If you suffer from acid reflux or GERD, you know how important it is to consume low-acid foods.
Unfortunately, it might be hard to do sometimes, as most common foods might aggravate your symptoms instead of helping them.
For example, most fruits tend to be rather acidic, which can irritate your esophagus and stomach.
So, are there any low-acid fruits you can eat on acid reflux?
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Least Acidic Fruits
Even though most fruits might be acid-forming, there are many that you can include on a low-acid, stomach-friendly diet.
These are still delicious but won’t worsen your symptoms. In addition, they are loaded with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, helping you stay healthy and further protecting your digestive system.
After all, fruits are a crucial part of a healthy diet, so you should always find a way to consume them.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
1. Avocados
Avocados have a high pH level, ranging between 6.27-6.58. This is not only relatively high, but they also have alkaline-forming properties.
Because of that, eating avocados won’t cause heartburn or any other acid reflux or GERD symptoms.
What’s more, avocados are rich in monosaturated fats, which have been shown to protect against heart disease and lower your blood pressure.
Avocados also provide you with a great dose of folate, vitamin K, potassium, and vitamin C, preventing deficiencies of these micronutrients.
2. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe has a pH level of 6.13-6.58. It’s also very alkaline-forming, so it can help neutralize some gastric acid in your stomach, preventing acid reflux symptoms.
Cantaloupe melons are a great source of vitamins C and A, which makes them wonderful for boosting your immune system and keeping your eyes healthy.
These melons also provide you with a lot of potassium, which can help keep your blood pressure in check.
3. Mangos
Depending on the variety, mangos have a pH level of 2.40-6.00. They’re not only low in acid but also delicious and rich in vitamins.
A single serving of mangos provides you with a lot of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and copper.
Mangos are also rich in antioxidants that help protect your cells from oxidative damage and reduce your risk of several chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
4. Watermelon
Watermelon has a pH level of around 5.18-5.60. This incredibly hydrating and low-calorie fruit packs a great dose of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, as well as lots of antioxidants.
Watermelon also has some anti-inflammatory properties, helping your muscles recover after exercise and preventing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation along the way.
It’s also very easy to add to any diet, no matter what dietary plan you follow. For example, adding them to water can help you increase your intake of fluids very easily.
5. Honeydew
Honeydew melon has a pH level ranging between 6.00-6.67. Just like other types of melon, honeydew can help you stay hydrated as it contains a large amount of water.
It’s also a good source of vitamin C and magnesium, which both contribute to a healthy immune system that fights against viruses and bacteria.
What’s more, honeydew melon contains plant compounds that can greatly benefit the health of your skin.
Because of that, they’re often included in natural skin care products, but eating them can bring you even more benefits.
6. Papaya
Papaya has a pH level of approximately 5.20-6.00. Papaya is yet another fruit that’s low in acidity but full of nutrients.
It’s high in vitamin C, folate, potassium, and calcium, and it’s also a great source of fiber. Papayas also contain antioxidants that protect you from heart disease by lowering the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in your body.
Because of that, eating papayas can be especially good for people prone to cardiovascular conditions.
7. Bananas
Bananas have a pH level of 4.50-5.20. Aside from being low in acid, bananas are also one of the best potassium sources among fruits.
This mineral is important for nerve signals and muscle contractions, among other functions. Bananas also pack a great dose of fiber in a single serving, which means they can help prevent stomach issues and reduce your risk of heartburn.
Eating bananas can also boost your immune system and prevent various vitamin deficiencies, as they’re loaded with vitamin C, riboflavin, and vitamin B6.
8. Coconuts
Coconuts have a pH level of 5.50-7.80. Even though it’s high in calories, coconuts are very alkaline-forming, and experts recommend them for people following a low-acid diet.
Coconuts are also a great source of fiber, which is an important nutrient for soaking up excess stomach acid and preventing heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.
Additionally, coconuts provide you with a lot of potassium, phosphorus, folate, and manganese, which are all important micronutrients for good health.
9. Figs
Figs have a pH level of around 5.05-5.98. Aside from being some of the least acidic fruits, figs are a good source of potassium and calcium, which work together to improve bone density, thus preventing osteoporosis.
What’s more, figs – as well as dates – contain powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect you from various health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.
10. Peaches
Peaches have a pH level of around 3.30-4.05. While it might seem like that’s a low pH level, peaches are actually rather low in acid and don’t irritate your esophagus and stomach during digestion.
They’re also loaded with vitamins, including niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and pantothenic acid. In addition, peaches can also help stabilize your blood pressure, thanks to the potassium they provide you with.
Because of the potassium, eating peaches can also regulate fluid balance in your body and ensure a good level of other electrolytes.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many fruits that have high pH levels and alkaline-forming properties.
Also, as long as the fruits you eat don’t contain too much sugar, they can be a great addition to a stomach-friendly, low-acid diet.
They’re also loaded with nutrients that contribute to good health, so there’s no reason not to consume them as often as you can.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Sources: FDA