Acid reflux disease is a discomforting digestive disorder,. Even though some people prefer taking medicines such as proton pump inhibitors and h2 blockers to relieve it, many still reside in traditional home remedies. One such remedy is mustard.
Do you like the zesty taste of mustard and enjoy adding it to your bland acid reflux diet? It sure brings out a spicy flavor. Today we answer the question: is mustard bad for acid reflux? So keep reading to find out.
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Is Mustard Bad For Acid Reflux?
To put it simply, NO. Mustard is not bad for acid reflux. It is a popular condiment whose properties make it highly beneficial for heartburn sufferers. If you make mustard a regular part of your diet acid production will significantly decrease and your terrible heartburn symptoms will alleviate.
“A teaspoon of mustard is good for acid reflux” You might have come across this common home remedy over time, but have you ever wondered why that is? Keep reading to find out.
Why Does Mustard Help With Acid Reflux?
As you must know, acid reflux/ gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle connecting your lower esophagus and stomach,, relaxes at the wrong time and allows the contents of your stomach to leak into the food pipe.
Let’s discuss how a condiment like mustard helps with this digestive problem.
Halts The Production of Stomach Acid
It is common to experience various acid reflux symptoms when excess acids build up in your stomach and flow into the esophagus. Acid-reducing substances can reduce acid production in your system and prevent further damage to the digestive system.
Stomach acids are highly toxic, and that’s why they cause a burning sensation wherever they pass through. Mustard is an excellent antidote in this situation because of its vinegar content. Mustard has alkalizing chemical properties that neutralize the existing stomach acids and control further acid production.
Furthermore, it will improve the stomach pH by balancing the alkaline effect. This will reduce the chances of acids flowing into the digestive tract,, and symptoms of acid reflux such as heartburn, chest pain, sore throat, and inflammation will instantly alleviate.
Rich in Nutrients and Minerals
Research suggests that minerals are potent antioxidants that have been proven to help with acid reflux and GERD symptoms. Mustard has been used as a natural home remedy for centuries in aiding digestive problems. One reason it is so popular among acid reflux patients is its nutrient-packed properties.
Mustard is rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which make it highly beneficial and helpful.
If we talk about certain minerals, then magnesium will help you by improving muscle contraction. When LES’s function is restored, stomach acids will stay precisely where they are supposed to, and they will not flow into your esophagus.
Calcium is considered a natural antacid because it neutralizes stomach acid’s acidity and prevent the risk of GERD altogether.
Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, are known for their polyunsaturated fat content and effective inflammatory properties. These acids will assist significantly in the digestive process and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Aids in Digestion
Mustard seeds are known to help with various digestive problems. They are rich in dietary fiber, and as you must know, high-fiber foods can quickly solve your indigestion problems and are highly recommended for acid reflux.
Did you know that a gel-like barrier named gastric mucus membrane protects your stomach lining against acids and enzymes? When you develop acid reflux, this barrier can easily get damaged and injured, but the good news is that mustard seeds stimulate the gastric mucus membrane and normalize the flow of digestive juices in your body. This function alone promotes good digestive health and a healthier appetite.
Mustard will also improve your metabolism and encourage a more effortless bowel movement.
All these functions will help relieve your acid reflux symptoms and digestive issues caused by it.
Why Might Mustard Be Bad for Your Acid Reflux?
You must have noticed the sharp taste of mustard, and this particular “kick” is why people often assume that mustard is bad for acid reflux.
That unique burning heat directly comes from allyl isothiocyanate, and once the seed is broken, mustard’s enzymes create an intense sensation. As you know,, Spicy food is one of the primary GERD triggers, and this “kick” can come across as one too.
Mustard could also be bad for your acid reflux if you take it with other GERD triggers. You might think that adding mustard to a meal whose main ingredients are acidic food, fatty food, or dairy products will cancel out the food’s adverse effects, but that is certainly not the case. Mustard will be useless in this situation; regardless of adding enormous amounts of it, trigger foods will worsen your reflux.
Suggested Precautions
- Pair mustard with other alkaline food so their health benefits will double up.
- Choose your combinations wisely; for instance, try using whole grains alternatives instead of high-fat foods.
- There are various types of mustard and if the “kick” triggers your acid reflux, lean toward honey mustard instead…
How To Take Mustard For Acid Reflux
If you’re wondering how you can take this sharp-tasting powder in acid reflux and make it a regular part of your diet, then the good news is that there are several readily accessible options.
A list of foods and other options are given below
| Mustard Sandwich | A healthy acid-reflux-friendly sandwich is your best way for breakfast or an evening snack. Instead of using GERD triggers such as white bread, dairy ranch, and tomato sauce. Add mustard sauce and lean meats to your whole-grain bread sandwich. |
| Mustard milk | A boiled glass of low-fat milk paired with a teaspoon of yellow mustard powder is not only soothing but good for your health as well. |
| Mustard, honey, and water | Hot water has soothing properties, Honey will bring out a sweet taste, and mustard will perform its benefits. It is the best of both worlds, and even lactose intolerants can have it. |
| Add it to tea | You won’t even notice the sharp kick if you add ½ spoonful of mustard in the boiled water along with tea leaves. Mustard can be added to herbal teas as well |
| Eat mustard directly | You can either take 2 tablespoons of raw mustard and use a glass of water to wash it down or chew on mustard seeds directly |
| In cooked meals to add flavor | The easiest way is to just add mustard to your day-to-day lunch and dinner meals. It will add a delicious flavor while being healthy and useful. |
Is Mustard Bad for Acid Reflux Summary
This article discussed the common question, ‘Is mustard bad for acid reflux?’ After explaining in detail, It is safe to say that mustard is one of the most helpful natural remedies with notable beneficial effects.
It is not likely to cause or worsen your acid reflux, and there is no need to eliminate it from your diet. Considering that every individual reacts differently to each substance, you should try keeping a food diary to avoid symptoms.
It is always recommended to consult a doctor if you want a definite answer and a proper treatment plan
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