Bread is a critically important global food staple, and many countries have specialty breads. It's cheap to buy, easy to produce, and versatile, used for everything from savory sandwiches to sweet desserts.
However, many people suffer from acid reflux, GERD, and associated symptoms like heartburn. These people must know the acidity of common foods, and they often follow a low-acid diet to avoid triggering or worsening their symptoms.
Such a diet can be difficult to maintain, as many foods are acidic. How well does bread fit into a low-acid diet?
Table of Contents
Is Bread Acidic or Alkaline?
Bread is slightly acidic, with a pH of around 5 to 6.5. Gluten-free bread is the least acidic, with a pH of around 6.5.
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What is the pH of Bread?
The pH scale developed in 1909 has a range from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral; anything below that is acidic and above is alkaline.
Wheat bread has a pH of about 6, whereas rye bread is around 5. White bread is around 5 to 5.5.
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What is the pH of Bread's Ingredients?
Most breads contain active dry yeast, water, sugar, salt, canola oil, and flour.
With a pH of 8.6, dry yeast is alkaline, and the pH of water can range between 6.0 and 8.5.
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Sugar is neutral, with a pH of 7; salt, with a pH of 7.2, is slightly alkaline.
Canola oil is very acidic, with a pH of about 2 to 3.5, while flour is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6 to 6.8.
Is Bread Bad for Acid Reflux?
Although it's slightly acidic, whole-grain bread is good for acid reflux. Whole-grain foods are a good source of fiber, which soaks up stomach acid.
Other foods that help acid reflux include broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, and green beans. Fruits, nuts, seeds, egg whites, chicken, tofu, and ginger are also great additions to a low-acid diet.
If you have acid reflux, avoid chocolate, garlic, onions, and drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, or gas.
RELATED INFORMATION
Whole-grain, sprouted-grain, and whole-wheat breads are best for those with acid reflux. Avoid white bread, as it doesn't contain much fiber.
Sources:
Dooley, T. (2019, December 20). Acid Reflux Diet: 8 Foods To Eat & Avoid: Gastroenterologist San Antonio. Retrieved December 18, 2020, from https://www.gastroconsa.com/acid-reflux-diet-8-foods-to-eat-avoid/
Nordlund, E., Katina, K., Mykkänen, H., & Poutanen, K. (2016, March 25). Distinct Characteristics of Rye and Wheat Breads Impact on Their in Vitro Gastric Disintegration and in Vivo Glucose and Insulin Responses. Retrieved December 18, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302334/
Madell, R. (2020, January 29). 7 Foods to Add to Your Diet for Acid Reflux. Retrieved December 17, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/diet-nutrition
Søren Sørensen. (2018, January 11). Retrieved December 18, 2020, from https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/soren-sorensen