Lettuce is one of the most common leafy greens that people consume. It comes in many varieties that differ in color, flavor, and texture and is often served as part of salads.

But if you have to follow a diet with special requirements, such as a low-acid diet, it’s important to know more about the foods you eat than just how many calories they contain.
So, is lettuce acidic or alkaline? Can it be a part of a low-acid, GERD-friendly diet?
Table of Contents
Is lettuce acidic?
Lettuce is a very alkaline-forming leafy green, which means that it can be safely eaten by those particularly prone to acid reflux symptoms. In fact, adding lettuce to your diet can help you load up on important nutrients that may aid in soothing the symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn.
In addition, lettuce is very easy to add to any diet and incredibly low in calories, making it a great leafy green.
What’s the pH level of lettuce?
Regular green leaf has a pH level of around 5.80-6.15. This is a medium pH level, but lettuce is actually very alkaline-forming.
This means that eating lettuce won’t acidify your body or lead to acid reflux or GERD symptoms like heartburn.
Lettuce is also a great source of several important minerals and vitamins, making it a great addition to any diet.

When consumed with other alkaline-forming veggies, lettuce can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of your acid reflux symptoms.
Adding more fiber-rich foods to your salads or dishes with lettuce can also increase the fiber content.
This is beneficial as it helps fight against heartburn and other issues.
Is lettuce good for you?
Lettuce contains very few calories in a single serving, but it does provide you with some nutrients. One of the most abundant vitamins found in all types of lettuce is vitamin K.
This fat-soluble micronutrient helps with blood clotting, bone metabolism, and blood calcium levels regulation.
High levels of vitamin K may also prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related issues, especially in older individuals.
It’s also important to remember that this is a fat-soluble vitamin, so to ensure proper absorption, it’s crucial to take it in with some healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, or olive oil.
Just like all leafy greens, lettuce is a great source of powerful antioxidants and plant compounds.
These can help flush out free radicals, preventing oxidative stress and damage to all your cells and tissues.
As a result, you’re at a lower risk of various chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
Red romaine lettuce is especially rich in antioxidants, particularly those that reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cognitive decline with age.
Some types of lettuce, especially butterhead lettuce, are also rich in iron. This mineral is important for creating red blood cells and keeping your energy levels up, preventing fatigue and exhaustion.

For iron to be best absorbed, your body also needs vitamin C. Luckily, butterhead lettuce is a good source of both of these micronutrients.
So, you’re more likely to get a lot of the iron found in lettuce. It’s important to have enough iron-rich foods in your diet, as iron deficiency can lead to anemia and other serious health issues.
Eating lettuce can also aid in weight loss. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and most of it is water. Together, all of these help you feel fuller after eating, which prevents overeating.
This lowers your risk of obesity and other weight gain-related health issues.
While only eating lettuce won’t lead to healthy weight loss, adding it to your diet or as part of healthy salads can definitely help.
Should you eat lettuce on acid reflux?
Lettuce is alkaline-forming and has many health benefits. As a result, you can eat it even if you suffer from symptoms like heartburn or have been diagnosed with GERD.
Not only is lettuce an alkaline leafy green, but it’s also a great source of fiber, especially romaine lettuce.
This macronutrient helps keep your digestive system healthy and prevents stomach acid from rising up your esophagus.
Lettuce is also low in calories, so it won’t cause weight gain, which is connected to more severe acid reflux symptoms.
Is iceberg lettuce acidic?

Iceberg lettuce has a pH level of around 5.70-6.13. It’s also alkaline-forming, so you can safely add it to a low-acid diet.
Children who might not enjoy other lettuce types due to their texture often favor this crispy lettuce.
Iceberg lettuce is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, manganese, and potassium, which makes it a good food for everyone.
Is romaine lettuce acidic?
Romaine lettuce has a pH level of 5.78-6.06. Just like green leaf lettuce, it’s alkaline-forming, so you can eat it even if you suffer from acid reflux or GERD symptoms.
This type of lettuce is slightly more crunchy and higher in fiber than other lettuce kinds. Romaine lettuce is also an excellent source of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
As a result, adding it to your diet can be very beneficial for your health.
What type of lettuce is the best for acid reflux?

All types of lettuce have alkaline-forming properties. This makes them a suitable addition to a low-acid diet or an alkaline diet.
Those who suffer from symptoms like heartburn should also be able to enjoy all lettuce types, from romaine to iceberg, without any issues.
In addition to its alkaline-forming properties, lettuce also contains a decent dose of fiber, which helps soak up excess stomach acid.
So, it’s safe to say that eating lettuce on a low-acid diet can only bring you loads of benefits.
Conclusion
Lettuce is a delicious, low-calorie, and alkaline-forming leafy green. Because of that, everyone should add it to their diet to reap wonderful health benefits.
There are many types of lettuce, all depending on your tastebuds. So, everyone can find something they enjoy.
In addition, lettuce can be eaten as part of a salad, larger meals, and even as a replacement for tortillas. So, as you can see, it’s a very versatile veggie.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level