If you are wondering if rice is acidic or alkaline and if it’s a good choice if you have acid reflux we will cover it here.
Rice is usually acidic depending on the variety. But you can expect a pH level of around 6-7 typically. So, while this level does fall in the acidic range it’s a low level of acidity that almost everyone can eat without concern.
Below we will break down this in more detail and the comparison between different rice varieties and if you really should be eating it if you have acid reflux.
Is Rice Acidic or Alkaline?
Rice typically is around the pH of 6 to 6.7 pH. This can vary depending on variety and source of the rice. But you can expect almost all rice to fall in this area.
While this does make rice an acidic food by the pH scale it falls just short of a neutral pH. Meaning that it’s acidity is actually really low in terms of food. If you didn’t know almost all foods fall into the acidic category but the level of their acidity is what matters, not so much that they are acidic in general.
When comparing different varieties of rice there is not much difference in terms of acidity. For instance brown rice usually ranges from a 6.2 pH to 6.7 whereas white rice ranges from a 6 to 6.7 pH. Therefore, while brown rice may be slightly less acidic than white rice the difference is negligible.
Is Rice Good for Acid Reflux?
If you have acid reflux you might be wondering if rice is a good choice. Well the simple answer is yes rice is great for acid reflux. Rice is unlikely to cause acid reflux symptoms when compared with other more acidic foods.
Rice can also be a good source of fiber which helps promote healthier digestion and stools too. It’s also worth mentioning that rice is a complex carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates typically are broken down more slowly than simple sugars. So that means they don’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
When we looked at the acidity of different rice varieties there wasn’t a notable difference in terms of the acidity though the same can not be said for digestion.
What we mean by this is that the type of rice that you choose can have an impact on acid reflux symptoms. White rice is the safest and most neutral option regardless of variety, for example basmati or jasmine rice. Brown rice is arguably the healthier option thanks to being whole grain and having more fiber. Though brown rice is more likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms than white rice. The main reasons for this is because brown rice is more difficult to digest than white rice. Not only does the digestion take longer but brown rice can cause things like bloating which can increase or worsen acid reflux symptoms for certain people.
Rice is typically a good choice for people with acid reflux. That’s because the rice can help absorb any excess acid in your stomach. Rice is highly absorbent which in turn helps lower the acidity in the stomach when you eat it. This in turn often helps reduce acid reflux symptoms like heartburn or indigestion.
Keep in mind that how you prepare your rice also is important. For example fried rice is more likely to cause acid reflux symptoms when compared with boiled rice. Fried rice is worse because it’s higher in fat which can make it more difficult to digest which in turn can worsen acid reflux symptoms for certain people. Also typically it is better to wash your rice for some time with warm water to help get the starch off the rice. When there is less starch it can also help make digestion a little easier.
One final thing that is important to mention is the portion of rice that you eat. If you eat too big of a portion there is a higher chance of bloating and gas which in turn can make your acid reflux symptoms worse.
Most kinds of rice are a good choice if you have acid reflux. If you have more severe acid reflux like GERD or LPR it may be best to have white rice instead of brown rice and it’s also important to consider how you are cooking the rice. That’s more important if you have worsened acid reflux symptoms.
For more information on what to eat check out my Wipeout Diet Plan or if you want more detailed advice consider a Private Acid Reflux Consultation.
Important Related Questions
What Type of Rice is Good for Acid Reflux?
Most kinds of rice are typically good for acid reflux. If you have more severe acid reflux white rice is the safer and more neutral option because it’s easier to digest with less fiber than brown rice.
Is White Boiled Rice Good for Acid Reflux?
Yes typically boiled white rice is the best option if you have acid reflux and will often help calm and settle acid reflux symptoms.
Is Basmati Rice Easy on the Stomach?
Yes basmati is usually easy on the stomach and can help calm acid reflux.
What is the Least Acidic Rice?
Brown rice is typically a little less acidic than white rice though the difference is very minimal and not worth considering really.