Short Answer: Beets are good for acid reflux. Because they have nitrates, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and they can relax the LES, reduce stomach acidity, and protect the esophageal lining.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects your esophagus and stomach.
In acid reflux, your body experiences a backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus.
This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes inappropriately or weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back up.
This can lead to various health problems, such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
One of the key factors in managing acid reflux is diet.
What you consume can affect your LES and stomach acidity, which can impact your acid reflux symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage acid reflux, you should consume fiber and antioxidant-rich foods like oatmeal, green vegetables, and root vegetables, and avoid fat, salt, and spicy foods like fried food, fast food, and processed snacks.
Now, beets are a root vegetable.
People usually eat them raw, roasted, or juiced.
Beets are good for acid reflux because they contain nitrates, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
These nutrients can help relax the LES, reduce stomach acidity, and protect the esophageal lining.
A serving of beets can give you a significant amount of these nutrients, contributing to your daily needs.
Nitrates can positively affect acid reflux by relaxing the LES muscles.
Fiber can positively affect acid reflux by regulating digestion and reducing heartburn.
Vitamins and antioxidants can positively affect overall health and reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, beets are a root vegetable, and root vegetables are good for acid reflux because they are high in fiber and can aid in digestion.
You can eat a moderate amount of beets per day safely.
More than that can cause beeturia (red-colored urine) which is harmless but can be alarming if unexpected.
Also, you shouldn’t eat beets if you have kidney stones to prevent oxalate accumulation.
Because beets contain oxalates, which can contribute to stone formation.
You can buy fresh beets in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose beets that are firm and have a vibrant color.
Because these are signs of freshness and quality.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
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Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing acid reflux effectively.
I always recommend my acid reflux patients to follow an acid reflux-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
