While citrus fruit has many health benefits to offer us, it may not be the best choice for those who experience acid reflux. “Citrus fruits … are acidic in nature,” Dr. Brown told us. This is because citrus fruits — such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits — have lower pH levels. The lower the pH level, the more acidic the food item (via Johns Hopkins Medicine). “Consuming these fruits can increase the acidity in the stomach, potentially leading to irritation of the esophagus and worsening acid reflux symptoms,” he stated. “Additionally, citrus fruits may weaken the LES, making it less effective at preventing acid reflux.”
However, this doesn’t mean that all fruits need to be avoided. Instead, stick to fruits with higher water content or higher pH levels. This can include melons, bananas, or watermelons. Furthermore, although lemons are included in Dr. Brown’s list of foods to avoid, lemon water may be a different story. A small squirt of lemon juice when combined with honey and warm water can offset the fruit’s acidity, which may ease one’s acid reflux symptoms.