Red berries are known for their distinct taste, unique aroma, aesthetic look, and wide profile of health benefits. However, it has a 3 to 3.3 pH value on the scale, which scientifically means it has a considerable amount of acidic content, so is strawberry good for acid reflux?
As a matter of fact, strawberries have a significant amount of ascorbic, citric, malic, and tartaric acid. Therefore, eating strawberries when you have a flare-up of acid reflux is not good for your condition.
However, it is not as acidic as oranges, lemon, and other citrus fruits, so if you are craving these sweetly red berries then you can take them in smoothies, salads, or snacks. It helps in the promotion of digestion, and protection of the gut.
Nonetheless, how can you eat strawberries with acid reflux? In this guide on “is strawberry good for acid reflux,” you will find comprehensive science-backed information related to strawberries and their relation to acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
Table of Content
Is Strawberry Good for Acid Reflux?
Fresh strawberries have a significant amount of acid. Eating strawberries when you have flares of acid reflux or acidity may trigger your condition and aggravate your symptoms.
Therefore, it is generally good to say no to strawberries during an acidic reflux condition (when stomach content goes back to the esophagus and causes heartburn).
However, it is also rich in vitamins, magnesium, iron, folate, and antioxidants which contribute positively to health.
Moreover, strawberries are a rich source of dietary fiber which work to promote digestion and stomach health. So it is clear that you should not eat strawberries for acid reflux, but can strawberries cause acid reflux?
Can Strawberries Cause Acid Reflux?
Strawberries contain acid, but not as much as oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits. It has relatively few acids, making it bearable for stomach acidity.
Strawberry consumption in moderation may not cause acid reflux. However, if you already have acid reflux, eating strawberries may aggravate your symptoms.
Are Strawberries Acidic?
Strawberries are naturally acidic, although many people believe they are not because they lack a sour or tangy taste. It has a sweet and pleasant flavor instead. No doubt, strawberry has a strong sweet flavor, but it also has some sour overtones that your tongue may overlook. It has a sweeter taste due to its high natural sugar content, which makes it less sour in taste than other foods with comparable pH.
PH Value of Strawberries
Typically a fresh and organic strawberry has a 3 to 3.3 value on the pH scale. A value below 7 (neutral) on the pH scale is considered acidic. The lower the value below neutral pH the more acidic the solution will be.
Strawberry Type | PH Value |
Strawberries | 3 to 3.9 |
Fresh Strawberry | 3 to 3.3 |
Frozen Strawberry | 3.21 to 3.32 |
Dried Strawberry | 2.50 to 3.0 |
Strawberry Jam | 3 to 3.4 |
Strawberry Juice | 3.44 |
Strawberry Ice cream | 4.19 |
Strawberries, California | 3.32 to 3.50 |
Is Strawberry Yogurt Good for Acid Reflux?
Naturally, yogurt is rich in probiotics which make it the best GERD and acid reflux food. However, the marketer’s flavored yogurt may not be considered good for stomach health particularly for heartburn and acid reflux conditions, as they are high in sugar and additives that can trigger stomach acidity.
Moreover, sour yogurt is also not good for stomach acidity. However, taking sweet yogurt with less acidic fruits like strawberries, pine berries, etc may help to soothe stomach inflammation and acidity.
Is Strawberry Jello Good for Acid Reflux?
In strawberry jello the main agent is gelatin, strawberry is basically used as a flavoring agent. Eating strawberry jello for acid reflux may help cure the condition since the gelatin compounds bind with the stomach acids and reduce the acidity.
It helps to lower the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and ulcer. Not only this, but it also helps in the breakdown of complex molecules for smooth digestion and easier assimilation.
Is Strawberry Jam Good for Acid Reflux?
Normally, strawberry jams are high in sugar and other additives which make them generally bad for stomach health. However, eating it in small amounts such as on toast or a piece of bread may not contribute to acid reflux.
However, if you opt for a homemade strawberry jam with no added sugar and chemical additives it may not trigger heartburn or gastric distress.
