15 Stomach Acid Reducing Foods

Having high stomach acid and recurring heartburn can be extremely distressing, to the point where it can disrupt your daily life. Often a means of preventing such attacks is to adopt an anti-acidic, or alkaline, diet. Here is a list of 15 such foods which can either soothe, neutralise or prevent acid from taking over your life.

Acid Reducing Foods

Milk - Milk and milk products are alkaline in nature due to the large amounts of calcium found in each serving. The alkalinity of milk works to neutralise stomach acid. Milk will also help soothe your stomach if you suffer from dyspepsia. Another benefit to drinking milk is the high content of vitamins and minerals naturally found within. Consuming excess amounts of fat can stimulate acid production inside the stomach, so full-fat milk should be avoided.

Lemons and Lemonade - Although acidic, lemon juice has the capacity to create an opposite reaction in the stomach, helping to create an alkaline-forming environment that promotes the release of bicarbonate from the pancreas and neutralises stomach acids

Ginger - All forms of ginger, whether fresh, dried or in sweet form, are excellent for helping to manage stomach acids, reducing acid reflux and protecting the oesophagus. Drinking ginger tea is also widely prescribed to soothe digestive tissues and control acid in the stomach.

Apples - Apples can help to neutralise stomach acid. This fruit contains a natural enzyme that helps curb production of stomach acid in the body, as well as neutralise the acid already there. Apple juice can be an immediate relief, if consumed cold. It can soothe the burning stomach and oesophagus as well as keep the discomfort from coming back.

Chamomile or Fennel Tea - These herbal teas are considered among the best teas to use in the battle against stomach acid. They help to calm your stomach's acid and production of more acid. Sip them slowly after they have cooled slightly-don't drink tea that's too hot, as this can trigger more acid production, but drink the tea before it cools too much.

Almonds - Almonds contain an oil which helps neutralise stomach acid naturally. If you regularly suffer from acid reflux try eating 5-6 almonds every day.

Complex Carbohydrates - Complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta and brown bread are extremely helpful in soothing the symptoms of acid reflux as they help to absorb excess acid in the stomach. If you plan to eat an especially spicy meal, include a complex carbohydrate with your menu to help offset the possible effects.

Honey - Honey is high in potassium and an excellent food to use for lowering the acid content of your stomach. It is considered a super food that has been pre-digested by bees, making it easy for humans to digest plus it helps to create an alkaline environment in the stomach, aiding protein digestion and helping to protect the stomach and oesophagus from excess acid secretions.

Chia Seeds - Chia seeds have been used for thousands of years in Mexico, Central and South America, and China medicinally and as a kind of super food. Highly alkaline and calming for the digestive tract, these tiny seeds triple in size when mixed with fluids, creating a soothing gel that not only reduces reflux symptoms, but also fills you up, helping to reduce your appetite. Chia seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids and protein.

Yogurt - Plain yogurt is an excellent antidote for acid reflux. Many Indian recipes include yogurt side dishes to help neutralize the spicy curries that are so popular in the cuisine. Because yogurt contains important bacteria for aiding digestion, it helps counteract the accumulation of acids in the stomach.

Basil - A member of the mint family, basil is reputed to help control acids in the stomach and offer relief to those suffering from acid reflux by soothing the oesophageal lining, helping to protect it from damage from acids.

Berries - Most berries, especially blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, are high in potassium, the mineral responsible for helping to keep your body's pH neutral or just slightly alkaline. Eating berries frequently is a great way to keep your body in an alkaline state and avoid heartburn.

Sweet Potatoes - Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes help create alkalinity in the body and a balanced pH in the stomach, controlling the release of stomach acids, which are responsible for the burning sensations you may experience with acid reflux.

Baking Soda - Baking soda is often used for relief from acid reflux and is effective in alkalising the entire body. Drinking baking soda during an attack of acid reflux may neutralise the acids almost immediately. Baking soda can raise your blood pressure, so check with your health practitioner if you are taking medications for the treatment of hypertension.

Pineapple - Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which is effective in controlling the breakdown of proteins in the stomach. This speeds their digestion, allowing the stomach to produce less acid, which may help prevent attacks of heartburn. Pineapple should only be fresh, because canned or preserved pineapple has lost its enzymes from being heated during processing.