Pineapple is a familiar tropical fruit, loved for its fresh taste and high nutritional value. Pineapple provides a lot of vitamin C, antioxidants and digestive enzyme bromelain, which often appears in smoothies, salads and desserts. However, many people feel hot and burning in the chest, throat or stomach discomfort after eating pineapple, especially those with a history of acid reflux.
According to clinical nutritionist Edwina Raj, Head of Nutrition and Diet Services at Aster CMI Hospital (India), pineapple does not cause acid reflux in everyone, but can trigger symptoms in certain groups. The main reason lies in the high natural acidity of this fruit.
Foods that are acidic when entering the stomach can irritate the esophageal lining or stretch the muscles of the lower esophagus. When this mechanism weakens, stomach acid easily refluxes upwards, causing a feeling of heartburn and discomfort. For people with gastroesophageal reflux disease or sensitive stomachs, this risk is more obvious.
In addition, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein and support digestion. However, when consumed in large quantities, bromelain can cause mild irritation of the esophagus and stomach lining, exacerbating the burning sensation in people who are prone to reflux.
The time and way of eating pineapple also play an important role. Eating pineapple on an empty stomach causes acid in the fruit to come into direct contact with the stomach lining, easily causing irritation. Meanwhile, eating pineapple after main meals in moderation is usually less uncomfortable. Fresh pineapple also tends to cause stronger irritation than canned pineapple, because the processing helps reduce natural acidity. Pineapple juice is more likely to cause reflux because it is rich in acid and lacks fiber.
People who regularly experience heartburn, acid reflux or have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux need to monitor the body's reaction when eating pineapple. Signs such as chest heat, sour taste in the mouth, bloating or stomach pain indicate that this fruit may not be suitable.
However, pineapple still brings many health benefits. Vitamin C in pineapple helps boost immunity, antioxidants support anti-inflammatory, and bromelain can help reduce bloating and improve digestion in tolerated people. For this group, pineapple is a healthy food in a balanced diet.
To limit the risk of acid reflux, experts recommend eating ripe pineapple, in small quantities, after main meals. Combining pineapple with neutral foods such as yogurt or oatmeal also helps reduce stomach irritation.
It's a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit.
