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If you suffer from acid reflux, you know all too well how some foods trigger symptoms and cause discomfort.  Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit.  But, is mango good for acid reflux?  Continue reading, and we’ll explore the answer to this question.  Then, you can decide whether to add more mango into your diet while trying to manage your acid reflux symptoms.

are ripe mangoes acidic

What is Acid Reflux?

Before we discuss whether mangoes are good for acid reflux, let’s take just a few minutes to review what acid reflux is.  Acid reflux occurs when the LES, or lower esophageal sphincter, that sits at the entrance to your stomach opens more often than needed or doesn’t completely close as it should.  

This can lead to stomach acids making their way into your esophagus.  The stomach acids cause a burning feeling in the chest known as heartburn.  Individuals who experience heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux may have a disease called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

There are a number of risk factors for GERD.  These include lying down immediately following a meal, eating larger meals, smoking, drinking coffee, tea, alcohol, or carbonated drinks, or being overweight.  

Additionally, eating foods that have a high acidic content can also trigger acid reflux symptoms.

man with acid reflux

What is the pH of mango?

pH levels refer to the acidity or alkalinity of a substance.  pH is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, and all foods fall somewhere in this range.  Foods with a pH of 7.0 are considered neutral.  pH values between 0 and 6.9 are considered acid (the lower the number, the more acidic the food is).  pH values between 7.1 and 14.0 are considered basic or alkaline.

Foods with a pH of 4 or less are considered very acidic and are not a good choice for individuals with acid reflux.  Some examples of these foods include sugar, alcohol, carbonated drinks, grains, and some dairy or meat products.

So, is mango rich in acid?  What is the pH level of a mango?  The pH level of a mango can actually vary a bit depending on how ripe it is.

Green mangoes have a pH between 3.4 and 4.8, making them more acidic than many other foods.  Are ripe mangoes acidic?  Ripe mangoes have a pH between 5.8 and 6.0.  While this is technically acidic, since it is lower than 7.0, ripe mangoes are generally not considered an overly acidic fruit.

Are mangoes low acid?

So, is mango acidic in stomach?  As we mentioned above, the pH of a ripe mango is between 5.8 and 6.0.  Remember, that a pH of 7.0 is neutral, and anything lower than it is acidic.  However, since the pH of a ripe mango isn’t too far off of 7, it isn’t highly acidic.

Unripened green mangoes, on the other hand, have a lower pH than ripe mangoes.  The 3.4 to 4.8 pH of a green mango means that it is a more acidic fruit.

sliced mango

Does Mango cause acid reflux?

Mangoes offer a range of health benefits.  They are full of essential vitamins and nutrients, have a low calorie count, have been connected with decreasing the chances of developing diabetes, and can help support a healthy heart.  

Knowing all of these health benefits, if you are prone to acid reflux, you may have even more questions, such as is mango bad for acid reflux? 

Ripe mangoes are generally a safe option for individuals with acid reflux.  They have a higher pH than many other acidic fruits, such as citrus fruits.  For most people with acid reflux, eating a mango should not worsen symptoms of heartburn.  In fact, the answer to “is ripe mango good for acid reflux,” the answer may even be yes.  Mango can help aid in proper digestion of foods, which can lessen acid reflux symptoms.

However, every individual is different.  If you eat mangoes and notice a worsening of your acid reflux symptoms, it may be best for you to avoid eating them.  Also keep in mind that green mangoes are more acidic than ripe mangoes, so you may want to stay away from them.

Is mango juice good for acid reflux?  If you make mango juice with ripe mangoes with a higher pH, then it is unlikely to irritate your acid reflux symptoms.

Is dried mango good for acid reflux? This is another common question.  Most sources indicate that the pH of a dried mango should be the same as a fresh mango.

Here are some of the other health benefits mangoes offer:

FAQs

Does mangoes cause gas?

Yes, in some cases, mangoes may cause gas.  Mangoes have high levels of fiber, which may lead to gassiness.  Additionally, mangoes have higher levels of fructose than glucose, which can also sometimes trigger gas.

Is mango good for gastritis?

As with acid reflux, eating acidic foods can irritate gastritis.  Ripe mangoes typically have a high enough pH, however, that they should be fine for most people with gastritis.

Is Mango acidic or alkaline forming?

Is mango acidic?  The pH of both green and ripe mangoes is less than 7.0, which technically means they are acidic.  Green mangoes have a lower pH (between 3.4 and 4.8) than ripe mangoes (between 5.8 and 6.0).  In most cases, ripe mangoes are not considered a highly acidic fruit and can be a good option for individuals with acid reflux.

is mango bad for acid reflux

Mangoes and Acid Reflux

If you have acid reflux, eating ripe mangoes shouldn’t pose a major issue.  Compared to many other fruits, ripe mangoes have a higher pH.  However, since every individual is different, look for any indications that eating the mango is causing a flare up of your symptoms.  If this occurs, it may be best to stay away from, or severely limit, your consumption of mangoes.

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