The majority of Americans admit to eating a lot more junk food than they should, according to a report by Pew Research. Foods like hamburgers slathered with bacon and cheese, chili and hot wings irritate the stomach lining, contributing to painful symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Discovering the foods you can eat that will soothe away the pain in your digestive tract and aid in neutralizing acids, will enable you to find almost instant relief from your symptoms.
Sweets
Raw honey soothes the stomach and is alkaline-forming, assisting in stimulating the production of bicarbonate, a digestive juice created in the pancreas and necessary for digestive health, according to Dr. Theodore A. Baroody in his book, "Alkalize or Die."
Complex Carbohydrates
Starchy vegetables and whole grains help create an alkaline balance in the stomach, according to the Young' in their book, "The pH Miracle." The Youngs advise that maintaining a slightly alkaline state is the ideal for the body, promoting proper digestion. Try amaranth or quinoa as whole grains or in flours for baking.
Spices and Condiments
Use green spices, like basil, to sooth acid reflux symptoms, suggests the Mama Herb website. Ginger is an old time medicinal remedy used by the Chinese for relieving burning pains, and is recommended by the Health 911 website for indigestion from eating spicy foods in particular. Curried foods made with turmeric can soothe the stomach and esophagus, notes Health 911 and the herb may aid digestion and may offer protection against the excess buildup of acids.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and most vegetables relieve acid reflux and GERD symptoms according to Baroody. He suggests the more alkaline-forming, sweeter fruits which help to protect the lining of the stomach. Red apples, berries and melons are recommended. Health911 recommends eating bananas, which act like a natural antacid and relieve reflux pain. Green and leafy vegetables, like spinach, collard greens, kale and Chinese cabbage work well to protect against acidosis, a condition that develops from consuming foods that create an acid-forming environment in the stomach, explains Baroody. Add some carrots, celery, artichokes and avocados for good measure.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is considered a wonder food according to Baroody and is also highly touted by the Earth Clinic Folk Remedy site as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). ACV contributes to the creation of digestive enzymes, encouraging not only the production of acids in the stomach, but also that of bicarbonate, which neutralizes digesting food further down the line in the digestive tract, explains Baroody. High in potassium, ACV is beneficial to kidney function and also aids in keeping the motility of the digestive tract working properly, according to Baroody.
References
- Health911: Heartburn
- "The pH Miracle;" Robert O. Young, Ph.D. and Shelly Redford Young; 2003
- "Alkalize or Die;" Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
