Apples and Acid Reflux

A Natural Remedy for GERD Symptoms

Sep 14, 2009 Brenna Coleman

Millions of Americans experience GERD symptoms every day, unaware of a simple natural remedy - eating apples for acid reflux.

What exactly is gastroesophageal reflux disease and how does one know if he is experiencing GERD symptoms? Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the result of a faulty lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is the doorway between the stomach and the esophagus. For a variety of reasons, from poor diet, to age, to pregnancy, the LES is not able to remain closed during or after digestion, allowing hydrochloric acid and food to rise back up into the esophagus where they can cause damage.

Treating GERD Symptoms

GERD symptoms such as coughing and sore throat, burning and severe pain in the chest area, and difficulty swallowing are all a result of the irritated tissue of the esophagus lining. People can also experience nausea, belching, and trouble sleeping. Eventually, in cases of chronic acid reflux, scar tissue can form, the pain can become increasingly worse, and the chances of contracting esophageal cancer rise dramatically.

Surgery is one option, especially in cases of severe or chronic acid reflux. Over-the-counter medications such as antacids are commonly used, although they can increase GERD symptoms when taken over time. Prescription medications as well can mask the symptoms of GERD, but they cannot cure it, and they tend to include side effects. Can apples cure acid reflux? Eating apples for acid reflux is indeed one natural remedy, although there is no official cure for the condition. Apples are known to alleviate GERD symptoms, reduce the agony of the illness, and help prevent occurrences of acid reflux.

How Apples Can Relieve Chronic Acid Reflux

Apples are a frequently talked about remedy for acid reflux, but how does eating this fruit help? At this point, there are no clinical studies that have proven the effectiveness of apples for acid reflux. Still, the fact remains that many people are pleased with the positive impact of eating apples for their GERD symptoms. This can be due to a number of reasons.

When the stomach digests it produces acids to help break down food. Eating apples will reduce the likeliness of acid reflux because, as a natural antacid, their presence lets the body know it doesn't need to produce as much of its own acid, which would otherwise rise back up into the esophagus. Apples are one of many alkaline-forming foods; they lower the amount of acid produced by the body.

Eating apples for acid reflux is also beneficial because chewing a raw apple increases the production of saliva. This in turn helps digestion and reduces the need for the body to produce excess acid.

Perhaps most importantly, using apples for acid reflux can help to minimize the chances of contracting esophageal cancer. Apples are one of the best natural sources of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant in the flavonoid family of phytochemicals. Quercetin has been shown to be a more potent antioxidant than even vitamin C, reducing free radical damage and helping to reduce the chances of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Quercetin also speeds the healing of damaged esophageal tissue, and reduces inflammation. When using apples to treat acid reflux, fresh, raw apples are the best source because quercetin is primarily found in the bright red skin of the fruit.

What kind of apples should be consumed for acid reflux? There is no one specific variety that will relieve GERD symptoms more than any other, although some varieties have a higher quantity of phytochemicals (Rome Beauty, Red Delicious, and Fuji apples all have very high amounts) than others. Regardless, whatever type is most desirable and that can be easily enjoyed on a daily basis, whether it be Red Delicious or Granny Smith, is the right apple for acid reflux.

Sources:

Balch, Phyllis A. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).

Skylar, Jill and Annabel Cohen. "Eating for Acid Reflux: A Handbook and Cookbook for Those with Heartburn." (Marlowe and Company, 2003).

The copyright of the article Apples and Acid Reflux in Natural Medicine is owned by Brenna Coleman. Permission to republish Apples and Acid Reflux in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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