Coconut is a good source of helpful electrolytes and has many health benefits, but many people who suffer the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux do not know if it is one great choice for their diet.
You are about to find out how coconut affects acid reflux symptoms. Read on!
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Is Coconut Good For Acid Reflux?
Think of the pH scale as a sort of gauge between 0 to 14 that determines acidity. This gauge works reversely because a lower pH level would mean more acid content. However, coconut has a pH between 5.5 and 7.8 and is not acidic like many of your best foods.
Many people who suffer from acid reflux -also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)- use different coconut products to relieve their symptoms. These products are components of the coconut, and they have their effects on acid reflux symptoms.
Read also: Is Gatorade Good For Acid Reflux? Uncovering The Answer
Is Coconut Meat Good For Acid Reflux?
Coconut meat is the white, fleshy part of the coconut, and it is almost impossible to resist once the coconut is cracked open. It has several nutritional values, a sweet taste, and some properties that make it great for acid reflux.
This chewy part of the coconut could aid weight loss by burning calories and providing the feeling of fullness. You should notice improvements in your condition if coconut meat can help remove excess weight from the body.
It also contains fiber that can help your digestive system process what you eat and prevent acid reflux symptoms. However, these fibers are unsaturated and could cause you more digestive problems. You should eat coconut meat in moderate amounts and notice how it affects your GERD symptoms.
Is Coconut Oil Good For Acid Reflux?
Coconut oil can help improve your overall health and is one of the natural remedies for acid reflux. Symptoms of GERD occur when acids from the stomach irritate the esophagus, and coconut oil can help repair the coating of your esophagus.
While you see coconut oil as a treatment option, scientific evidence has revealed that it is an antibacterial agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria in the stomach. Acid reflux symptoms are traceable to the overgrowth of some harmful bacteria, and coconut oil comes in handy to prevent this scenario. The pure form of virgin coconut oil can also help prevent symptoms due to acid indigestion.
You can take three tablespoons of coconut oil daily to prevent acid reflux symptoms, but it could cause side effects like nausea and headache. Take a small dose of coconut oil and notice the side effects before you take more.
Is Coconut Water Good For Acid Reflux?
We all love to drink that liquid inside the coconut, and you should have more reasons to love it because it is a suitable drink for acid reflux.
What’s more? It is sweeter than regular water and less of a ‘boring drink.’
Unsweetened coconut water has a pH of around 4.7 to 5.7 and has an alkalizing effect to help maintain a pH balance. There are many benefits of coconut water, but it is one of the good options for acid reflux sufferers that seek quick subsidizing of their symptoms.
One of the things that make coconut oil good for acid reflux is that it is low in calories. You can also add cups of coconut water to your low-fat diet. The digestive tract functions better with lower fat content in your diet as the digestive process speeds up with less fat to break down.
Apart from being good for acid reflux, it is a good alternative to regular water due to its taste. Cups of coconut water are a good source of electrolytes, and fresh coconut provides the best form of hydration. Sticking a straw on the soft side of your coconut while you enjoy a sunny day on the beach side is one of the best feelings ever.
Is Coconut Milk Good For Acid Reflux?
Coconut milk is a suitable alternative to cow’s milk if you have allergic reactions to lactose. This plant-based milk or others like almond milk are good for lactose intolerant acid reflux patients because they are lower in saturated fats, and the lactose allergy increases the pain of acid reflux symptoms.
What To Do If You Experience Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux symptoms occur when the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak due to pressure, and it does not do enough to prevent acids from flowing to the esophagus. Heartburn, chest pain, sore throat, and nausea are some of the main symptoms of acid reflux, and you do not want to experience any of them.
The best way to avoid acid reflux symptoms is to make small changes to your lifestyle. One of these changes is your eating habits, as you should eat smaller meals, avoid acidic foods, and not eat 2 to 3 hours before you sleep. You should also take fatty foods off your diet because they take longer to digest and increase the possibility of acid reflux.
Following a weight loss plan is a good idea if you suffer from acid reflux symptoms because excess weight around the body hinders digestion. There is more stomach acid secretion as digestion of foods takes longer, and these acids flow up the food pipe to irritate the esophagus lining.
Is Coconut Good For Acid Reflux Summary
Coconut is good for acid reflux, but you should notice how it affects your symptoms. Reactions to the consumption of coconut vary in different people, and those who suffer chronic acid reflux tend to experience symptoms more often than others. You should keep track of your triggers to avoid acid reflux symptoms and consult healthcare professionals if GERD symptoms get worse.
