Short Answer: Cherries are good for acid reflux. Because they have anthocyanins, quercetin, and vitamin C, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your esophagus and stomach, and they are a low-acid food, which can help neutralize the excess acid in your stomach.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach.
In acid reflux, your body allows some of the acid content of your stomach to flow back into your esophagus.
This can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.
This can lead to various health problems, such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, and Barrett’s esophagus.
One of the key factors in managing acid reflux is diet.
What you consume can affect your lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus, which can impact your acid reflux symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage acid reflux, you should consume fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables and avoid fat-rich foods like fried foods, cheese, and butter.
Now, cherries are small stone fruits that come in different colors and flavors.
They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. People usually eat them fresh, dried, frozen, or as juice.
Cherries are good for acid reflux because they contain anthocyanins, quercetin, and vitamin C, which are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
These compounds can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your esophagus and stomach, which can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
One cup (154 grams) of sweet, raw, pitted cherries can give you 18% of your daily vitamin C needs, 10% of your daily potassium needs, and 3 grams of fiber.
Anthocyanins can help protect your esophageal cells from damage caused by stomach acid and prevent the development of esophageal cancer.
Quercetin can help relax your lower esophageal sphincter and prevent acid reflux episodes.
Vitamin C can help heal your esophageal wounds and boost your immune system.
Furthermore, cherries are a low-acid food and low-acid foods are good for acid reflux.
Because, they can help neutralize the excess acid in your stomach and prevent it from irritating your esophagus.
You can eat one to two cups of cherries per day safely.
More than that can cause diarrhea, bloating, and gas.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cherries if you have an allergy to them or to other fruits in the same family, such as peaches, plums, and apricots, to prevent anaphylaxis.
Because, they can trigger a severe allergic reaction that can affect your breathing and blood pressure.
You can buy fresh cherries in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose firm, plump, and shiny cherries with green stems.
Because, they are the freshest and most nutritious ones.
You can store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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.