Foods to eat during stomach pains
Having a heavy meal full of oils and animal meat can cause acid to build up in your stomach, leading to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
Foods to eat during stomach pains
Having a heavy meal full of oils and animal meat can cause acid to build up in your stomach, leading to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn, gastric, acid reflux, and lead to a lot of pain and discomfort.
It is important to balance the pH (potential hydrogen) levels in your body. Eating foods that result in low pH values in the stomach can raise its acidity and cause GERD symptoms to flare up, potential damaging the stomach lining.
To help with this, we’ve prepared a list of low-acid plant-based foods that can help ease some of the symptoms of stomach pain caused by GERD. As always, consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Tips
To avoid having stomach pains due to gastric, heartburn or acid reflux, there are some precautions you can take while eating, like:
Avoiding spicy, fried, or acidic foods.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on the stomach and keep the digestive system active
Stay hydrated and consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt or kimchi to support gut health.
1. Ginger
Known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, ginger can help calm an upset stomach. It’s been traditionally used to help with bloating and gas..
Studies indicate that ginger enhances gastrointestinal motility, facilitating the movement of food through the digestive tract. It also accelerates gastric emptying, reducing the time it takes for food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine.
However, experts warn that having over 6 grams of ginger can actually worsen GERD symptoms. As always, practice in moderation.
2. Bananas
Rich in potassium and fiber, bananas are gentle on the stomach and have been known to ease stomach discomfort. They also promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
They are able to do this as they are rich in pectin, which is a gel-like substance that can help treat diarrhea. Its alkaline properties are what allows them to neutralize the acid in the stomach.
3. Oatmeal
Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion and soothe the stomach lining. They also absorb excess stomach acid, great for reducing heartburn symptoms.
To prepare, you would be best to top it with plant-based milk and low-acidic fruits such as pears, bananas, almonds, or cinnamon to prevent further stomach complications.
4. Papaya
Contains an enzyme called papain, which aids in breaking down proteins and improving digestion. This is essential for those on an animal diet to make meat more easily digestible..
Papain may help relieve digestive issues such as constipation and bloating, which are often linked to conditions like GERD.
Research indicates that consuming papaya may support digestion and alleviate GERD-related discomfort, including heartburn. Additionally, a 2023 animal study suggests that papain, along with bromelain (found in pineapples), may help reduce stomach inflammation.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice is known for its soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining. It’s often used to relieve acid reflux and gastritis.
Aloe vera contains compounds such as Acemannan that may have anti-inflammatory properties and help soothe irritated tissues in the esophagus and stomach.
Studies suggest aloe vera juice or gel may help soothe and even heal the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially offering relief from the cell damage caused by acid reflux.
When taking aloe vera juice for acid reflux, it's recommended to start with a small amount and consume it 20-30 minutes before meals.
6. Coconut Water
Rich in electrolytes, coconut water helps hydrate the body and balance stomach pH.
Coconut water helps alleviate acid reflux by balancing stomach acidity and promoting digestion. Its electrolytes, like potassium and magnesium, maintain pH levels and prevent excessive acid buildup. Similar to aloe vera, it soothes the digestive tract, reducing irritation and provides a cooling effect.
Moreover, its natural enzymes aid in smoother digestion, minimizing vomiting due to high acid in the stomach. Regularly drinking coconut water may offer great relief for acid reflux while keeping you energized.
7. Cucumber
Cucumbers are full of water and alkaline, a combination that helps neutralize excess stomach acid. Their cooling effect can calm the stomach and reduce irritation from acid reflux.
Also rich in fiber, they are gentle on digestion and can help ease heartburn symptoms. Enjoy cucumbers in salads, drink cucumber-infused water, or eat them as a crunchy snack.
8. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can help soothe the stomach lining and treat acid reflux. Also great for putting you to sleep!
A 2023 study has found that chamomile tea may help with acid reflux due to its anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids. Drinking it after meals or before bed can relieve GERD symptoms.
Another added benefit of this tea is that it also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are linked to acid reflux through the gut-brain axis and somatic triggers.
9. Sweet Potatoes
High in fiber and easy to digest, sweet potatoes can help regulate stomach issues and provide a soothing effect.
Rich in nutrients and low in acid, this root vegetable can help manage stomach acid and reduce heartburn through easily digestible fiber and complex carbohydrates.
They can be baked, boiled, or steamed for optimal benefits. However, avoid frying them, as fried foods take longer to digest and can increase the buildup of acid in the stomach.
10. Spinach
Leafy greens like spinach are rich in magnesium, a natural element also found in over-the-counter pills that treat GERD. They’re also packed with nutrients that support overall gut health.
Fibrous vegetables like spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and asparagus are alkaline rich, helping to neutralize excess stomach acid and ease discomfort.
They are low in sugar and fat, making them a heartburn-friendly choice for better digestion. This is because sugar and fat can increase the acid buildup in the digestive system.
Link to resources:
Ginger for acid reflux: Does it work?
Five fruits you can eat to reduce gastric acid
What is the Best Diet for Heartburn?
How might aloe vera juice help with acid reflux?
7 Uncommon Benefits of Coconut Water for Acid Reflux
9 Alkaline foods that helps in reducing sudden acid reflux and stomach ulcers
Can You Use Chamomile Tea to Treat Acid Reflux?
10 Best Foods Against Acid ReFlux
Foods That Help Combat Heartburn