When you experience frequent acid reflux, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. Over-the-counter medication reduces stomach acid production to help prevent symptoms. Stronger prescription medication also helps heal the esophagus from excessive acid reflux. GERD patients follow a diet to protect them from long-term acid reflux. GERD diets may allow carrot juice, which has also been used as a home remedy, but research is inconclusive. Check with your doctor for dietary and medical advice if you suspect GERD.
Stomach Acid Balance
Carrot juice may contain vital organic alkaline elements to balance acidity in the body. An imbalance in acidity levels may contribute to GERD symptoms. Dr. Linda Page, author of “Healthy Healing’s Detoxification,” recommends carrot juice or other natural juices at least once daily in a GERD diet for stomach acid balance. People respond differently to home remedies. Whether or not carrot juice stops your GERD symptoms, the juice usually works well in an acid reflux diet because of its low acidity.
Excessive Stomach Acid
Excessive acid in your stomach may result from heavy meals. Foods stay in the stomach longer, and the stomach requires more acid secretion for digestion, increasing the risk of acid reflux. Certain foods and drinks can trigger acid reflux by relaxing an esophageal muscle. The muscle normally opens when contents enter the stomach and then closes. A relaxed muscle does not shut tightly and allows acid backup. This can lead to the burning sensation of heartburn in your upper chest and throat or the sour, bitter taste in the back of your mouth.
Juice Alternative
Citrus fruits or juices and tomato-based products are often listed as foods to avoid in acid reflux diets. GERD patients may not tolerate these foods because of the acidic content. Carrot juice, apple juice and other non-citrus juices, however, make healthy alternatives. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends non-citrus juices and decaffeinated herbal teas for beverages in its acid reflux diet. Caffeinated and carbonated drinks may trigger GERD symptoms.
Healthful Drink
Carrot juice contains valuable vitamins and minerals. Even if it doesn’t work as a remedy, it makes a health drink that does not trigger acid reflux to fit in your diet. Because fatty or fried foods also trigger acid reflux symptoms, an acid reflux diet consists of low-fat, high-fiber foods, including carrots and carrot juice. Other foods in a GERD diet include lean meat, poultry without skin, fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
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