Oatmeal is one of the most popular everyday meals in the world and goes with toppings like fresh fruits to make a perfect breakfast recipe. It is also packed with numerous health benefits and is a good source of fiber which helps the digestive system break down food.
However, you may wonder if this heart-healthy food could trigger heartburn and other troublesome symptoms of acid reflux. Read on to find out if oatmeal is on the list of foods that aggravate acid reflux symptoms.
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Is Oatmeal Good For Acid Reflux?
Oatmeal has a pH level between 6.20 and 6.60, putting it in the acidic zone of the pH scale. Acidic foods are among the common foods that trigger acid reflux symptoms, and people who experience these symptoms should avoid them. The good news is that oatmeal is one of the low-acid foods you can eat if you experience symptoms of acid reflux.
Here’s why
The pH of oatmeal means it contains less acid than specific foods like lemon juice and other citrus fruits. Given its acidity level, oatmeal is less likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms. This likelihood differs among acid reflux sufferers, as the slightest acidity could trigger acid reflux symptoms in some people, depending on the severity of their condition.
You should be wary of consuming oatmeal if you suffer severe acid reflux symptoms.
Read also: Best Vodka For Acid Reflux
How To Eat Oatmeal With Acid Reflux
Oatmeal may be one of your best foods, and finding out it is not a good choice for your acid reflux diet may be heartbreaking. However, you can eat oatmeal despite its acidity if you change some of your eating habits.
A good idea to eat oatmeal in small amounts, especially if you have chronic acid reflux symptoms. You can eat little oatmeal and notice how your body reacts to it before you increase the amount you eat. You should also contact your healthcare provider for counter medications if acid reflux symptoms persist despite moderate consumption.
Plain oatmeal is less likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms in most people. Though sugar may be one of the key ingredients in your oatmeal, it could cause some symptoms sufferers of acid reflux to find uncomfortable. Soy milk -or almond milk- is also a great alternative to dairy milk which is high in unsaturated fats and tends to worsen acid reflux symptoms.
How To Make Oatmeal Less Acidic
There is no way to make oatmeal less acidic, but you can neutralize the acidity by adding alkaline foods. You can add fruits like bananas, watermelon, apples, and pineapples to balance the pH and avoid acid reflux symptoms. You should also avoid adding artificial sweeteners or fats to the meal as they only add to the acidity.
Read also: Does Pumpkin Cause Acid Reflux?
What To Do If You Experience Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and it occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter that prevents stomach contents from flowing up the esophagus becomes weak. Common symptoms of GERD include a burning sensation in the chest, nausea, and a bitter taste in the mouth.
One of the best ways to avoid these symptoms is to eat low-acid foods because they reduce the *amount of acid in your stomach. Your low-acid diet should contain non-citrus fruits, and spicy foods like tomato sauce are not the right foods for this diet.
Indigestion also leads to acid reflux symptoms, as the stomach produces more gastric juices to aid the digestion of food in the digestive tract. These gastric juices are acidic and increase the acid content in the stomach, increasing the risk of GERD symptoms. You can stop indigestion-related acid reflux symptoms by avoiding fatty foods which take longer to digest and eating high-fiber foods like whole grains, lentils, and leafy greens.
You should also ensure you do not eat at least 2 or 3 hours before you sleep or undergo rigorous activities to avoid GERD symptoms. You should chew your food properly to aid digestion and eat smaller meals. Losing weight also helps prevent acid reflux symptoms due to indigestion, as digestion is slower in overweight or obese people.
Read also: Is Corn Bad For Acid Reflux?
Is Oatmeal Good For Acid Reflux Summary
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and eating oatmeal is a great way to start your day. Its acidity may be a problem, but oatmeal rarely causes acid reflux symptoms if you eat it in moderation. These symptoms vary among acid reflux sufferers, and you should notice how oatmeal consumption affects your body.
