Got heartburn? Gut doctor reveals a surprising remedy that works every time – and it’s not medication
- A gastroenterologist revealed the foods that helped him relieve acid reflux
- Foods low in acid and fiber can help relieve discomfort such as heartburn
- Get more tips and tricks to soothe your gut on our brand new wellness page!
Acid reflux can lead to intense discomfort and it can be difficult to find a quick solution.
However, because traditional medications have been shown to lead to worrying side effects, doctors recommend foods as treatment.
Dr. Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist and acid reflux expert, took to TikTok to share his trick for beating a pain that affects 60 million Americans.
The problem occurs when undigested food and stomach juices rise to the throat, resulting in a painful, burning sensation.
“I recently had a really bad case of acid reflux, and this was a miracle food,” he shared in the video, which has been viewed more than 740,000 times since November.
“I was actually surprised at how quickly it worked.”
Dr. Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist and acid reflux expert, shared on TikTok that he turned to food after trying several heartburn medications
Acid reflux affects 60 million Americans and can be caused by eating acidic foods such as coffee, tomatoes and alcohol
Dr. Salhab said that after eating a spicy meal he had “probably the worst” heartburn he’d had in a while and he struggled to find relief.
However, after taking several over-the-counter medications, the discomfort persisted. Then he turned to food.
“I took a banana and ate it, and within 30 seconds my heartburn was completely gone and never came back,” he said.
‘It shows you that nutrition can also be part of the treatment plan for acid reflux and heartburn.’
Heartburn causes a burning pain in the chest, just below your breastbone, which is usually triggered by eating, lying down, or bending over.
Dr. Salhab revealed that eating a banana relieved his heartburn in less than 30 seconds. This is because bananas are low in acid and high in alkaline, which soothes the stomach
Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this happens when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, which connects your mouth and stomach.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of acid reflux include heartburn, regurgitation of food or acidic liquid, abdominal or chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or feeling like there is a lump in your throat.
If you experience acid reflux at night, you may experience persistent coughing or worsening asthma.
Foods that are highly acidic, such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, and spicy or fatty foods, can increase stomach acid and worsen heartburn and acid reflux.
However, bananas are low in acid and high in alkali, which can soothe the irritated lining of the esophagus.
Dr. Salhab also pointed to foods such as almonds, broccoli and kale as low-acid choices.