Do Walnuts and Peanuts Aggravate Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. For this reason, highly acidic foods and foods high in fat---such as peanuts---should be limited or avoided by people suffering from acid reflux. Walnuts, on the other hand, may actually benefit acid-reflux sufferers.
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High Fat Foods
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Foods high in fat are more difficult to digest than fiber-rich foods, meaning that they stay in the stomach longer. The longer a food takes to be digested, the more acid the stomach produces; hence, foods high in fat should be avoided by people with acid reflux.
Peanuts and the Esophagus
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In addition to being high in fat (thus producing more acid), there is some evidence that peanuts relax the esophagal sphincter. A relaxed or weakened esophagal sphincter means that foods have trouble reaching the stomach, as the esophagal sphincter is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. When foods are unable to reach the stomach for proper digestion, stomach acid is forced into the esophagus, producing acid reflux.
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Peanut Allergies
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According to PeanutAllergy.com, an estimated 3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts, while 25 million experience symptoms of acid reflux on a daily basis. Because acid-reflux symptoms are heightened by allergic reactions, people who suffer from acid reflux should avoid peanuts and various other foods they may be sensitive to.
Foods Containing Peanuts
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Steer clear of foods you aren't sure about. Foods containing peanuts include baked goods (such as cookies, muffins and breads), granolas and cereals, Asian cuisine and many prepackaged foods. If you suffer from acid reflux and also suspect that you may sensitive to peanuts, your best bet is to read labels carefully and steer clear of foods you aren't sure about.
Walnuts and Acid Reflux
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Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, aid in digestion and thus relieve acid-reflux symptoms. Omega-3-rich foods include walnuts, fish, flaxseed, olive oil and winter squash.
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References
- Photo Credit mixed nuts image by JJAVA from Fotolia.com Muffin and cappuccino image by Susanne Karlsson from Fotolia.com
