Pineapple may worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. However, people respond differently to foods and you may have specific foods you need to avoid. Pineapple may not fit in with your diet. Experiencing acid reflux more than two times a week suggests you have GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Antacids and acid-reducing medication relieve or prevent symptoms. A preventive diet includes foods that provide long-term protection from acid reflux.
Reflux Causes
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It may cause heartburn, a burning feeling in your upper chest and throat. You may also have a sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth from acidic contents. Heavy meals or high-fat foods can slow down digestion and increase the risk of stomach acid backup. Certain foods also weaken an esophageal muscle to trigger acid reflux. The muscle normally blocks acid backup by opening as food enters the stomach and then closing. A relaxed muscle does not shut tightly and allows contents to rise back up.
Trigger Foods
The foods that trigger your acid reflux may differ from other people. Common offenders include pineapple, citrus fruit, tomatoes and tomato-based products because of their acidic contents. Other possible culprits include fried foods, spicy foods, chocolate, mint flavorings, onions, garlic, carbonated drinks and caffeine. Keeping a food diary can help you identify your triggers, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Jot down the foods you eat for a week, the time of day and the symptoms you experience. You can gradually eliminate possible offenders and avoid symptoms.
Acid Reflux Diet
Acid reflux diets often list pineapple among the foods to avoid. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends avoiding pineapple, oranges, grapefruit and tomatoes while focusing on nonacidic fruits such as melons, bananas, apples, peaches and pears. Following an acid reflux diet helps protect you from symptoms on a regular basis, but you may be able to eat certain items listed to shun. Other foods in an acid reflux diet include vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, skinless poultry and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Potential Benefits
In some cases, pineapple may be fine and could even relieve acid reflux symptoms. Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, breaks down proteins to help the body digest foods easily. Pineapple, like other fruits, contains high amounts of fiber to aid digestion. Easily digested foods mean the stomach does not require excess acid for digestion, decreasing the risk of acid reflux. Bromelain may also contain anti-inflammatory properties to relieve the pain of acid reflux.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- McKinley Health Center: The GERD Diet
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
- Natural News.com: Fresh Pineapple Has Many Benefits
- Acid Reflux Symptoms and Cures: Treating Acid Reflux
