When it comes to acid reflux, soups can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they can be soothing and calming to a troubled stomach. However, they can also be trigger foods that cause or worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Generally speaking, consuming a low-acid, non-spicy, vegetable-based soup is the best option for many suffering from acid reflux. Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, celery, and green beans can all be added to a low-acid soup and should not aggravate acid reflux symptoms.
Similarly, broths made from ingredients such as chicken, beef, and fish can be included as well.
When possible, it is best to freshly prepare soups in order to gain most benefit from them as commercially-prepared soups often contain large amounts of sodium, sugar, and preservatives that can aggravate acid reflux.
Soups should also be consumed in moderation and during regular meal times. Eating too much soup can fill you up and lead to overeating or eating too close to bedtime which can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Overall, soups can be beneficial to those suffering from acid reflux if they act with caution and remain mindful of their body’s reaction to the food they are consuming. By preparing low-acid, vegetable-based soups, avoiding late night or oversized portions, and being aware of preservatives, sodium, and sugar in store-bought soups, those who suffer from acid reflux can gain benefit from having soup as a part of their regular diet.
Is vegetable soup okay for acid reflux?
It is generally okay to eat vegetable soup if you have acid reflux, but it is important to consider the ingredients and make sure they are low in acid. Vegetable soups that are cooked with butter or high fat ingredients or contain tomatoes, garlic, onions, or spices can be irritating if you have acid reflux.
Additionally, be mindful of how much you’re eating – large portions can increase your risk of reflux. When making or ordering vegetable soup, make sure to skip any high-fat ingredients and opt for low-acid vegetables like celery, zucchini, and cauliflower.
If you’re ordering pre-made soup, check that it is made with a low-acid broth or broth that is specifically designed for people with acid reflux. If you’re still uncertain, talk to your doctor about which vegetables are safe for you to include in vegetable soup and for portion size guidelines.
Does soup worsen GERD?
Whether or not soup worsens or triggers GERD symptoms will depend on the ingredients and spices used in the soup. Soups that are high in fat and acid, such as cream soups, tomato-based soups, vegetable-based soups with acidic vegetables, or spicy soups, may increase the risk of reflux and heartburn.
It is important to avoid such ingredients if you have GERD.
On the other hand, lighter soups, like broth-based soups, have been known to have a soothing effect on the stomach and can be beneficial in the management of GERD. While GERD can be triggered by different foods and may differ from person to person, it is best to stick with low-fat, low-acid, and bland flavors.
Meals should also be smaller and spaced out throughout the day, and high-fiber foods should be consumed to reduce GERD symptoms.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce for acid reflux?
If you are looking for an alternative to tomato sauce due to acid reflux, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some flavorful recipes include using mashed cooked vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and squash; using a variety of herbs such as oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, and basil; pairing with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a tangy flavor; and making a vegetable soup or stew with carrots, potatoes, and potatoes for a creamy, rich flavor.
Egg-free alternatives include using sauces made from puréed pumpkin, roasted peppers, spinach, and garlic; using soy sauce and rice wine vinegar with a hint of honey and some ginger; and making a sauce based on nut butters such as almond butter or peanut butter mixed with spices like chili powder and cumin.
Additionally, depending on your dish, you could also add a bit of cream or yogurt for a velvety smooth flavor. Whatever recipe you choose, make sure to adjust the spices and seasonings to your own personal taste.
What potatoes are good for GERD?
Potatoes are an excellent choice for people with GERD, as they are low in acid and don’t exacerbate GERD symptoms. Non-starchy yellow, red, or white potatoes are a good option for GERD sufferers. These potatoes can be boiled, mashed, roasted, or baked, although boiling them is the best option to minimize acid build-up and discomfort.
Avoid adding butter, cheese, or other high fat or acidic toppings, as these will increase stomach acid and worsen GERD symptoms. Sweet potatoes are also a good choice, as they are low in acid and high in fiber, also aiding in digestion.
Avoid adding any high-fat or acidic components to your potato dish, like butter, sour cream, or cream sauces. Potatoes may also be cooked in vegetable broth with garlic and onions, as these are potentially beneficial foods for GERD.
Additionally, avoiding high-fat and processed meats, spicy dishes, and processed and bottled sauces or dressings will further aid in GERD management.
Can Mash potatoes cause heartburn?
Mash potatoes can cause heartburn for some people, depending on how the potatoes are prepared. Eating potatoes in high-fat items like butter and cream can increase fat content and make potatoes more likely to cause heartburn.
The natural acids found in potatoes can also contribute to heartburn by irritating the esophageal lining. Additionally, adding large amounts of salt to mashed potatoes can make them more likely to trigger heartburn.
An individual’s sensitivity to heartburn may also play a role in whether or not eating mashed potatoes can result in it. It is important to note that everyone is different and what might cause heartburn in one person may not affect someone else.
If you are prone to heartburn and have noticed that mashed potatoes trigger it, you should avoid them or find preparation methods that do not aggravate your digestive system.
Are instant potatoes acidic?
No, instant potatoes are not acidic. Instant potatoes are made from dehydrated mashed potatoes and typically have a neutral pH of between 6 and 7. Instant potatoes are usually highly processed and contain additives, such as preservatives, to extend the shelf life.
While many of these additives are acidic, their presence in the potatoes is minimal and therefore not acidic enough to affect the overall pH. Additionally, many instant potatoes products are lightly alkaline due to the addition of ingredients such as baking powder or baking soda, which further reduce the overall acidity of the potatoes.
Therefore, instant potatoes are not considered acidic.
Will ice cream help acid reflux?
No, ice cream is not typically a recommended food for people with acid reflux. This is because it contains high amounts of fat, which is known to cause reflux symptoms to worsen for some people. High fat foods slow down digestion, which can cause stomach acid to be forced up the esophagus.
Additionally, dairy products like ice cream can be difficult to digest due to their combination of lactose and fat, so they may also worsen reflux. People with heartburn or other reflux symptoms should avoid high fat and dairy foods, as well as other trigger foods like high-fiber, fried, and processed foods, as these can make symptoms worse.
Instead, lower fat alternatives, such as low fat yogurts, should be eaten instead. Additionally, drinks like herbal tea, which has been shown to reduce instances of acid reflux, should be consumed. Additionally, as lifestyle changes are often necessary to curb reflux symptoms, patients should also speak with their doctors about other ways they can modify their diets and lifestyles to reduce heartburn.
