This page been viewed 319538 times

 38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity

  Last Updated : Sep 18,2021






5/5 stars      12 REVIEWS

38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity, Acid Reflex Indian Foods to Avoid

What's Acidity?
Acidity is a form of indigestion in which there is accumulation of acid leading to a burning sensation in the stomach and the digestive tract. The stomach periodically produces acid to aid digestion. It is when we don't eat at regular intervals or are excessively stressed the stomach produces more acids which harms our body.

What causes Acidity?
'Hurry, worry and curry', in other words: eating in haste, stress and spicy foods are the primary causes of acidity. Besides these, given below are some of the other causes for acidity.

  What causes Acidity?
1. Irregular Meals
2. Excessive consumption of oily and spicy foods
3. Stress
4. Over eating especially before going to bed
5. Bad posture after meals
6. Excessive alcohol consumption

 

Are you a victim to acidity? Find out here....
Yes, you might be, if you have the following symptoms....

 

  Symptoms of Acidity
1. Burning sensation in the digestive tract
2. Headache
3. Sour burps
4. Dizziness due to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)

 

Food Guide for Acidity

 

Listed below is the list of acidic foods, which will help to make your food choices very simple. These foods are classified on the basis of their acidic or alkaline nature, however there are certain foods that are acidic in nature but on digestion form alkali in our body and do not cause or aggravate acidity.



So if you suffer from acidity quite often try to avoid or restrict acidic foods (as given in the table below) whereas alkaline foods can be eaten freely. Although these foods are classified for you to make wise choices, the reaction of each food is very individualistic and vary from person to person hence pick up foods that suit you the best and help you keep away from acidity.

Acidic Foods to be Limited or Avoided

In general here's a list of foods which are best avoided to prevent acidity. 

1. Refined and processed foods: These include, maida, bread, noodles, pasta, burger, sandwich etc. If you wish you can opt for Almond Bread occasionally. 

Almond Bread, Homemade Almond Bread Without Eggs

Almond Bread, Homemade Almond Bread Without Eggs

2. Sugar laden sweets: Sugar is one the biggest culprit of acidity. It can cause and aggravate acidity too. So Indian mithais like gulab jamun, rasgulla, sheera, halwa etc. should be avoided. Have dates to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try sugar-free Date Milkshake if chilled milk suits you.

Date Milkshake

Date Milkshake

3. Spicy foods: Spicy foods irritate the lining of the digestive tract (oesophagus and stomach) and leads to more acid reflux, which means more acidity. Try a simple Bajra Roti instead. 

Bajra Roti

Bajra Roti

4. Fermented Foods: These are another cause of acidity. 

5. Drinks: Drinks like coffee, tea, alcohol, readymade fruit juices and aerated drinks are all on the top of the list to be avoided. Sip on healthy Tusli Water instead and keep acidity at bay.

Tulsi Water

Tulsi Water

6. Toovar dal: Toovar dal is very high to digest and knwon to cause acidity and bloating. Avoid at night definitely. Instead try bland Moong Dal Khichdi. 

Moong Dal Khichdi
Moong Dal Khichdi



Acidic Foods to be Limited or Avoided, Acid Reflux Foods to be Avoided

1. Coffee 20. Noodles
2. Alcohol 22. Rawa
3. Vinegar 23. Maida
4. Aerated Beverages 24. Poha
5. Spicy Foods 25. Cheese
6. MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) 26. Paneer
7. Idlis, (Fermented Foods) 27. Mayonnaise
8. Dosas, (Fermented Foods) 28. Butter
9. Appams, (Fermented Foods) 29. Walnuts
10. Rasgulla 30. Peanuts
11. Gulab Jamun 31. Processed Fruit Juices
12. Chikki 32. Canned Fruits
13. Pedas 33. Tuvar Dal
14. Ladoo 34. Soybeans
15. Sugar 35. Besan
16. Artificial Sweeteners 36. Rice
17. Eggs 37. Cooked Spinach
18. Bread 38. Oats
19. Pasta    

Ease your Acidity for NOW and FOREVER

Identifying and avoiding the causative factors are essential in the treatment of acidity. A suitable diet must be strictly followed avoiding spicy, salty and acidic foods. Plenty of fresh air, exercise, a relaxed mind and the correct foods does wonders to relive acidity. Work on soothing your body and mind for this is just the best way to keep acidity at bay. Here are a few general guidelines to keep acidity at bay.



• Eat in a calm and stress-free environment. Avoid irregular and hurried meals.

• Regular eating habits and a healthy diet can prevent acidity. Do not remain hungry for a long time and don't overeat at the same time. Both are root causes of acidity. Have a healthy Jowar Roti.

Jowar Roti

Jowar Roti

• Avoid eating outside too frequent as the outside foods cause acidity.

• Eat small and frequent meals as small amount of food each time would exert less workload on the stomach and therefore release less acid secretion for digestion. Try Mushroom Soup.

Mushroom Soup, Quick Mushroom SoupMushroom Soup, Quick Mushroom Soup

• Have plenty of salads and juices. Their alkaline nature helps avoid acidity. Minty Apple Salad is a wse choice. 

Minty Apple Salad

Minty Apple Salad

• Too spicy food is sure to cause that burning sensation. So it's better avoided.

