Is Mango Good for Acid Reflux and Heartburn?

Ripe mangoes are lower in acid than citrus fruits.
Image Credit: serezniy/iStock/GettyImages

Acid reflux is a common condition that affects millions of people in the U.S. And certain foods can trigger it, including acidic fruits. But what about mango — is mango good for acid reflux, or can it aggravate symptoms?

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First things first, acid reflux — also known as gastroesophageal reflux — occurs when the contents of your stomach travel back up into the esophagus, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

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An estimated 20 percent of the U.S. population experiences reflux, and it can cause symptoms like:

  • Heartburn
  • Regurgitation
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Chronic cough
  • Hoarseness
  • A sour taste in your mouth
  • Excessive burping

Though it sounds intimidating, occasional heartburn is typically not cause for concern. That said, frequent or severe episodes may be a sign of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and warrant a visit to your doctor, per the Mayo Clinic.

And certain foods can trigger reflux, including some fruits, per the NIDDK. So, is mango bad for acid reflux? Here, we explain the connection between mango and acid reflux and whether you should avoid mango for GERD.

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Tip

Some recommend food combining as a natural remedy for acid reflux. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.

Is Mango Good for Acid Reflux?

As mentioned before, certain foods can stimulate reflux, per the NIDDK. Foods to avoid with GERD include:

  • Acidic foods — that is, foods with a pH balance of less than 7 — like citrus fruits and tomatoes
  • Chocolate
  • High-fat foods
  • Fried foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Mint
  • Coffee and other caffeinated drinks
  • Alcohol

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So, is mango acidic? Ripe mangoes aren't as acidic as many other fruits, according to Clemson University — they have a pH of 5.80 to 6.00, compared to, say, grapefruit, which has a pH of 3.00 to 3.75. As a result, mango is likely good for GERD compared to more acidic fruits.

Other low-acid fruits that may be OK to eat if you have GERD include:

  • Melon
  • Banana
  • Avocados
  • Papaya
  • Pear
  • Watermelon
  • Figs
  • Kiwi
  • Peach

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Listen to Your Heart(burn)

Even though ripe mangoes are among the better fruits to eat if you have GERD, it's important to remember that everybody has different problem foods, according to the NIDDK.

So if mango regularly triggers symptoms for you, it's best to limit or avoid it even though mango is hypothetically good for acid reflux.

Other Tips to Manage Acid Reflux

According to Harvard Health Publishing, here are some other tips to help you manage reflux or GERD:

  • Eat smaller meals more frequently instead of three large meals per day
  • Avoid lying down for several hours after a meal
  • Chew gum after a meal
  • Wear clothes that do not restrict the abdomen
  • Sleep at an incline
  • Quit smoking
references

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.