If you have acid reflux you might be wondering if pineapple is a good choice and if it is acidic.
Pineapple is not the best choice if you have acid reflux. The reason for this is because pineapple can be quite acidic. So, its acidity alone may trigger or irritate acid reflux problems for some people.
Below we will go into this in more detail and if you should eat pineapple if you have acid reflux.
Is Pineapple Good or Bad for Acid Reflux?
If you have acid reflux there is a good chance that pineapple may cause or worsen the effects of acid reflux. As we briefly mentioned above the main problem when it comes to pineapple is its acidity.
Pineapple has a pH of around 3-4 pH. This makes it quite acidic. While it’s acidity may not be a trigger for everyone with acid reflux there is definitely a chance. This is especially true for people with more severe acid reflux like GERD and LPR where the chances of pineapple irritating or worsening their acid reflux is higher.
Therefore, if you are not sure and want to try some pineapple it’s best to do so in moderation at least the first time you do. This way you can have some pineapple and see if it has any negative effect on your symptoms. If you feel fine then next time you can have more and ease into it that way.
If you notice that the pineapple’s acidity doesn’t trigger your acid reflux symptoms then actually pineapple may even help your acid reflux.
One of the reasons for this is because of something in pineapple called bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme in pineapple that has great anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can be quite beneficial for any inflammation in the digestive system as well as the whole body.
In addition to the anti-inflammatory benefits of bromelain it has also been shown to help with the digestion of meat and proteins. Believe it or not bromelain that has been extracted from pineapples is often used as a meat tenderizer because of how it helps break down tougher meat proteins.
In addition to that pineapple is a good source of fiber. Especially if you don’t have enough fiber in your diet this can negatively affect your digestion. Therefore, for some people the fiber included in the pineapple may help to improve their overall digestive health.
One thing to mention is that pineapple is loaded with a wide selection of nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, manganese and many more. In terms of nutrients, it is a bit of a super food in a lot of ways. Therefore, if the acidity is not troublesome for your acid reflux it can be a great choice.
Round Up
Pineapple, while a nutritious food may also be a trigger for people with acid reflux. The main problem of pineapple when it comes to acid reflux is its acidity.
Because it is quite acidic this can be troublesome for certain people with acid reflux especially if you have more severe acid reflux. Therefore, if you want to try pineapple it’s first best to go with a small amount and see how you fair before eating a bigger portion.
Pineapple is good nutritionally and has health benefits but that’s not worth it if aggravates your acid reflux. Therefore, it’s on a case-by-case basis whether pineapple should be eaten and that you must judge when you eat it yourself.
For more acid reflux diet advice check out the Wipeout Diet Plan. Also, for more tailored help you can book a Private Acid Reflux Consultation Here.
Important Related Questions
What Fruit is Good for Acid Reflux?
The best fruits for acid reflux tend to be the fruits that are not too acidic and therefore much less likely to irritate acid reflux problems. Fruits that are particularly good include all kinds of melon, bananas, and dates.
What Foods Help Acid Reflux Go Away?
Foods that help acid reflux go away tend to be less acidic foods that help calm the stomach and excess acidity or have a cooling and acid neutralizing effect on the stomach. For example, foods like rice, oats and potatoes are good and safe options.
In terms of choices that help cool and calm acid reflux there are cucumber, celery and watermelon which really help calm and help acid reflux go away.
Is Pineapple Good for Gastric Problems?
Pineapple may help some gastric problems, but it may also worsen problems like acid reflux or gastritis for certain people. Usually, it’s on a case-by-case basis.
What Fruits Should be Avoided with Acid Reflux?
Fruits that should be avoided with acid reflux include citrus fruits like orange, lemon, and grapefruit. These are the worst choices because they are very acidic. If you have more sensitive acid reflux then avoiding fruits like pineapple, berries (strawberries, blueberries & raspberries) and apples may also be helpful for certain people.