Short Answer: Pomegranate is good for acid reflux. Because it has antioxidants and calcium that can protect and heal the esophagus and it is not very acidic.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects your esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.
In acid reflux, your body allows some of the acid content of the stomach to flow back into the esophagus.
This can lead to various health problems, such as heartburn, inflammation, ulcers, and even cancer.
One of the key factors in managing acid reflux is diet.
What you consume can affect your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the valve that prevents acid reflux, and your stomach acidity, which can impact your acid reflux symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage acid reflux, you should consume foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, and alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium, such as oatmeal, ginger, and noncitrus fruits.
And you should avoid foods rich in fat, spice, and acid, such as fried foods, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
Now, pomegranate is a ruby-red fruit with juicy seeds that can be added to salads, smoothies, and desserts.
People usually eat the seeds raw or drink the juice extracted from them.
Pomegranate is good for acid reflux because it contains polyphenols, anthocyanins, and vitamin C, which are antioxidants that can protect the esophagus from damage and inflammation caused by acid reflux.
Pomegranate also has a low pH of around 3, which means it is not very acidic and does not trigger acid reflux.
One cup of pomegranate seeds can give you 7 grams of fiber (28% of your daily needs), 18 milligrams of vitamin C (30% of your daily needs), and 33 milligrams of calcium (3% of your daily needs).
Fiber can help regulate your bowel movements and prevent constipation, which can worsen acid reflux.
Vitamin C can help boost your immune system and heal your esophagus.
Calcium can help neutralize stomach acid and strengthen your bones.
Furthermore, pomegranate is a fruit and fruits are good for acid reflux.
Because, they are usually low in fat and high in water, which can help dilute stomach acid and prevent it from refluxing into the esophagus.
You can eat one cup of pomegranate seeds per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which can aggravate acid reflux.
Also, you shouldn’t drink pomegranate juice if you have acid reflux to prevent tooth erosion.
Because, the juice is more concentrated and acidic than the seeds and can damage your enamel.
You can buy fresh pomegranates in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose pomegranates that are heavy, firm, and free of cracks or bruises.
Because, they indicate freshness and quality.
You can store them in a cool, dry place for up to a month or in the refrigerator for up to two months.
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.