Bananas are a rich source of nutrients such as; potassium, vitamin c, and fiber. Nutrients in the banana fruit can help to regulate your blood pressure and improve heart activity. Bananas are alkaline because of their high content of potassium. And for this reason, they are known to neutralize the acid from the stomach.
However, several individuals have suffered severe heartburn after consuming the fruit. Heartburn is a result of acid flowing through and irritating the unprotected walls of the upper alimentary canal, especially the esophagus.
Well, it is thoughtful to get to know why and how bananas can cause heartburn and what to do if you find yourself a victim.
Generally, bananas are not the actual cause of heartburn. It has been established that bananas may only play a role in the heartburn experience.
Certain foods that increase the risk of heartburn include; spicy foods, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, tomato products, and many other acidic foods. Whenever you consume such foods, bananas may trigger heartburn if you are prone to acid reflux and gastroesophageal symptoms.
Unripe bananas have a very high level of malic, citric, and oxalic acids. These acids may intensify the acidity in your stomach. Though the acids are weak, they may increase acidity in your stomach when you take acidic foods. The utter result may be heartburn.
The time you eat bananas may also determine whether you will experience heartburn or not. Bananas are low acidic if consumed on an empty stomach, yet they may cause bowel problems and initiate heartburn. The most appropriate time to eat bananas is in the morning as a supplement to other food. It will help you do away with the harmful side effects of the fruit.
Consuming an excess quantity of bananas can as well cause heartburn. A Massive amount of green bananas in the stomach causes bloating, a condition where gases accumulate in the digestive tract due to fermentation. The consequence is stomach distension. Stomach extension can lead to piling pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Excess stomach pressure causes opening valves that should be closed.
The result is the backflow of stomach acids which will trigger heartburn. At times acid refluxing from the stomach may not just cause heartburn, but it may graduate in cancer.
How to deal with heartburn caused by bananas
In any case, if you are experiencing heartburn after eating bananas, don’t worry. Just take an antacid like Tums. Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid that causes heartburn. You can purchase as much as you want without any prescription.
The normal PH of a raw banana is 5.6, and that of a ripe banana is 6.5. The PH indicates that ripe bananas are lowly acidic and will therefore coat the esophageal lining from the corrosion by acids. Besides, bananas contain a soluble fiber called pectin which enables a free flow of food in the digestive tract. The fiber also enhances satiation and reduces overeating.
While raw bananas have resistant starch that may cause fermentation and heartburn, fully ripe bananas have the advantage of complete and easy digestion.
You can as well drink a mixture of water and baking powder. Drinking this mixture is recommended because it neutralizes the acid. The burning effect of the acid reduces, and you can feel relieved.
Another way to ensure you are heartburn free is by consuming well-ripe bananas. Fully ripe bananas are yellow with some dark spots. There is a slight difference in the PH of a ripe banana and that of a green banana.
Other ways to reduce heartburn
There are several things you can do to help you minimize the effect of heartburn;
Avoid being an alcoholic. Consumption of alcohol does interfere with how your esophagus functions.
Avoid wearing very tight clothes. Such tight clothes can press your stomach and put pressure on the lower end of your esophagus.
Avoid sleeping or lying down just after eating. Your stomach is pressed down whenever you sleep immediately after eating. Food in the stomach is thus forced through the esophagus toward your mouth. In the case of acid reflux, heartburn will be a result.
Ensure your weight is healthy. Excess fat puts pressure on the stomach and forces stomach acids toward the esophagus.
Why you should not eat too many bananas?
Bananas have a very high level of sugar. The addition of sugar constantly into your body may cause an imbalance of sugar levels in your blood.
Moreover, excess sugar converts into fats and may lead to excess weight gain. Consuming too many bananas may also cause nutrient deficiencies when you leave no room for other food. For instance, bananas lack proteins, iron, vitamin D, and calcium.