Hyperacidity is a very uncomfortable condition to have, especially as it seems to affect just about every area of your life. Not only will you have trouble eating certain foods that you enjoy, certain amounts may also become intolerable. Extreme cases of hyperacidity can bring about nausea or dizziness that can even keep a person from performing as optimally as he can at an otherwise healthy moment. It can also sometimes manifest as heartburn that you may worry about a more serious condition behind it.
In any case, if ever you suspect yourself to have hyperacidity, it will be best to steer clear of the following foods, at least until it seems to have cleared:
1. Acidic fruits – Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are high in ascorbic acid, which can irritate your stomach all the more. It would be best to avoid these fruits, including their juice form. Mangoes and apples are also slightly high in acid content. Fruits that are relatively easy on a tummy with high acid levels are bananas and cantaloupes. Grapefruit, cranberry, and tomato juice are also a strict no-no. Other fruit like blueberries, peaches, raspberries, grapes, strawberries, and apple cider may be consumed, but preferably with discretion, as too much of these can also trigger heartburn.
2. Certain vegetables – Raw onions are found to be a big trigger of gas and hyperacidity. When cooked, onions may be consumed but only in limited quantities. Garlic, scallions, and leeks should also be taken with discretion. However, Asian studies show spring onions to help a lot with improving hyperacidity.
3. Hot and spicy foods – If you are a fan of hot and spicy foods, this may be the best time to say a temporary farewell to your palate’s best friends. Spicy foods are known to trigger the release of acids in your stomach, and during severe hyperacidity it would be best to avoid eating much of them.
4. Dairy products – Certain dairy products have been linked to worsening heartburn symptoms, likely because they are a bit more difficult to digest. When you are suffering from symptoms of hyperacidity, it would be best to reduce or avoid intake of sour cream, milk shakes, ice cream, and cottage cheese. Dairy products like yogurt, skim milk, and low-fat cottage cheese may be taken, but not in large quantities.
5. Heavy grains and similar by-products – Pasta is typically difficult to digest when one has hyperacidity. As such, meals like macaroni and cheese or spaghetti would best be avoided. Muffins and granola cereals may also pose a risk when taken in large quantities, as is garlic bread.
6. Sweets or desserts – While hyperacidity does not mean you need to fast, you may need to steer clear of high-fat and high-sugar treats like brownies, chocolates, doughnuts, corn chips, and potato chips.
7. Alcoholic beverages, sodas, coffee, and tea – Although some people recommend teas for clearing an upset stomach, in reality, tea is on the same plane as liquors and coffee in terms of not being friendly to hyperacidity. As much as possible drink plenty of water instead, as it seems nearly all beverages offered in this generation are high in acid, from colas to coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks.
8. Great quantities of food – In this case, it is no longer the nature of the food but rather the quantity of food in question. Hyperacidity means your stomach is releasing more acid than usual, so during this time, please refrain from indulging too much in food as it will be difficult for your stomach to digest the large quantities. If anything, give your stomach time to rest between meals, and preferably take small servings across the day instead of having three big meals.
Of course, this list is just a guide to help you make wise choices. The main thing to consider if you really cannot avoid eating some of these foods is to make sure you don’t overdo consumption of any of the items on this list. Also, if your hyperacidity persists, be sure to consult your doctor, as serious cases might require prescription of antacids or similar medication.
In any case, if ever you suspect yourself to have hyperacidity, it will be best to steer clear of the following foods, at least until it seems to have cleared:
1. Acidic fruits – Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are high in ascorbic acid, which can irritate your stomach all the more. It would be best to avoid these fruits, including their juice form. Mangoes and apples are also slightly high in acid content. Fruits that are relatively easy on a tummy with high acid levels are bananas and cantaloupes. Grapefruit, cranberry, and tomato juice are also a strict no-no. Other fruit like blueberries, peaches, raspberries, grapes, strawberries, and apple cider may be consumed, but preferably with discretion, as too much of these can also trigger heartburn.
2. Certain vegetables – Raw onions are found to be a big trigger of gas and hyperacidity. When cooked, onions may be consumed but only in limited quantities. Garlic, scallions, and leeks should also be taken with discretion. However, Asian studies show spring onions to help a lot with improving hyperacidity.
3. Hot and spicy foods – If you are a fan of hot and spicy foods, this may be the best time to say a temporary farewell to your palate’s best friends. Spicy foods are known to trigger the release of acids in your stomach, and during severe hyperacidity it would be best to avoid eating much of them.
4. Dairy products – Certain dairy products have been linked to worsening heartburn symptoms, likely because they are a bit more difficult to digest. When you are suffering from symptoms of hyperacidity, it would be best to reduce or avoid intake of sour cream, milk shakes, ice cream, and cottage cheese. Dairy products like yogurt, skim milk, and low-fat cottage cheese may be taken, but not in large quantities.
5. Heavy grains and similar by-products – Pasta is typically difficult to digest when one has hyperacidity. As such, meals like macaroni and cheese or spaghetti would best be avoided. Muffins and granola cereals may also pose a risk when taken in large quantities, as is garlic bread.
6. Sweets or desserts – While hyperacidity does not mean you need to fast, you may need to steer clear of high-fat and high-sugar treats like brownies, chocolates, doughnuts, corn chips, and potato chips.
7. Alcoholic beverages, sodas, coffee, and tea – Although some people recommend teas for clearing an upset stomach, in reality, tea is on the same plane as liquors and coffee in terms of not being friendly to hyperacidity. As much as possible drink plenty of water instead, as it seems nearly all beverages offered in this generation are high in acid, from colas to coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks.
8. Great quantities of food – In this case, it is no longer the nature of the food but rather the quantity of food in question. Hyperacidity means your stomach is releasing more acid than usual, so during this time, please refrain from indulging too much in food as it will be difficult for your stomach to digest the large quantities. If anything, give your stomach time to rest between meals, and preferably take small servings across the day instead of having three big meals.
Of course, this list is just a guide to help you make wise choices. The main thing to consider if you really cannot avoid eating some of these foods is to make sure you don’t overdo consumption of any of the items on this list. Also, if your hyperacidity persists, be sure to consult your doctor, as serious cases might require prescription of antacids or similar medication.