Fish is low in calories, delicious, and highly nutritious. It's also quite versatile in the kitchen, as different varieties suit different dishes, many of which are high in healthy fats.
However, many people nowadays suffer from acid reflux or GERD and follow a low-acid diet to avoid triggering or worsening unpleasant symptoms like heartburn. Followers of such diets must know the acidity of common foods and how each affects their condition.
Can people with acid reflux safely add fish to their meal plans?
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Is Fish Acidic or Alkaline?
Fish is slightly acidic, depending on the variety and how it's prepared. Although fish tends to be acid-forming, everybody has different tolerance levels, so some may enjoy fish without triggering GERD symptoms while others may not.
Additionally, fish is also rich in nutrients, including healthy fats, so it's an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
What Is the pH of Fish?
Fish pH is between 5.3 and 6.5, with salmon at the higher end and white fish lower.
Is Fish Healthy?
Fish is highly nutritious, with a cod fillet containing about 181 calories and 41g of protein, which keeps you feeling full longer after eating.
Salmon has more calories but also more healthy fats. These fats lower your bad cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for growth in children and support brain function. These acids also protect your retina from age-related damage.
However, some types of fish are high in mercury, which may hinder brain development in the fetus. Everybody, especially pregnant women and children, should choose fish low in mercury, such as salmon, sardines, and trout.
Is Fish Bad for Acid Reflux?
Fish is only mildly acidic, so it shouldn't trigger symptoms in most people with acid reflux or GERD. However, everyone's symptom triggers are different, so add any new fish to your diet slowly.
Which Type of Fish is the Least Acidic?
Bluefish, cuttlefish, and salmon are less acidic than cod and mackerel, so they are better choices for those particularly sensitive to acidic foods.
Is Canned Fish Bad for Acid Reflux?
Like fresh, canned fish is only slightly acidic, but this depends on what it's packed in.
Canning it in water or oil doesn't change the acidity, and canned tuna has a pH of around 5.9-6.0. However, fish canned in tomato sauce or mustard may be more acidic.
Canned foods are often high in sodium, too much of which may raise your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level