Homemade soups are among the most nutritious, healthy dishes you can eat. Many soups, especially those made with bone broth, contain good amounts of an array of nutrients that help keep you healthy.
Soups made from fresh ingredients are also delicious, but many people now follow a diet aimed at a specific health issue. Such a diet is the low-acid diet followed by those suffering from acid reflux.
These people must limit their intake of acidic foods and, in some cases, stop eating certain foods altogether. The severity of acid reflux symptoms varies between sufferers, with some able to tolerate more acidity before triggering heartburn or other symptoms.
Some soups can be very acidic, so what about tomato soup? How does this delicious, nutritious soup fit into a low-acid diet?
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Is Tomato Soup Acidic or Alkaline?
Although not as acidic as tomatoes, tomato soup is slightly acidic. It's also relatively acid-forming, so eating too much can trigger acid reflux and GERD symptoms in people particularly susceptible to acidic foods.
However, it's highly nutritious, so if you can tolerate its acidity, it's an excellent addition to your diet.
What Is the pH of Tomato Soup?
Tomato soup has a pH between 4.62 and 5.50. However, this may be a little higher for soups made with bone broth, which will also add nutrients lacking in vegetable or chicken stocks.
Using fresh tomatoes rather than concentrate to make soup will also reduce its acid-forming properties and sodium content.
Is Tomato Soup Healthy?
One cup of tomato soup contains approximately 74 calories, most of which come from carbohydrates, including fiber.
Fiber helps food move quickly through your digestive system, and it soaks up excess stomach acid, preventing it from triggering your acid reflux or GERD.
Tomato soup is an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene has been shown to fight off the adverse health effects of free radicals. It also helps prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Tomato soup made with bone broth contains collagen and other animal compounds that contribute to bone and joint health. Collagen is in many cosmetics and skincare products, so it can help you stay looking young.
Bone broth prevents dehydration by loading you with electrolytes and balancing your potassium and sodium levels.
In addition, research suggests that consuming tomatoes may lower the risk of developing cancer, such as prostate and breast cancer. Many experts believe this is due to the lycopene and carotenoids in tomatoes.
Can You Eat Tomato Soup if You Have Acid Reflux?
People with severe acid reflux or who are particularly sensitive to acidic foods should limit their consumption of tomato soup, as it may trigger their symptoms.
However, if you can tolerate even small quantities, it's a healthy addition to your diet.
Is Cream of Tomatoes Bad for Acid Reflux?
Cream of tomatoes is tomato soup thickened with heavy cream or high-fat milk, so it's way higher in fat and calories, both of which can trigger acid reflux.
Heavy cream is very acid-forming, so it's best to avoid all creamy soups on a low-acid diet.
Cream of tomatoes is harder to digest due to its high fat and carb content. Fat and carbs spend more time in your stomach, making it produce more acid.
Tomato is one of the most nutritious, delicious soups, and if you make it yourself, it's not too high in calories and sodium.
If you can tolerate its acidity, it's a wonderful addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level