If you are wondering if dates are acidic or alkaline and if you really should eat them if you have acid reflux we will cover that now.
Dates are usually acidic with a pH of around 5.5. This makes dates slightly acidic, but the acidity should not be much concern for most people even if you have acid reflux. Dates are generally considered a good choice for acid reflux though there may be a few exceptions.
Below we will get into that in more detail.
Are Dates Acidic?
Dates have a pH of around 5.5. This makes them acidic but in terms of acidity they are considered a rather safe choice if you have acid reflux. The acidity itself should not be of any concern even if you have more sensitive acid reflux like GERD or LPR or any digestive issues.
Dates that are fresh tend to be less acidic. Dates that are dried not only tend to be more acidic but often have added extras. If you notice preservatives or even some form of sugar added to your dates chances are that they will be more acidic and irritable on your digestive tract. Therefore if you have any digestive issues it’s usually best to opt for fresh dates with nothing added to them ideally.
Also keep in mind that different varieties of dates such as Medjool, Halawi and Delilah will have slightly different levels of acidity, but the difference is usually not much.
Are Dates Good for Acid Reflux?
Generally, dates are considered a good choice if you have acid reflux. This is because they are natural and are not acidic enough to cause any excess acidity issues.
Keep in mind that dried dates tend to be more acidic and therefore more likely to irritate acid reflux. Also keep in mind that dates with added extras such as preservatives or different forms of sugar almost always will be more acidic than fresh dates with nothing added. Therefore, particularly if you have more severe acid reflux it’s best to opt for dates that are fresh with nothing added.
Dates are high in fiber. Fiber can help absorb excess stomach acid and for some people can help with overall gut health which sometimes can help ease acid reflux symptoms.
Dates are also rich is potassium. Potassium is an alkaline mineral which can help calm and settle any acidity in the stomach.
In addition to the potassium, dates are high in antioxidants which can help protect the esophagus and stomach from any effects of acid reflux. If you didn’t know antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are something that can cause inflammation and cell damage to name a couple. Therefore, because dates are high in antioxidants this can help lessen any inflammation in the stomach and esophagus which in turn can calm and lessen the effects of acid reflux.
Keep in mind that while dates are often a good choice for most people even with acid reflux it isn’t always the case. There are some situations where dates may be troublesome for certain people.
For example, dates are high in fiber. For some people too much fiber can lead to problems such as bloating and excessive gas which in turn can worsen acid reflux symptoms because of a pressure imbalance created in the gut. This is particularly true for people with SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Therefore if you have any gut health issues that you know of then it’s best first to start with only a couple dates and see if it has any effects and then gradually over time increase if you notice no issues.
Conclusion
Overall dates are a great choice to eat even if you have acid reflux. They are tasty and nutritious and can even help alleviate some acid reflux problems. Keep in mind though that ideally you should opt for fresh dates that are not dried and ones without anything added for the most nutritious and least acidic dates.
Also know dates may be troublesome for certain people which is particularly true for people with gut issues. Therefore, when starting out with dates just eat a few and see how you fair from that point.
Also, for more information on what to eat if you have acid reflux check my Wipeout Diet Plan. Also, for tailored advice and guidance for acid reflux book a Private Consultation Here.
Important Related Questions
Do Dates Reduce Acidity?
Dates will slightly help reduce the acidity in the stomach. But not by a lot.
Are Figs Good for Acid Reflux?
Figs are generally a little more acidic than dates. Generally, they are a fine choice even if you have acid reflux though people with more severe acid reflux might notice they can irritate symptoms.
What is the Best Fruit for Acid Reflux?
All forms of melon are usually a good choice if you have acid reflux. Also fruits like pear, banana and dragon fruit are also good choices.
Do Dates Cause GERD?
Typically, dates are a safe choice if you have GERD.
Can Dates Irritate the Stomach?
Typically dates will not irritate the stomach itself. Although it may be more likely that they can irritate the gut or intestines for some people.