Many people with acid reflux or GERD follow a diet low in acidic foods and drinks to avoid triggering or worsening their symptoms. Heartburn, the most common symptom, can be extremely unpleasant and even debilitating in some sufferers.
Low-acid diets allow acid reflux and GERD sufferers to effectively manage their conditions, but they can be difficult to design and maintain. Followers of such diets must know the acidity of common foods and how each affects their symptoms.
Many foods are acidic, but what about cranberries?
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Are Cranberries Acidic or Alkaline?
Cranberries are acidic and may trigger or worsen acid reflux or GERD symptoms.
However, there's still an ongoing debate on the effects of cranberries on acid reflux. Some experts claim that cranberries may trigger acid reflux symptoms, but some believe that natural cranberries benefit heartburn as they are alkaline-forming, especially when eaten raw.
They're also highly nutritious, and if you can tolerate their acidity, they are an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
What Is the pH of Cranberries?
The pH of cranberries is around 3.0, meaning they're likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms as they irritate your gut.
However, everyone's symptom triggers are different, and if you can tolerate their acidity, adding a few to your diet could benefit your health.
Are Cranberries Healthy?
Cranberries are highly nutritious but low in calories, with most calories coming from carbohydrates.
They contain 22% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which supports skin, tissue, and bone health. It also boosts your immune system and is a potent antioxidant that flushes free radicals from your body.
Cranberries are also a good source of manganese, which supports connective tissue, bone, blood-clotting factor, and sex hormone production. It also boosts metabolism and protects the brain and nerves from age-related damage.
Cranberries and cranberry juice effectively fight urinary tract infections and inflammation.
Are Cranberries Bad for Acid Reflux?
Cranberries are acidic, so they're likely to trigger or worsen your acid reflux symptoms. However, it's also worth mentioning that raw, fresh cranberries have an alkalizing effect and has a higher pH than dried, so consuming them may be beneficial for those suffering from heartburn.
Is Cranberry Juice Bad for Acid Reflux?
Cranberry juice is slightly more acidic than fresh cranberries, with a pH of 2.30 to 2.52. While raw cranberries have a higher pH, cranberry juice has a more acidic pH due to the process it undergoes.
It's high in sugar, with a cup containing almost 31 grams. Sugar slows digestion, stimulating gastric acid production. It also spikes blood sugar levels, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Are Dried Cranberries Bad for Acid Reflux?
Dried cranberries are more acidic than fresh, with a pH of around 2.40-3.00.
They're also less nutritious and contain more sugar, with ⅓ of a cup containing 26 grams.
Cranberries are acidic, so most people with acid reflux or GERD should limit their intake or avoid them altogether.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level