Short Answer: Chicken broth is good for acid reflux. Because it has protein, collagen, and minerals that can help heal and soothe your esophagus, and it is a low-acid liquid that can help dilute and flush out the excess stomach acid.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.
In acid reflux, your stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
This can lead to various health problems, such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and hoarseness.
One of the key factors in managing acid reflux is diet.
What you consume can affect your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscle that prevents stomach acid from escaping.
When your LES is weak or relaxed, acid reflux can occur more easily and frequently.
To effectively manage acid reflux, you should consume foods that are low in fat, acid, and spice, like oatmeal, bananas, lean meats, and vegetables.
You should avoid foods that are high in fat, acid, and spice, like fried foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, and tomato-based products.
Now, chicken broth is a liquid made by simmering chicken bones, meat, and vegetables in water.
People usually drink chicken broth as a soup, or use it as a base for other dishes.
Chicken broth is good for acid reflux because it contains protein, collagen, and minerals that can help heal and soothe your esophagus.
Chicken broth also has a low pH, which means it is not acidic and will not trigger your acid reflux symptoms.
One cup of chicken broth can give you about 9 grams of protein, 3 grams of collagen, and 20% of your daily needs of sodium.
Protein can help strengthen your LES and prevent acid reflux.
Collagen can help repair the damaged tissue in your esophagus and reduce inflammation.
Minerals like sodium can help balance your electrolytes and maintain your hydration.
Furthermore, chicken broth is a liquid and liquids are good for acid reflux.
Because, liquids can help dilute and flush out the excess stomach acid in your esophagus.
You can drink one to two cups of chicken broth per day safely.
More than that can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and kidney problems due to the high sodium content.
Also, you shouldn’t drink chicken broth if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart failure to prevent worsening your condition.
Because, chicken broth can increase your sodium intake and fluid volume, which can put more strain on your heart and kidneys.
You can buy fresh chicken broth in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose chicken broth that is organic, low-sodium, and free of additives.
Because, organic chicken broth is more nutritious and less contaminated, low-sodium chicken broth is better for your blood pressure and fluid balance, and additives can cause allergic reactions and inflammation.
You can store chicken broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to six months.
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.