Which Fruit Gets Rid of Acid Reflux?: A Guide to Soothing Foods

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, a higher fruit and vegetable intake was linked to a 33% lower risk of GERD. When managing symptoms, knowing which fruit gets rid of acid reflux is crucial for building a more balanced and soothing diet.

Quick Summary

Several low-acid and high-alkaline fruits, such as bananas, melons, and apples, can help neutralize stomach acid and alleviate discomfort. High-fiber fruits also promote better digestion and reduce symptoms by helping food move through the digestive tract smoothly.

Key Points

Alkaline fruits help neutralize acid: Low-acid fruits like ripe bananas, melons, and red apples can help balance stomach pH.
High-water content dilutes acid: Watermelon and cantaloupe are hydrating fruits that can help wash acid down the esophagus.
Fiber aids digestion: The soluble fiber in fruits like bananas and apples can improve digestive function and prevent overeating.
Choose ripe over unripe: Unripe fruits, especially bananas, may contain more starch and acidity, potentially aggravating symptoms.
Avoid common triggers: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), tomatoes, and pineapple are often high-acid triggers and should be consumed with caution.
Consider fruit juices carefully: Opt for juices made from low-acid fruits like pear or mango, and avoid citrus juices and carbonated beverages.

Understanding the Role of Diet in Managing Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn. When this happens frequently, it can progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While medication is often a primary treatment, making strategic dietary changes is a critical and highly effective way to manage symptoms. Many foods and beverages can act as triggers, with highly acidic items being a common culprit. By focusing on low-acid and alkaline foods, you can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce irritation to the esophageal lining.

The Healing Power of Alkaline and High-Water Fruits

The key to finding fruits that can help with acid reflux is understanding the pH scale. A lower pH indicates higher acidity, while a higher pH indicates a more alkaline (or basic) substance. Fruits with a higher pH are less likely to trigger symptoms. In addition to alkalinity, fruits with high water content help dilute stomach acid, and high-fiber fruits can improve digestion and absorption.

Bananas: A Natural Antacid

Often cited as a go-to fruit for acid reflux, ripe bananas are naturally low in acid and contain compounds that can act as natural antacids. Their alkaline properties (around pH 5.2 when ripe) make them gentle on a sensitive digestive system. The soft texture can also help coat and soothe the irritated esophageal lining. Ripe bananas are also high in soluble fiber, which aids digestion. It is important to eat bananas when ripe, as green bananas can be more acidic.

Melons: Hydrating and Calming

Melons are good for a reflux-friendly diet due to their high water content and low acidity. Watermelon's high water content helps dilute stomach acid, while cantaloupe and honeydew are also alkaline and less likely to cause irritation.

Other Beneficial Fruits

Apples and pears are low in acid, with red apples generally being less acidic than green varieties. Papaya contains an enzyme that aids protein digestion. Avocados are low in acid and high in healthy fats. High-fiber figs can support healthy digestion.

Comparison of Reflux-Friendly vs. Trigger Fruits

Highly acidic foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing reflux likelihood. Low-acid fruits, with a pH generally higher than 4.5, help neutralize stomach acid and are soothing.


Feature	Reflux-Friendly Fruits	Trigger Fruits (Often High-Acid)
Examples	Ripe bananas, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe), red apples, pears, papaya, avocado	Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, pineapple, tomatoes, blueberries
pH Level	Generally higher than 4.5, with some approaching neutral pH	Generally lower than 4.5, some below 3.0
Impact on Stomach	Helps neutralize stomach acid; soothing on the esophageal lining	Can increase stomach acid production and irritate the esophagus
Fiber Type	Often contain a good balance of soluble and insoluble fiber for better digestion	Can be high in fiber, but acidity often outweighs the benefit for sensitive individuals

Incorporating Fruits into Your Daily Diet

Incorporate reflux-friendly fruits by having a ripe banana or melon between meals. Blend them into smoothies with non-dairy milk, or add apple or pear slices to oatmeal. Avoid large fruit portions right before lying down to allow for digestion.

Broader Lifestyle Tips for Managing Acid Reflux

Managing acid reflux involves more than just diet. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, staying upright after eating, and finishing dinner earlier can help. Maintaining a healthy weight, elevating the head of your bed, avoiding trigger foods (like fatty or spicy items, caffeine, and alcohol), and quitting smoking are also beneficial.

Conclusion: Making Informed Fruit Choices

Choosing low-acid, alkaline, and high-fiber fruits like ripe bananas, melons, apples, and pears can effectively manage acid reflux symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid and soothing the digestive tract. Combining these dietary choices with lifestyle changes can provide significant relief. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if symptoms persist. For more information on GERD management, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offers resources [https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults].

Frequently Asked Questions

You should generally avoid acidic fruit juices like orange, grapefruit, or pineapple juice, as they can trigger symptoms. Instead, opt for juices made from low-acid fruits such as pear, mango, or watermelon.

No, it is best to avoid green or unripe bananas. While ripe bananas are alkaline and soothing, unripe bananas are higher in starch and can be slightly more acidic, which may trigger or worsen reflux for some people.

It is best to eat low-acid fruits as a snack between meals or at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down or going to bed. Eating a large portion of any food right before bed can increase the risk of reflux.

Some dried fruits, such as figs and prunes, contain a good amount of fiber that can aid digestion. However, as dried fruits have a more concentrated sugar content, it's best to consume them in moderation and monitor how your body reacts.

While citrus fruits are the most notorious, some berries like strawberries and blueberries contain moderate levels of acid. Personal tolerance varies, so it's best to test small amounts or stick to low-acid fruits if you are sensitive.

While the impact varies, eating highly acidic fruits on an empty stomach can increase acid production. Pairing low-acid fruits with other non-acidic foods, such as oats or yogurt, is generally a safer option for those with sensitive stomachs.

For most reflux-friendly fruits, raw is fine. However, cooking can sometimes make fruits easier to digest. For apples, for example, a baked apple might be easier on the stomach than a raw one, especially if you have digestive sensitivities.