Is Grape Juice Good For Acid Reflux?

Grape juice is a must-have beverage in every home, and its sweet and sour taste makes it a suitable drink for all ages. It also has numerous health benefits, like vitamin c that has antiviral properties, and vitamin k that helps clot your blood.

However, you may fear this is not the right drink if you suffer frequent symptoms of acid reflux. Read on to know if grape juice is good for acid reflux’s uncomfortable symptoms.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and its symptoms occur when acid from the stomach flows back to the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter located at the bottom of the esophagus prevents stomach contents from reaching the esophagus. However, this valve could become weak and relax due to pressure, causing GERD symptoms. Some common acid reflux symptoms are nausea, acid regurgitation, and a burning sensation in the chest.

You should take steps to lower the amount of acid produced in your stomach if you suffer from acid reflux symptoms. You can avoid specific foods like high-fat foods, tomato sauce, cranberry juice, and citrus fruits. Spicy foods also play a significant role in stomach acid production, a good reason why acid reflux patients should avoid them.

Read also: Best Cereal For Acid Reflux

Does Grape Juice Cause Acid Reflux?

a glas of grape juice

Grape juice has a pH value of around 3.2 to 4.0 on the pH scale. Its pH level suggests it is an acidic drink, and you may feel it is a risk factor for heartburn symptoms. No matter which form you consume grape products, they contain organic acids like tartaric acid, malic acid, and citric acid. 

However, the stomach’s pH is around 1.5 to 3.5, meaning it has a higher acidity level than grape juice. Though grape juice and some other fruit juices are acidic, they have less acid content than other drinks like citrus juices and caffeinated beverages. Unlike caffeinated drinks and others that lead to health issues, grape juice increases blood alkalinity and does not contribute to stomach acid production.

Read also: Does Drinking Hot Water Help Acid Reflux?

Here’s how the twist happens:

Since grape juice has a higher pH level than most acidic foods and drinks, it has a lower Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) value. This PRAL value is a measure of acid your body produces when you consume foods, and a higher PRAL value means the body generates more acid. 

Asides from being less acidic, grape juice has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make it a better drink than soft drinks and carbonated drinks.

However, you should consume grape juice in moderation to avoid its negative impacts on your health, especially if you suffer frequent acid reflux symptoms.

Grape juice mixed with added sugar also increases the risk of weight gain, overweight, and obesity. The digestive system takes longer to process food when you have excess weight, and you are prone to GERD symptoms when digestion lasts too long. Taking a glass of pure grape juice is one of the best ways to get good sleep and lose weight.

As beneficial as it is, grape juice is low in fiber and does not provide enough dietary fiber for the digestive system. You should opt for apple juice and other less acidic fruit juices if you are looking for a high-fiber grape juice alternative.

Read also: Acid reflux vs. Gastritis: Understanding the Difference

Is Grape Juice Good For Acid Reflux Summary

Grape juice has a pH that makes it considered an acidic drink. However, this does not stop you from taking grape juice as it is less likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms.

To find out if grape juice is behind your acid reflux symptoms, take note of the foods you consume before these symptoms happen. You can eliminate grape juice from your diet if it triggers these symptoms.

You should get medical advice from your healthcare provider if you continue to have these acid reflux symptoms.

Read also: Home Remedies For Heartburn: 20 Fast Ways To Get Rid Of Acid Reflux