Is Lentil Soup Good For Acid Reflux?

This article answers the question, “Is Lentil Soup Good For Acid Reflux?”.

Lentil dishes are suitable additions to your diet because they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also sources of lean protein and suitable substitutes for lean meats in meals. However, if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and you need to make your tasty lentil soup, you need to know if it is one of the trigger foods for acid reflux symptoms.

Lentil soup has some benefits but could also trigger acid reflux symptoms in GERD sufferers. If you suffer occasional heartburn, you may have to consider some lifestyle changes that include taking lentil soup off your list of foods or taking it in small amounts.

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Lentil has a pH of about 6.30 to 6.83, meaning it contains a small amount of acid but is safe as it tends toward neutral. However, it has a pH of around 5.80 when made into soup and could aggravate GERD symptoms.

Gerd sufferers need to reduce the number of acidic foods they take because they trigger GERD symptoms. Gerd symptoms occur when stomach acid flows up the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. The lower esophageal sphincter prevents stomach contents from flowing up the esophagus, but it could become weak if it has too much to handle.

Lentil soup also contains acidic vegetables that may worsen acid reflux symptoms. Many people also feel lentil soup’s original recipe is incomplete without tomato sauce, one of the spicy foods that play a role in adding to stomach acid.

Lentil dishes also contain phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that causes digestive issues by stopping the body from absorbing nutrients from the food you consume. You may have an irritated esophagus if your body does not absorb these nutrients, but neutralize phytic acid by adding some tablespoons of lemon juice, vinegar, or whey.

Though it is one of the good sources of fiber, your digestive tract may have problems processing its digestive properties.

You may also be sensitive to the abdominal stretching that results from partially digested lentils blocking gas and acid from passing. When these excessive gases are blocked, you may develop a backup in your digestive juices leading to acid reflux symptoms.

Broth-based soups like chicken noodle soup are the best substitute for lentil soup as they are alkaline and aid digestion. It is important to note that acid reflux reactions from lentil soup consumption differ from one person to another.

Read also: Can Acid Reflux Cause Acne?

Benefits Of Lentil Soup To Acid Reflux Patients

While lentil soups may be GERD triggers, they are good choices for people with a lower risk of GERD symptoms than others with the same medical condition. The first thing you should know about lentil dishes is they are high-fiber foods that soak up excess stomach acid and protect the digestive system from irritation.

Lentil soup also contains B Vitamins that lower the risk of reflux esophagitis, which occurs when the esophagus becomes inflamed due to persistent acid reflux.

Though lentil soup may have its benefits for acid reflux, it comes down to how individual bodies respond to its consumption. The best way to manage acid reflux symptoms while eating lentil soup is to eat it in moderation.

Is Lentil Soup Good For Acid Reflux Summary

You should take measures to reduce acid reflux symptoms if you want to make lentil soup part of your high-fiber diet. A great way to enjoy your lentil soup without experiencing acid reflux symptoms is to eat slowly and ensure you do not overeat. Ensure you eat about five hours before you sleep to avoid nighttime acid reflux symptoms.

You may also lose excess weight because your digestive system may find it hard to process high-fiber and spicy meals. Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if acid reflux symptoms persist after eating lentil soup in moderation.