12 Foods To Get Relief From Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is distressing. It causes bloating, flatulence, heartburn, and hiccups.

While you may reach out for an antacid for immediate relief, it is worth considering natural foods that can relieve an acidic stomach.

You should ponder over how to cure acidity permanently. Home remedies for acidity can be facilitated with foods that reduce stomach acid.

Often you may have felt a burning sensation in your lower chest area rising to your throat after a hearty meal. This condition is called heartburn.

Now this heartburn is only a symptom of another condition called acidity or acid reflux. When the stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, it causes a burning sensation in the oesophagus which lies behind the heart. And for this reason, the term ‘heartburn’ was coined.

The food that we eat is chewed in the mouth and passed down the oesophagus to the stomach. The gastric glands present in the stomach secrete certain acids to break down the food particles to digest it.

Sometimes these glands produce acids more than what is needed for the process of digestion. This results in acid reflux. Below are some of the foods you can consider for acid reflux.

Bananas

The high fibre content in banana makes it an ideal choice as an antidote for acid reflux.

It is rich in potassium and helps in mucus production in the stomach that inhibits excess acid secretion. It also counters the harmful effects of stomach acids.

Cold Milk

Milk is rich in calcium which is primarily good for your bone health. However, it helps in the maintenance of pH balance aiding proper digestion of food in the stomach.

Buttermilk

The lactic acid in the cold buttermilk neutralises the stomach acidity. It is a natural probiotic, and an excellent antidote to acidity as it aids in the digestion and the beneficial bacteria present in it prevents the buildup of gas and bloating.

This is why Indian meals are often accompanied by buttermilk which counters the ill effects of spicy and oily food.

Fennel seeds

The Anethole compound present in fennel seeds soothes the stomach and prevents flatulence. It is also loaded with minerals and vitamins apart from fibre that helps the digestion of food.

Often chewing or drinking a glass of water with soaked fennel seeds gives you immediate relief from acidity.

Basil leaf

Basil or Tulsi, as we know commonly in India, is an important herb that stimulates mucus formation in the stomach to relieve heartburn and nausea. Chew a few basil leaves, and it will soothe your inflamed oesophagus and the inner lining of your stomach.

Pineapple juice

It is a tried and tested a home remedy for acidity. Bromelain present in the juice controls the level of hydrochloric acid, one of the primary stomach acids.

Aloe vera juice also is as effective as pineapple juice as an antacid.

Raw Almonds

It is regarded as a natural home remedy for ulcers and heartburn. The high fibre content in the nuts helps the process of digestion.

Mint Leaves

Mint leaves or Pudina is one of the best natural coolants that relieve you of distress caused by acidity. It lowers the acid content in the stomach.

Cloves

It helps in soothing the inflamed and damaged stomach lining to ease heartburn and spasms. It is alkaline, and its carminative property neutralises the gastric acids preventing acidity, flatulence and bad breath.

Ginger

The properties of ginger destroy the acidity triggering bacteria Pylori. It reduces inflammation, minimises nausea and calms the stomach muscles.

Garlic

The antioxidants present in garlic makes it a potent remedy for indigestion. It is equally a potent antidote to acidity. However, too much consumption of garlic may be harmful.

Gooseberries

It is commonly known as Amla. Gooseberries have many medicinal properties and one of them is preventing acidity. It is one of the naturally available richest sources of Vitamin C that heals the lining of the stomach and oesophagus.