Banana is the most common fruit that people love to eat both raw and in desserts. Due to its taste, it can pair well with any sweet dish. Moreover, you can make bakery items with it, like banana bread. Due to all their health benefits, bananas are also considered a blessing for the stomach. But is Banana good for acid reflux as well?
Bananas can help to relieve acid reflux symptoms because they’re an alkaline food that can coat the stomach lining and protect it from too much acid. They’re also rich in fiber and pectin, both of which help keep food moving through your digestive system smoothly.
This article is discussing every reason why the Banana is a miracle fruit that is helping people cope with stomach problems. So, continue reading!
Table of Content
Bananas and Acid Reflux: How Does it Work?
One in every four Americans is dealing with some sort of stomach acid problem. The cause of concern is that the numbers are rising with each passing day. So, everyone should know which foods they should eat to keep the gut happy and free from the harmful effects of high stomach acid levels. You now know one such food, banana for acid reflux.
Banana is good for Acid Reflux and is eaten as a treatment for those who have any stomach acid problems. Lots of reasons have been described by nutritionists in this regard, but the most quoted one is that Bananas are alkaline. Thus, it brings down the acid levels in the stomach.
Most people think Banana is effective in reducing acid reflux because it is Alkaline due to its high potassium content. So, it balances out the extra acid present in your gut.
But there’s more to it.
In addition to this, bananas also form a lining in the stomach and some parts of the esophagus. Thus, you don’t feel many acidic effects, and the discomfort you feel during acid reflux also lessens to a great extent.
That’s not all either!
Most of you might know that the stomach releases more acid when it is not able to digest any food. This leads to acid reflux and heartburn.
Bananas help in making the digestive process smoother. So, the stomach does not have to release more acid, and the Acid reflux won’t happen or get worse (if you already have it).
Plus, the fiber content in this fruit makes you feel full. Hence, you eat fewer unhealthy and processed snacks, and your stomach remains in great health.
What Kind of Banana is Good for Acid Reflux?
Until now, I only mentioned a regular banana.
But there are many different cultivars available that differ in nutrition.
Plus, what about banana bread and smoothies? Are they good for acid reflux, too, or are they damaging?
You may also like: Are Blueberries Acidic Or Alkaline?
3 types of Bananas is good for acid reflux:
01. Is Saba Banana Good for Acid Reflux?
Saba banana is one of the most famous banana cultivars that first originated in the Philippines. It is now eaten in almost every part of the world.
It is high in starch, vital vitamins, iron, potassium, and manganese. But the question is, Is a Saba banana good for hyperacidity?
Yes, saba banana is good for bringing down the acidity and its negative impacts.
It has a pH level of 6 to 7.5, so it is neutral to slightly alkaline. Thus, it balances out the acidity level in the stomach and prevents any discomfort from occurring.
02. Is Lakatan Banana Good for Acid Reflux?
Lakatan is another cultivar that people eat. It is bigger than most banana varieties and has a thicker skin too.
But just like other bananas, it is good for acid reflux as well.
Since it is bigger, two servings of this cultivar make you feel full, and you don’t feel the urge to eat any processed snacks like chips. So, the stomach remains in great health and functions properly.
In addition to this, two servings are also more than enough to form a layer on the stomach and give relief from acid reflux.
03. Is Green Banana Good for Acid Reflux?
Yes, it is. A Green Banana is slightly more alkaline than the ripe one. So, it is even better for acid reflux than mature fruit.
However, green bananas are difficult to peel. Thus, sometimes the skin or “outer covering” stays on the fruit. This skin may contain harmful pesticide chemicals. So, make sure you completely peel it before you eat it.
One great way to easily remove the green banana peel is to boil it.
Is Boiled Banana Good for Acid Reflux?
Yes again. People generally love to boil green bananas and then add them to desserts or smoothies.
Just like the raw Banana, the boiled fruit is also rich in nutrients that induce many health benefits, including lowering stomach acidity levels.
Now, let us discuss some banana products!
Is Banana Bread Good for Acid Reflux?
Yes, generally, banana bread is healthy for those who have acid reflux.
However, some people experience stomach pain and heartburn after eating it. The possibility is that such people might be allergic to any ingredient in banana bread.
Overall, banana bread is a great option to eat if you have stomach acid problems.
