What comes to your mind when you hear Bananas? Nutritious, succulent, tasty and heartburn? Sadly, many people experience heartburn after eating bananas. Since you are here, we assume that you are surfing online to confirm whether bananas are the real culprit that triggers heartburn. Well, It’s time to stop worrying because we have got you covered!
Here’s some good news! Bananas usually don’t give you heartburn but may act as a catalyst to trigger the symptoms in people suffering from IBS. Such people are more prone to GERD symptoms and acid reflux. “According to a study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, “Those who suffer from IBS are four times more likely to have GERD than those who do not.”
So without wasting a minute, let’s dive into this article to explore why bananas give me heartburn and how to avoid it.
What Is A Heart Burn?
Before proceeding further, let’s understand what actual heartburn feels like. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid traveling up towards the throat and it may also affect the upper abdomen.
The pain often worsens at night when lying down or bending over. However, this is a common condition without any cause for alarm.
How Do Bananas Cause Heartburn?
Generally, bananas do not cause heartburn, but if you are sensitive to acidic foods, bananas may trigger your symptoms. Let’s have a look at these top 3 prominent factors that can cause these uneasy, burning feelings in your stomach.
1. PH Chart Says It’s Acidic!
Bananas are a popular fruit that is often recommended as a healthy snack due to their high nutrient content. However, some people may experience heartburn after eating bananas as they are slightly acidic with a PH 5. This acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus. When the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly, and stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the acidity of the banana may aggravate the symptoms of heartburn.
2. Presence Of Certain Types Of Sugars
Bananas are rich in sugars like fructose which may cause bloating and heartburn in sensitive people. This difficulty in digesting fructose is known as fructose malabsorption. When fructose is not adequately absorbed in the small intestine, it is fermented in the large intestine by bacteria, leading to the production of gas and bloating.
3. Check If They Are Ripe
Unripe bananas have a higher acidity and a lower sugar content. They are also harder and less edible compared to ripe bananas. Some people may find that unripe bananas can cause more heartburn than ripe bananas because of their higher acidity.
In general, ripe bananas are considered to be less likely to cause heartburn because they are sweeter and less acidic. However, it’s worth noting that some people may still experience heartburn after eating ripe bananas due to other factors such as the presence of certain enzymes, food sensitivity or allergic reaction. Always choose those cute bananas with brown freckles.
How To Control Heartburn After Eating Bananas?
- Drink milk to neutralize acidity
- Sip Coconut water
- Eat juicy fruits that are less acidic – an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
It’s A WrapUp
In a nutshell, if you experience heartburn after consuming bananas, It is always a good idea to pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods and make adjustments accordingly. If you’re experiencing heartburn frequently, you must consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. There are so many other fruits waiting for you to taste other than bananas! Believe us; you will love them. The sky is not the limit.