Deciding what to drink can be challenging for people suffering from acid reflux or GERD, as most fruit juices are acidic and may trigger or worsen their symptoms. Likewise, cow's milk may cause heartburn, as although it's only slightly acidic, it's acid-forming.
As more people turn toward a plant-based diet, plant-based milk is becoming more commonly available. Are they a better choice for those on a low-acid diet?
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Is Coconut Milk Acidic or Alkaline?
Coconut milk is slightly acidic; however, milk made from fresh coconuts is alkaline-forming, while that made with dried is acid-forming.
Coconut milk is rich in many nutrients, some of which may protect your stomach lining from inflammation, reducing your risk of acid reflux.
What Is the pH of Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk has a pH of between 6.10 and 7.00, slightly lower if it's pasteurized. Milk made from fresh coconuts is alkaline-forming, which lessens your risk of heartburn.
Additives may increase its acidity, but those used in canned coconut milk tend not to.
Is Coconut Milk Healthy?
Half a cup of coconut milk contains around 226 calories, mostly from fat. However, the fats in coconut don't clog your arteries.
Coconut milk is rich in iron, which is essential for hemoglobin and hormone production. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, so it's essential to get enough every day.
It's also an excellent source of magnesium, with half a cup containing around 26% of the recommended daily intake.
Magnesium deficiency can lead to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
A recent study showed that coconut milk might prevent digestive system inflammation, which could prevent severe acid reflux.
Can You Drink Coconut Milk with Acid Reflux?
Most brands use fresh coconut, so they're alkaline-forming and unlikely to trigger acid reflux symptoms.
Drinking coconut milk may even soothe symptoms. However, people have different triggers, so it's best to observe the effects and avoid them once symptoms worsen.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Is Coconut Milk Better for Acid Reflux Than Other Milks?
Most kinds of nut milk are alkaline-forming, so they're better for acid reflux than cow's milk or soy, which are acid-forming.
However, everyone's symptom triggers are different; some people may tolerate different kinds of milk better than others.