Is Banana Ketchup Good for Acid Reflux?
Banana ketchup is a popular side dish that is made from Banana, vinegar, spices, honey, and salt.
It is a healthier alternative to ketchup and different sauces. Moreover, it pairs well with almost every salty and sweet dish due to its tanginess.
However, it is more acidic than any other banana product due to the vinegar. Thus, consuming it frequently can cause acid reflux and heartburn.
Is Banana Smoothie Good for Acid Reflux?
Yes, a banana smoothie is good for acid reflux and GERD. However, make sure you don’t add any acidic ingredients to it (like any citrus or any other acidic fruits).
Furthermore, those who don’t like animal-based milk should go for high pH alternatives like oat milk to make even healthier smoothies.
Long story short, consume the banana smoothies but be careful about the ingredients.
Similarly, people also ask- Is Banana shake good for acid reflux? The answer is yes again, and the reasons are the same as described above.
Also read: Is Yogurt Good For Acid Reflux?
FAQs
Is Banana Good For Acid Reflux In Dogs?
Yes, to control acid reflux and promote digestion, you can give bananas to your dogs. However, giving them too many may cause health problems as bananas are high in calories.
Vets recommend giving half a banana per day to large dogs and one-third to smaller ones.
Can I Eat Both Banana And Apple For Acid Reflux?
Yes, both of these fruits are known to reduce the acid reflux in the stomach. So, consuming both at the same time can benefit you greatly.
How Long Does Acid Reflux Take To Heal?
It may take from a few days to two months depending upon the severity, your medicines, and to what extent you are following the precautionary measures. If the severity is low and you eat bananas and take medicines regularly, it will take around two weeks to completely heal.
Are Bananas Good For Acid Reflux?
Banana is considered an alkaline food as it contains high amounts of potassium. Therefore a ripe banana can combat stomach acid. Due to low acid and alkaline food banana can neutralize stomach acid. Also Banana rich in a soluble fiber pectin which helps food flowing nicely through the digestive tract. Thus, bananas are good for acid reflux.
What Foods Neutralize Stomach Acid Immediately?
Baking soda is a non-toxic and readily available source of sodium bicarbonate and it help to neutralize stomach acidity immediately. Also baking soda is an effective home remedy to lower stomach discomfort, relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. To get best results add half a tablespoon of baking soda to 4 ounces of hot water. Then drink this prepared solution; you’ll feel the immediate relief from acidity, bloating, and heartburn.
Is Milk Good For Acid Reflux
Milk is not recommended for people with acid reflux. However, it is possible to have some milk products help reduce the severity of acid reflux. One such product is whey protein, which can be found in milk or other dairy products. Milk also contains bacteria that can make the stomach upset, so it’s not a good choice for people with GERD.
Can I Eat Banana If I Have Acid Reflux?
Yes, you can eat a ripe banana if you have acid reflux. A ripe banana is a good food to eat if you have reflux because it contains potassium which helps to reduce stomach acid.
What Fruit Is Good For Acid Reflux?
Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux. They are low in sugar and have a high water content, which makes them ideal for people with acid reflux.
What Foods Help Acid Reflux Go Away?
Foods that help acid reflux go away will vary depending on the individual’s individual needs. However, some recommended foods that may help to relieve acid reflux include whole grains, root vegetables, green vegetables, and easy-to-digest foods like sweet potatoes, carrots and beets.
Are Bananas Acidic?
A ripe banana has a pH of about 5, that means they’re moderately acidic. But it doesn’t mean banana gives you heartburn or reflux. Bananas are easy to digest and high in potassium and less acidic than many other fruits.
Can Bananas Cause Stomach Pain?
Bananas contain soluble fiber and sorbitol. So people with existing digestive issues could potentially experience gas and abdominal discomfort from eating bananas.
Bottom Line
All in all, the question you asked was, is Banana good for acid reflux? The answer is a resounding yes!
The alkaline nature of bananas helps in balancing out the high acidity levels in the body. Plus, eating two bananas a day forms a lining around the stomach to protect it from the acid.
In addition to this, since bananas help in smooth digestion, the stomach has to release fewer acids to break down the food. So, if you are facing any symptoms of acid reflux, go for Bananas! Also, make a list of foods to avoid with acid reflux.
