chest and stomach or a bitter taste in the back of your mouth from stomach acid backup.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux results in stomach acid backup into the esophagus. Symptoms may arise from large meals, which can cause the stomach to secrete more acid for digestion. A weakened lower esophageal muscle also triggers acid reflux. The muscle normally helps prevent reflux by opening as food and beverages enter the stomach and contracting afterward. A weakened muscle does not work properly and allows acid backup. Common foods that relax the muscle and trigger symptoms include fatty and fried foods, tomato-based foods, citrus fruits and juices, chocolate and caffeinated or carbonated drinks.
Digestion
Fruits and vegetables usually play a major role in acid reflux diets because these fiber-rich foods digest smoothly to decrease the risk of symptoms. However, citrus fruit, such as oranges and grapefruit, and tomatoes may contribute to acid reflux because of their acidic nature. Apples are considered safe fruits for an acid reflux diet. Diets avoid fried and creamy style vegetables because of fat content. An acid reflux diet may also include whole grains, lean meat, skinless poultry, fish and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Meals
Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends apples, berries, melons, peaches, pears and bananas in its gastroesophageal reflux disease diet. Choose natural apple juice and avoid juices that have additives, which encourage acid reflux. Apples and apple juice can fit into all meals during the day, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Enjoy 1/2 cup of apple juice with your breakfast. Include slices of apple and other non-citrus fruits in a fresh fruit salad during lunch. Add a medium apple to your dinner.
Snacks and Desserts
Apples also make healthy snacks instead of high-fat sweets that can contribute to acid reflux. Apples are easy to keep around the house or at work for snacking between meals. Eating small meals and frequent healthy snacks throughout the day, rather than three large meals, prevents acid reflux by aiding digestion and reducing the stomach's need for acid secretion. Although apple pie and other apple-filled sweets may seem appealing, limit your intake of low-fat snacks and desserts to 3 g of fat per serving or less, Jackson Siegelbaum suggests.
