Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, results in frequent acid reflux. The esophageal muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. You may experience heartburn, a burning sensation in your upper chest and throat, or an acidic taste in the back of your mouth. Certain foods aggravate acid reflux by relaxing the esophageal muscle. You may avoid GERD symptoms by adding parsley to salads and dishes or even chewing on the leaf.
Acid Reflux Triggers
Foods that trigger acid reflux may include fried or fatty foods, tomato-based products, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine or carbonated beverages. You may have specific triggers because what bothers one person may not bother someone else. Parsley usually works in an acid reflux diet, but you may want to test it out to see how your body reacts.
GERD Diet
A diet to protect you from acid reflux includes vegetables, fruits, cereals, lean meat, fish and low-fat or nonfat dairy products, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Some people may consider parsley as a side decoration for meat and potatoes. Flat-leaf parsley often adds flavor to cooking and food preparation. You may want to try parsley in a heartburn-friendly salad that features shredded chicken, apple and brown rice, according to a HealthCentral recipe from Tracy Davenport. The salad also includes toasted walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette. You can use a tablespoon of fresh parsley. Parsley also goes well with fish, eggplant, eggs, lentils, mushrooms, pasta, peas, potatoes and zucchini.
Digestion
Parsley may help with digestive disorders. Indigestion and other digestive difficulties may contribute to acid reflux and heartburn. Heavy meals slow down digestion and make the stomach secrete more acid to digest contents. Parsley can replace mints to freshen breath and avoid acid reflux. Some people use mints to relieve their heartburn only to discover mint flavorings trigger acid reflux. Parsley makes a healthy alternative. Frequent acid reflux may contribute to bad breath, so parsley helps combat both disorders.
Possible Benefits
Parsley contains the amino acid glutamine, which may have anti-inflammatory properties. Glutamine may help reduce intestinal inflammation and acid reflux, according to Dr. Edward Group at the Global Healing Center. Parsley also works in an alkaline diet, which may neutralize acids to produce an alkaline balance and prevent heartburn, Evelyn Lim notes at the Disabled World website. When you consume more parsley and other vegetables, your stomach releases less acid. However, parsley's effectiveness for inflammation and neutralizing acids has not been well researched. Check with your doctor for dietary and medical advice if you have GERD or concerns about acid reflux.
References
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
- HealthCentral; Heartburn Friendly Cooking: Chicken, Apple and Brown Rice Salad; Tracy Davenport, Ph.D; September 2010
- Symptom Find; What Food to Avoid if You Have Acid Reflux; Ashley Henshaw
- Global Healing Center; 10 Home Remedies for Acid Reflux; Dr. Edward Group; May 2010
- Disabled World; Alkaline Diet Prevents Heartburn; Evelyn Lim; July 2007
