Can Almonds Cause Acid Reflux Symptoms?

Nutrient-rich nuts like almonds are recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet by the American Heart Association. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, however, you may wonder whether almonds may cause or alleviate symptoms, such as heartburn.

Almonds are an alkaline (nonacidic) food that can neutralize stomach acid, and eating them may help with acid reflux symptom management, research indicates. But almonds are high in fat, and high-fat foods may worsen symptoms in some people, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Pay attention to your symptoms to determine how this nutritious nut fits into your acid reflux diet plan. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of acid reflux can include heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest (particularly after eating), difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food.

Almonds and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, located at the top of the stomach, does not close properly and allows stomach contents back up into the esophagus and throat. This mixture can be very acidic, and when regurgitated, cause pain and discomfort, according to Mayo Clinic.

You may have heard that almonds can help with acid reflux. While almonds have many health benefits, there is a lack of quality research specifically pertaining to almonds and acid reflux. However, based on their nutrition profile, almonds could have a positive impact on acid reflux disease, researchers write.

Almonds and Weight Loss

According to clinical guidelines published by the American College of Gastroenterology, if you’re overweight or have obesity, losing weight is a key lifestyle strategy to improve acid reflux symptoms.

One research review found that low-calorie diets with a 1,000-calorie daily deficit that included almonds led study participants to achieve lower body mass index measurements, increased weight loss, increased fat loss, and larger reductions in body part circumference measurements than participants who ate a nut-free diet.

The researchers write that they believe almonds are a valuable part of such highly restrictive diets because the fiber they provide helps correct the slow rate of weight loss that low-fiber diets can cause.

Compounds in almonds may help regulate appetite, as well as affect whether fats and sugars are stored in the body as fat after digestion. Eating a handful of almonds daily may indirectly help acid reflux if it’s part of a successful weight loss plan.

Alkaline Foods and Acid Reflux

Acidic foods may irritate the already inflamed esophagus, and limiting these foods may benefit some acid reflux sufferers. Adding alkaline (nonacidic) foods can also help, according to Mass General Brigham hospital in Boston. Almonds are an alkaline food, research indicates.

Eating alkaline foods as part of your acid reflux diet can be helpful, especially along with high-fiber foods that help with digestion and decrease esophageal sphincter relaxations, according to one research review. The review's authors write that eating both alkaline and high-fiber foods may help reduce GERD symptoms and reduce the need for medication.

Potential Problems

The American College of Gastroenterology's clinical guidelines do not recommend the inclusion of specific foods to help acid reflux, nor do these guidelines support universal avoidance of common trigger foods, such as acidic or high-fat foods.

The contents of a full stomach are more likely to reflux up into the esophagus, according to Harvard Health Publishing, so eating large amounts of almonds — or any food — could worsen your symptoms. Also, eating almonds right before bed can pose a problem, as nighttime acid reflux is more likely if you eat within three hours of bedtime.

Precautions to Take

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFGD), being overweight can make reflux worse, as excess abdominal fat puts pressure on the stomach. Losing even a moderate amount of weight can improve your acid reflux.

In addition, acid-blocking medications are commonly used to manage symptoms, according to the IFGD. Beyond these basics, by tracking your symptoms, you may be able to identify foods that improve or worsen your acid reflux. Almonds and other nuts can be a healthy addition to your diet if you tolerate them and eat moderate portions, according to the American Heart Association.

However, tree nuts, including almonds, are a common cause of food allergies, which could lead to a fatal reaction, according to Cleveland Clinic. If almonds haven't been a part of your diet in the past, a slow introduction may be wise.

If your reflux symptoms are severe or frequent, work with your doctor to adjust your treatment plan. Acid reflux can lead to serious health problems if it’s not well-controlled, according to the American Medical Association.