Acid reflux can cause sore throats and hoarseness and may literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. And yes, that holds true even if it's the heart-healthy dark variety. The scale for pH ranges from 0 to 14, with 6 to 7 being neutral. researchers, chocolate causes a large amount of serotonin to be released from the intestines, causing an increase in serotonin levels. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Chocolate is a popular food that people love to eat. As a result, the stomach acid moves up the esophagus and exposes the sensitive tissue there to acid, possibly for extended periods. Now that I only eat it a few times per month, I appreciate it so much more. Understanding the Link, Are Apples Good for Acid Reflux? Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach are regurgitated back up into the esophagus. When used in certain dishes, a variety of foods can be concealed. I have consulted with multiple physicians about reflux medications and symptom management strategies, which has helped guide my current medication regiment and general life routines. And Im pretty careful about what chocolate I eat, and when I eat it. A win-win! The cocoa in hot chocolate helps to relax the sphincter muscles in the esophagus, which can reduce the risk of acid reflux attacks. Furthermore, most chocolate products have a neutral pH, which means they are not particularly acidic. The cocoa solids in dark chocolate contain flavonoids, which are natural compounds that have been shown to have various health benefits. If you have severe reflux, any trigger food may prove harmful, but for many people with reflux, there are ways to eat trigger foods in moderation without harmful side effects. Chocolate is also thought to aid in mood and cognitive function. While I do love chocolate desserts, there are lots of non-chocolate desserts I love, too. Honey, jams, and other jellies, angel food cake, non-fat or low-sugar yogurt, ice cream, or sorbet, and low-fat cookies are examples of these products. Required fields are marked *. Chocolate is the most unlikely topic on this list, but its a common cause of heartburn. Instead, choose lean proteins, like fish and poultry. Many people believe that drinking lemon can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, also contains the hormone serotonin (said to give a 'happy' 'feel good' sensation) that can have a similar effect on the LES. If youve just had a spaghetti dinner with lots of marinara sauce, onions, and garlic, dont follow it up with chocolate. The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. Does Hot Chocolate Cause Acid Reflux? serotonin can be released into the bloodstream by the gastric cells that relax the esophageal sphincter in response to cocoa. Keep a food diary and track the triggers as you identify your own triggers. In order to decrease the acidity of these secretions, it is best to minimize the amount of caffeine in your diet," she says. The excessive fat content in the stomach delays the emptying, making it difficult for the digestive system to continue with the digestion process. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there is a link between chocolate and acid reflux. Its still loaded with calories and easy to overeat. In this article, we look at the research, potential benefits, and side effects of using. Cover them with water, put a lid on the container, and let soak overnight. If youre going to eat chocolate after dinner, dont pair it with coffee or tea. Chocolate, a food that makes symptoms worse in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), is one of those foods. Read this guide to find the best types of dark chocolate to buy, as well as which to avoid. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, and some foods such as mint, tomatoes, and citrus fruits may not cause acid reflux to develop on their own but might aggravate previous damage to the esophagus. Does apple cider vinegar help with acid reflux? Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. The lack of cocoa solids also makes white chocolate lower in antioxidants than other types of chocolate. My flare-up did subside, and Ive been doing pretty well ever since. Did you know that carob has many health benefits? Definition & facts for GER & GERD. Acid reflux occurs when your stomach acid rises into your esophagus. The pH level of milk chocolate is around 6. Especially when the stomach is empty. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. Dark chocolate, which is indeed the healthiest of all types . Chocolate, in addition to relaxing the LES, can make stomach contents easier to leak into the esophagus. Milk chocolate has a pH of approximately 6.2 to 7.0, depending on its origin, and dark chocolate has a pH of approximately Dark chocolate contains substances that increase the production of gastric acid, which causes burning sensations in the chest for acid reflux patients. What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux. Also, a chemical in cocoa relaxes the LES, making it easier for stomach contents to leak into your esophagus. Eating chocolate at night every night will leave you feeling lousy, but an occasional dessert at a restaurant or party will be okay. Different foods affect people differently. But more research is needed (18). Given the great variation between studies on this subject, its clear that more research is needed (9, 10). Dark chocolate is high in calories (150-170 calories per ounce) and can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. Rich chocolate desserts were no longer appealing, and I really didnt want another bad flare-up. When you can only eat a limited amount of chocolate each week, make it count. Studies show it can help reduce blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease.24 