Short Answer: Mango is good for acid reflux. Because it has alkaline ingredients and fiber that can help balance the pH of the stomach and the esophagus, and protect the esophageal lining from damage.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach.
In acid reflux, your body produces too much stomach acid or the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that prevents the acid from flowing back into the esophagus, does not function properly.
This can lead to various health problems, such as heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, sore throat, and dental erosion.
One of the key factors in managing acid reflux is diet.
What you consume can affect your stomach acidity, which can impact your acid reflux symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage acid reflux, you should consume alkaline foods like bananas, melons, and oatmeal and avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and chocolate.
Now, mango is a tropical fruit that is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
People usually eat it fresh, dried, or in juices, smoothies, or desserts.
Mango is good for acid reflux because it contains alkaline ingredients, such as malic acid, tartaric acid, and a trace of citric acid, that help balance the pH of the stomach and the esophagus.
Mango also has anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties that can protect the esophageal lining from damage.
One cup of fresh mango can give you 67% of your daily vitamin C needs, 20% of your copper needs, 18% of your folate needs, and 10% of your vitamin A and E needs.
Malic acid can help neutralize stomach acid and improve digestion.
Tartaric acid can also help regulate stomach acidity and prevent acid reflux.
Citric acid, although acidic, can have an alkalizing effect on the body when metabolized.
Furthermore, mango is a high-fiber food and fiber is good for acid reflux.
Because, fiber can help prevent constipation, which can worsen acid reflux, and promote gastric emptying, which can reduce stomach pressure and acid reflux.
You can eat one to two cups of fresh mango per day safely.
More than that can cause diarrhea, bloating, or gas.
Also, you shouldn’t eat mango if you have a mango allergy or a latex allergy to prevent anaphylaxis.
Because, mango contains a substance called urushiol, which is also found in poison ivy and latex, and can trigger a severe allergic reaction in some people.
You can buy fresh mango in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose ripe, firm, and unblemished mangoes.
Because, unripe mangoes can be sour and acidic, and damaged mangoes can be spoiled and unsafe.
You can store them at room temperature for up to five days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing acid reflux effectively.
I always recommend my acid reflux patients to follow an acid reflux-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.