The occurrence of acid reflux is due to improper functioning of lower esophagus sphincter. Located at the opening of the stomach, the sphincter acts as a valve that helps in preventing the escape of acids developed in the stomach during digestion back into esophagus tube. As there is no protection to the esophagus, the acids cause irritation, leading to the sensation of heartburn. Re-occurrence of such an activity damages the esophagus completely.
Can Almonds Give You Heartburn?
Almonds are nutrient rich nuts and are often a part of healthy diet plan. If you are suffering from acid reflux, you might be wondering if adding the almonds will aggravate the symptoms or not. In case of almonds, you do have some beneficial properties – as it contains fiber and further helps in increasing appetite.
Another important factor to mention about almonds is that they are low acidic food content. It is great news for people who are suffering from acid flux symptoms. Nevertheless, as they are rich in fat content, there is a chance that consumption of almonds might worsen the acid reflux management system. Ultimately, the person consuming almonds will have to pay close attention to the changes in the heartburn symptoms and find the appropriate quantity that suits to the diet plan.
While almonds have health benefits, improper quality research about its use in heartburn makes it difficult to state whether it is the right or wrong choice for adding to the diet. Regardless of this factor, when considering the nutritional profile, adding three or four pieces of almonds in the diet does show a positive impact on heartburn symptoms.
Benefits Offered by Almonds
According to the guidelines of American College of Gastroenterology, losing excessive weight is the right strategy to prevent the development of heartburn. In a journal published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, although consuming almonds enhances fat content, it provides an opportunity for weight reduction as part of calorie diet. It means that one will have to plan their menu according to the intake of calories required by the body per day.
As almonds are rich sources of fiber, they do provide the chance to reduce the risk of heartburn symptoms. In addition to that, they also assist in improving constipation. The required presence of fiber content in the body ensures that the digestive system functions appropriately and helps in achieving regular bowel movements.
Risks and Warnings Associated with Consumption of Almonds for Acid Reflux
Due to the inappropriate availability of research whether almonds give heartburn, it is hard to state on how helpful they are for a person suffering from heartburn. Although almonds have nutritional properties, the high-fat content may trigger signs of heartburn in people suffering from GERD symptoms. The excessive fat content in the stomach delays the emptying, making it difficult for the digestive system to continue with the digestion process.
Lifestyle and diet changes along with weight reduction are the first level of treatment to improve heartburn symptoms. Apart from using acid blocking medications, adding almonds to the diet is preferable to manage the symptoms. However, keeping an eye is essential to track down the changes after adding almonds to the diet. If there is any change in the symptoms, eliminating them from the diet is advisable.
If your body can tolerate one or two pieces of almonds a day, then you can continue with the process and cut down on other foods that are aggravating the symptoms. Thus, you will be achieving the balance required for the body in terms of nutrients, proteins, fiber, and fat contents.
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