Jun 2019. The pH of dark chocolate is lower than 7, which means it is acidic. It is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and pain. The short of it is that all chocolate is bad for acid reflux. There are hundreds of different types of dark chocolate. After a bad flare-up during my senior year of high school, I started taking medication and have been managing it actively ever since (~15 years). In this article, well explore the relationship between water and acid reflux, and offer some tips on how Raw chocolate also has a lower pH level than regular chocolate, making it more acidic. Some people, Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for acid reflux. Esophagus problems that can cause bleeding and black stools include: Esophagitis: inflammation of the esophagus, often due to acid reflux. Sugar is still an excellent source of energy and must be consumed in order for your organs to function properly. This recipe from Sugar Spun Run provides detailed instructions for making fluffy and satisfying cookies. She recommends eating chocolate for people with more severe cases of reflux. In fact, they have way more than most other foods. Finish eating three hours before you go to bed. Alcohol, caffeine, processed sugar, chocolate, carbonated drinks, tobacco, and spicy foods can all trigger acid reflux. Exploring the Connection. Its so much more productive to get excited about desserts you love and can eat than get depressed over the desserts you love but cant eat. acidic items, such as tomatoes and citrus. There is no one definitive answer to this question as everyone experiences symptoms differently and therefore reacts to different triggers. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can further trigger reflux Additionally, chocolate has a high fat content, which may also heighten reflux symptoms. Cocoa powder is naturally acidic, with an average pH of 5.3, although there are many different brands of cocoa powder that can range broadly in pH, with several brands reaching an acidic pH of 4. This novel treatment may prove to be an effective alternative to traditional methods of treating GERD. Ingesting chocolate causes a wave of serotonin secretion, which also contributes to relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. 8 Foods that make acid reflux worse. In addition to chocolate, other foods and beverages are known triggers for heartburn, including: Not everyone gets acid reflux from all of these foods, and there will be foods not on this list that activate symptoms for some people. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. It contains copper and potassium, as well as magnesium and copper. Caffeine and theobromine in chocolate may also trigger . Even the most delicate foods, such as dark chocolate, are acidic. Eating a moderate amount of chocolate every day will not cause long-term health problems such as chronic heartburn or reflux. And remember that chocolate cant replace sunscreen and other forms of sun protection. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4133436/, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts?dkrd=hispt0227, https://www.asge.org/docs/default-source/about-asge/newsroom/doc-gerd_infographic_final.pdf, https://www.aboutgerd.org/diet-lifestyle-changes/diet-changes-for-gerd.html, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis, https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/digestive-health/gastroesophageal-reflux, http://www.ijlpr.com/admin/php/uploads/232_pdf.pdf, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/art.34677. As there is a link between eating chocolate and acid reflux episodes, people with frequent indigestion should consider cutting back on chocolate and other triggers, such as alcohol, coffee, and fatty foods. There are a lot of conflicting opinions about whether or not chocolate is bad for acid reflux. I learned to enjoy lots of non-chocolate desserts, and many days, I honestly didnt miss it. Yes, you might want to put down that cup of coffee or dark chocolate bar. Like tomatoes, acidic citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes are all trigger foods for acid reflux, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dark chocolate, with its high cocoa content, has some impressive health benefits, including its dense nutrient content. But its been the single most effective way for me to re-introduce chocolate without triggers. Here are 8 foods to avoid if you have acid reflux, and 8 foods that keep you free from the burn and keep you healthier overall. Natural cocoa is typically acidic, with a pH of 5. Cocoa butter is what gives chocolate its smooth texture and rich flavor. According to research, capsaicin may also give some people heartburn. Despite this, the acid content of any given type of chocolate varies. Having a bowl of macaroni and cheese or a slice of pizza is okay. If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then its quite nutritious. Johnson, A. A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 7085% cocoa contains (1): In addition, it has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. When a person has acid reflux, he or she should pay close attention to their symptoms and what they ate the night before. A review of studies revealed that eating chocolate 3 times per week lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 9% . Its been over five years since my last bad flare-up and I have a much better understanding of when and how chocolate triggers reflux for me. Is there a link between acid reflux and palpitations? Dark chocolate has been shown to aggravate acid reflux in some people. Pistachio Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies. 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