Are bananas good for acid reflux?

Usually well tolerated

Ripe bananas are low in acid and fat and are one of the most commonly recommended snacks for people with reflux. Claims that they "coat" the oesophagus are not well proven, but they are rarely a trigger.

Tips

  • Ripe bananas are usually easier than under-ripe ones.

Is it a trigger for you?

Reactions vary a lot between people. Log bananas in the symptom diary for two weeks: it shows how often each food is followed by symptoms. Then try two weeks without it and compare.

Similar foods

Oranges Lemon and lemon water Grapefruit Pineapple Melon Apples

Read the full diet guide →

Sources

  1. Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56.
  2. NICE. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management (CG184). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014, updated 2019.