Is Strawberry Banana Smoothie Good for Acid Reflux?
Eating fresh strawberries on acid reflux is bad, but if you add them to other non-acidic or alkaline food it may not trigger your reflux condition, instead, give you instant relief.
The Strawberry banana smoothie is GERD-friendly. Strawberry banana smoothie is a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Unlike banana smoothies with oranges, strawberry smoothies will not increase your stomach’s acidic content, in fact, it promotes digestion and gives you a more restorative stomach.
Is Strawberry Juice Good for Acid Reflux?
Like strawberries, strawberry juice also contains some amounts of acids which can increase stomach acidity and aggravate the symptoms.
Therefore if you have ongoing GERD symptoms, then avoid strawberries and other acidic juices which may contribute to the acidic condition’s flare-up.
However, drinking it in moderation every day has a healing effect on the stomach.
Is Strawberry Milk Good for Acid Reflux?
Strawberry milk (low acidic strawberries and non-dairy milk) is considered good for the acidic condition. A fully ripe strawberry has low acidic content and non-dairy milk has low sugar, fats, and calories making it GERD friendly. It may help to neutralize the stomach’s acidic condition and make it better over time.
Is Strawberry Milkshake Good for Acid Reflux?
Generally, strawberry milkshakes are higher in fat, sugar, and calories. Moreover, strawberry milkshakes are mostly served ice cold. Therefore, it is not considered safe for acid reflux conditions, it can worsen the symptoms.
However, if you opt for a healthier version of milkshakes made of low-fat and no sugar ingredients then it might not trigger your stomach acidity.
Is Strawberry Ice Cream Good for Acid Reflux?
Strawberry ice cream is not safe for acid reflux and GERD condition. Since it is mostly made of dairy products which are generally high in sugar and fats, therefore, it is more likely to contribute to the reflux condition.
Moreover, since ice cream is icy in nature it may numb the lower esophageal sphincter’s muscles which can make it inefficient to work properly, potentially increasing the risk of acidic reflux.
Is Strawberry Licorice Good for Acid Reflux?
Strawberry licorice is actually a supplemental candy of licorice extract, strawberry flavors, and other herbal extracts. It is generally good for the treatment of stomach illnesses including heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, ulceration, and digestion.
Moreover, it is also good for eczema, obesity, weak immunity, and many other medical conditions. However, it does not always provide the desired health benefits; sometimes it even has scary and life-threatening side effects.
Conclusion
Strawberries are generally very healthy and stomach-friendly, however, is strawberry good for acid reflux? It has a slightly acid profile making it a triggering food for acid reflux. However, it is also naturally high in fiber and antioxidant content which helps in the protection of stomach walls. But it is generally recommended to avoid eating for heartburn symptoms, instead, you can take it in salads, smoothies, jello, and other products.
FAQs
Following are a few frequently asked questions related to “is strawberry good for acid reflux”.
What Fruits Are Not Good for Acid Reflux?
Fruits with high acidic content and low pH are generally not good for acid reflux, for instance, oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, peaches, pineapple, etc. These fruits may increase stomach acidity and weaken the esophageal sphincters, leading to frequent heartburn attacks.
Can Strawberries Give Heartburn?
Strawberries are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, essential minerals, and powerful antioxidants which can help to promote stomach health. However, it also contains some amount of citrus, malic, tartaric, pantothenic, and ascorbic acid which seems to increase stomach acidity, but eating it in moderation doesn’t contribute to heartburn.
Are Strawberries and Blueberries Good for Acid Reflux?
You can eat strawberries, blueberries, pine berries, and other less acidic fruits in moderation for acid reflux. Eating them in excess may increase stomach acidity.
Can You Have Strawberries With GERD?
If you have GERD symptoms, it is better to avoid eating low acidic or high acidic foods as they can trigger your condition. Still, if you crave strawberries, have them in low-fat smoothies or salads.
Do Strawberries Help With Gastritis?
Strawberries have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, therefore, it helps greatly in curing gastritis and naturally heal the stomach lining.