Many people with acid reflux or GERD follow a diet low in acidic foods and drinks to avoid triggering or worsening their symptoms. Heartburn, the primary symptom, is a burning sensation in the middle of the chest and is always unpleasant, sometimes debilitating.
Such diets can be tricky to design and difficult to maintain, as many common foods and drinks are acidic and acid-forming, meaning they're likely to bring on a heartburn attack.
Fruits and vegetables are good for you; however, many are acidic and may trigger acid reflux symptoms.
Likewise, many fruit and vegetable juices are acidic; below, I've listed some from most acidic to least.
Table of Contents
1. Lemon
Unsurprisingly, lemon juice is one of the most acidic juices, with a pH of 2.
Although most people don't drink it in large quantities, even a little lemon juice may trigger your acid reflux symptoms. However, it's also important to note that lemon produces alkaline byproducts once digested. Still, it may trigger symptoms, especially when consumed in large amounts.
2. Lime
Similarly, most people don't drink a lot of lime juice, but it's still likely to trigger heartburn, with a pH of 2 to 2.3. However, like lemon juice, lime juice produces alkaline byproducts, making them safe after digestion.
3. Blueberry
Blueberry juice isn't very popular, and just as well if you suffer from acid reflux, as it's very acidic, with a pH of 2.5 to 2.9.
4. Cranberry
Cranberry juice has many health benefits but is highly acidic, with a pH of 2.6.
5. Grapefruit
Most citrus fruits are highly acidic, and grapefruit is no exception, with a pH of 2.9.
6. Cherry
Although delicious, cherry juice is also highly likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms, with a pH of around 3.
7. Grape
Grape juice is delicious and, like many juices, nutritious. Unfortunately, it's also acidic, with a pH of 3 to 4.
8. Apple
Apple juice is a popular drink at breakfast. But, as apples are acidic, so is the juice, with a pH of 3.53 to 4.
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9. Orange
Orange juice is probably the most popular juice but is highly acidic, with a pH of 3.3 to 4.
10. Peach
Surprisingly, peach juice is as acidic as orange, with a pH of 3.3 to 4.
11. Pineapple
Pineapple juice goes well with almost anything, including alcohol.
Unfortunately, it's acidic, with a pH of 3.5.
12. Pear
The pH of pear juice is 3.5 to 4.6, depending on the brand and variety.
13. Pomegranate
Pomegranate juice is acidic, with a pH of 3.5; however, after drinking, this changes to 5.5, making it one of the better fruit juices for acid reflux.
14. Guava
Guava is delicious and is often found in mixed fruit drinks. It is, however, acidic, with a pH of 3.6.
15. Prune
Not many people drink prune juice regularly, especially if they have acid reflux, as its pH is 3.9.
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16. Tomato
Tomato juice is less acidic than citrus juices, with a pH of 4.1 to 4.6.
17. Coconut Water
Coconut water is slightly acidic, with a pH of 5 to 5.4, making it a better choice for acid reflux sufferers than some on this list.
18. Papaya
Papaya is also slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.2. However, papaya is an alkaline-forming fruit, which means it does not add to the body's acid load after digestion.
19. Celery
Celery juice is becoming more popular as more people realize how healthy it is.
It's also only slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.7 to 6. However, most vegetable juices are alkaline-forming, including celery. But if you have irritable bowel syndrome, you may have to skip celery.
20. Mango
Mango juice is a fantastic summer drink that is only slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.8 to 6. Mango juice is also alkaline-forming, making it an ideal option for people sensitive to acidic juices.
21. Cucumber
Cucumber is refreshing, and so is the juice. It's also only slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.2, so it's unlikely to trigger heartburn in most people with acid reflux. Cucumbers are highly alkalizing and refreshing, improve digestion, and boost hydration.
22. Carrot
Carrot juice is becoming more popular; like carrots, it's highly nutritious.
It's also safe for most on a low-acid diet, with a pH of 6.2.
23. Beet
Beet is another vegetable juice gaining popularity as its health benefits become known.
It's especially popular with athletes and can help regulate blood pressure. It's also great for those with acid reflux, with a pH of 6.6.
24. Wheatgrass
Almost ubiquitous in smoothie shops and health bars, wheatgrass juice is nutritious and great for those on a low-acid diet, with a pH of 6.7.
25. Acai Berry
Acai berries are the main ingredient in acai bowls and are delicious in smoothies. Acai berry juice won't trigger your acid reflux symptoms, as it's alkaline.
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