Short Answer: Peanut butter is not bad for acid reflux. Because it has unsaturated fat, protein, fiber, and zinc, and they can help prevent or reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach.
In acid reflux, your stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn) and a sour taste in your mouth.
This can lead to various health problems, such as esophagitis, ulcers, strictures, and cancer.
One of the key factors in managing acid reflux is diet.
What you consume can affect your stomach acid production and your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can impact your acid reflux symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage acid reflux, you should consume fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, vegetables, and fruits and avoid fat-rich foods like fried foods, cheese, and chocolate.
Now, peanut butter is a paste made from roasted peanuts, usually with added salt, sugar, and oil.
People usually eat it as a spread on bread, crackers, or toast, or as an ingredient in smoothies, cookies, or sauces.
Peanut butter is not bad for acid reflux because it contains mostly unsaturated fat, which does not affect blood lipid levels or LES function.
It also contains protein, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help prevent or reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Two tablespoons of peanut butter can give you 7 grams of protein (14% of your daily needs), 2 grams of fiber (8% of your daily needs), and 0.85 milligrams of zinc (8% of your daily needs).
Protein can help build and repair muscle tissue, including the LES. Fiber can promote digestive health and prevent constipation, which can worsen acid reflux.
Zinc can support immune system function and wound healing, which can protect the esophagus from damage.
Furthermore, peanut butter is a low-acid food and low-acid foods are good for acid reflux.
Because, low-acid foods can neutralize stomach acid and prevent it from irritating the esophagus.
You can eat two tablespoons of peanut butter per day safely.
More than that can cause weight gain, which can increase the pressure on your stomach and LES and cause more acid reflux.
Also, you shouldn’t eat peanut butter if you have a peanut allergy to prevent anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Because, peanut butter contains peanut proteins, which can trigger an immune response in some people.
You can buy fresh peanut butter in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose natural or organic peanut butter, which has less added sugar, salt, and oil.
Because, these additives can increase the calories, sodium, and saturated fat content of peanut butter, which can negatively affect your health.
You can store peanut butter in a cool, dry place for up to six months, or in the refrigerator for up to a year.
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.