Short Answer: Okra is good for acid reflux. Because it has mucilage, fiber, vitamins C, K, and folate, and it is a low-acid food. They can help protect, heal, and nourish your esophagus.
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.
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, beans, and apples and avoid fat-rich foods like fried foods, cheese, and butter.
Now, okra is a green, tube-like fruit that has a mild, grassy flavor.
People usually cook it as a vegetable in soups and stews, or eat it raw in salads.
Okra is good for acid reflux because it contains mucilage, a substance that forms a gel-like layer when mixed with water.
Mucilage can coat the lining of your esophagus and protect it from acid damage.
One cup (100 grams) of raw okra can give you 3 grams of fiber, 26% of your daily vitamin C, 26% of your daily vitamin K, and 15% of your daily folate.
Mucilage can help reduce inflammation and heal ulcers in your esophagus.
Fiber can help regulate your bowel movements and prevent constipation, which can worsen acid reflux.
Vitamin C can boost your immune system and prevent infections in your esophagus.
Vitamin K can help with blood clotting and prevent bleeding in your esophagus.
Folate can help with DNA synthesis and cell repair in your esophagus.
Furthermore, okra is a low-acid food and low-acid foods are good for acid reflux.
Because, low-acid foods can help neutralize the stomach acid and prevent it from irritating your esophagus.
You can eat one to two cups of okra per day safely.
More than that can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Also, you shouldn’t eat okra if you have kidney stones or gout to prevent kidney damage.
Because, okra contains oxalates, which can form crystals in your urine and joints.
You can buy fresh okra in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose okra that is bright green, firm, and free of blemishes.
Because, these indicate that the okra is fresh and has a good flavor and texture.
You can store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three 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.
