Heartburn is a common condition that can ruin your day. It’s that burning feeling in your chest when stomach acid flows back up into your oesophagus (throat).
One of the main reasons is the valve between your stomach and oesophagus called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). When this valve doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can splash back up and cause that burning sensation we all know and dislike. It can happen when you eat certain foods, feel stressed, are overweight, or even during pregnancy.
Some medications for heartburn can have side effects and might not work for everyone. That’s where natural remedies come in. They offer a more holistic approach to ease that burning sensation in your chest.
When it comes to natural remedies for heartburn, fruits are really helpful. They are not only tasty and refreshing, but they also have many health benefits. And the best part? They can naturally help soothe your heartburn symptoms without any bad side effects.
So, we are going to look at 5 amazing fruits that fit into this category and how they can potentially help with your heartburn. Remember to always talk to a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan.
5 Foods That Help Heartburn
1. Bananas
Bananas are more than just a regular fruit; they have some great benefits when it comes to soothing heartburn. They contain potassium, which can help neutralise the acid in your stomach and calm that uncomfortable burning feeling.
But how exactly do bananas work? Well, they have something called pectin, a natural ingredient that forms a protective coating in your stomach, shielding against acid reflux, and thereby giving you relief from heartburn.
Now, you might be asking, “How many bananas should I eat for relief?” The general guideline is to have one ripe, medium-sized banana a day to manage heartburn symptoms. But remember, everyone is different, so listen to your body and see what works best for you.
So, next time you feel that burning sensation, grab a banana and let it do its thing. Not only will you enjoy a tasty snack, but you’ll also be giving your tummy some love.
2. Apples
Apples are high in fibre, which acts like a sponge to absorb excess stomach acid and prevent it from coming back up into your throat. Just one medium apple contains around 4 grams of fibre, which is about 16% of the daily amount recommended.
To include apples in your diet, you have plenty of options. You can slice them up and munch on them as a snack, or add them to your salads.
Here’s a bonus tip: if you often get heartburn at night, try having a small apple before bedtime. The combination of fibre and natural sugars can help keep the reflux away while you catch some much-needed sleep.
So, don’t just keep the doctor away. Keep heartburn away by enjoying apples. They’re tasty, packed with fibre, and might just become your tummy’s best friend.
3. Papayas
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain that helps with digestion and can reduce heartburn symptoms. So, if you’re tired of dealing with that uncomfortable burning sensation, give papaya a try.
To get the most out of papaya, there are a few ways you can enjoy it. You can eat the ripe fruit as a snack, or make a yummy papaya smoothie. The choice is yours.
But before you go full-on papaya mode, remember to be cautious if you have certain medical conditions. If you’re allergic to latex, you may also be allergic to papaya. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
4. Watermelons
One reason watermelon is good for heartburn is because it has a lot of water in it. Imagine taking a big bite and feeling the cool wetness soothe your throat. This helps to keep you hydrated, which is important for managing heartburn.
Watermelon also has antioxidants like lycopene that can ease heartburn symptoms. These helpful substances neutralise the acid in your stomach and give you some relief. So, when your chest is burning, grab a slice of watermelon and let those antioxidants do their thing.
You can snack on it by itself or get creative by making a watermelon salad. You can also blend it into a cool watermelon smoothie.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are not only low in calories but they are also packed with water. This means they can hydrate your body and provide relief to your oesophagus when you’re dealing with heartburn.
But that’s not all. Cucumbers are also known to have alkaline properties, which can help neutralise stomach acid, reduce the chances of getting heartburn, or alleviate its symptoms.
Cucumbers are incredibly versatile, you can slice them up for a refreshing salad or even add slices to your water for a refreshing taste.
Conclusion
We talked about five great fruits that can help with heartburn: bananas, apples, papayas, pineapples, and cucumbers. These fruits have properties that can calm your stomach and relieve heartburn.
It’s important to know that these fruits may not work for everyone, since heartburn can have different causes. But it’s worth a try to see if they help you feel better.
If your heartburn keeps happening or gets worse, it’s best to see a doctor. They can offer other treatments that might work better for you.
Learn More: The Best Way to Avoid Cheating in a Relationship.