• Restrict the consumption of oil to minimal. Avoid fried foods as these foods remain in the stomach longer and hence more acid is secreted for their digestion, which is the cause of acidity.

• Milk, curds and paneer (cottage cheese) have an individual effect. To some they are cooling and help overcome acidity whereas some feel they aggravate acidity. Have 3 to 4 glasses of buttermilk everyday if you can handle it, as it is said to be 'God's Nectar' a great reliever of acidity. So you need to make your choice. Mint Chaas is a good choice for acidity. However remember to avoid adding chillies to it. 

Mint Chaas, Punjabi Mint Chaas Recipe

Mint Chaas, Punjabi Mint Chaas Recipe

• Restrict the excess consumption of pulses like rajma, moong etc. if they cause gas and then acidity or have them in combination with other alkaline foods like veggies.

• Sprouts, though alkaline can be gas forming for some if consumed in large quantities and usually for dinner (late), hence avoid their consumption if you feel bloated after having them or have them occasionally and during the day. You can try in in the form of Sprouted Moong Salad. 

Sprouted Moong Salad

Sprouted Moong Salad

• Drink plenty of water (at least 6 to 8 glasses per day) and other fluids to maintain the acid balance in the stomach. Have sugar free natural fruit juice like Pear Juice.

How To Make Pear Juice, Fresh Pear Juice

How To Make Pear Juice, Fresh Pear Juice

• Have your evening meals at least two to three hours before going to bed.

• Maintain upright position during and at least 45 minutes after eating each meal to enhance digestion.

• Exercise or meditate at least 15 to 20 minutes in the morning to reduce stress.

• Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.
 

Foods that Heal Acidity

Though antacids provide immediate relief of symptoms by neutralizing the excess acid secretion, excessive and frequent consumption of medications can have ill effects on health. Mother nature provides us with number of foods that can work wonders for acidity; here are a few kitchen remedies that are sure to ease your discomfort...

Lemon: Juice of one lemon mixed in half glass of water if consumed before meals helps to relieve acidity.

Vegetable juices: Juices of vegetables like carrot, cucumber, radish or beetroot help to balance the acid in the stomach due to their alkaline nature. Feel free to add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavour of these juices. Try Pear and Apple Drink.

Pear and Apple Drink, Pear and Apple Juice

Pear and Apple Drink, Pear and Apple Juice

Mint (phudina): Fresh mint juice taken every day or fresh mint leaves boiled in a cup of water and sipped slowly after meals also helps to keep the stomach acids at bay. Turn to Phudina Drink.

Pudina Drink for Indigestion, Weight Loss

Pudina Drink for Indigestion, Weight Loss

Onion (pyaz):  While raw onions may cause acid reflux, the juice of onions is an excellent remedy for acidity for many. However you can them in cooked form. Try a whole wheat flour or jowar rotis made with onions as done in the recipe of Jowar Pyaz ki Roti and Pyazwali Bhindi.

Pyaz Wali Bhindi 

Pyaz Wali Bhindi

Kokum: Sherbet made with kokum and perked with jeera is excellent in keeping acidity at bay. But remember to not load it with excess sugar.

38 indian foods to avoid for acidity

1.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Coffee is acidic in nature due to the presence of organic acid content. Coffee promotes gastro-esophageal reflux by decreasing the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter. It stimulates gall bladder contraction and colonic motor activity. it is not the caffeine content that causes acidity as both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee exacerbate gastroesophaeal reflux.
 
No reviews
2.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Basta is a processed product and processed products tend to cause acid reflux. Being a refined carbohydrate pastas can lead to heartburn.
 
No reviews
3.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Gulab jamuns are first fried and then dipped into sugar syrup. Fried foods and fatty foods tend to sit in the stomach for a long time and are hard to digest properly. As a result, this can trigger surplus acid production. The high sugar content is also responsible for inflammation and heartburn.
 
No reviews
4.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Naturally, peanut does not create acid reflux. However, it is a rich source of fat content, people suffering from other health problems may experience acid reflux symptoms. Peanut chikki is sweetened and this causes heartburn.
 
No reviews
5.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Idli is a fermented food product and can generate increased acidity in the stomach causing heartburn or similar issues like frequent burps, bloating, cramps, nausea or vomiting.
 
No reviews
6.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Rasgulla is loaded with sugar. High sugar diet causes inflammatory responses in the body. High sugar diets cause heartburn.
 
No reviews
7.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Soyabeans are difficult to digest and can cause gas, bloating and general discomfort. Fermented forms of soy, such as miso, tempeh or soy sauce are more easily digested than non-fermented soy foods.
 
No reviews
8.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Appam is a fermented food product and can generate increased acidity in the stomach causing heartburn or similar issues like frequent burps, bloating, cramps, nausea or vomiting.
 
No reviews
9.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Bread can cause heartburn because it is highly processed refined carbohydrate and loaded with sodium. Both of which are responsible for increasing acidity in the stomach.
 
No reviews
10.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Sugar and artificial sweeteners, both are the cause of inflammation and can lead to over-eating, fast eating and weight gain. Sugar triggers heartburn.
 
No reviews
11.  
 by Tarla Dalal
 
No reviews
12.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Dosa is a fermented food product and can generate increased acidity in the stomach causing heartburn or similar issues like frequent burps, bloating, cramps, nausea or vomiting.
 
No reviews
13.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Mayonnaise is made up of oil. Fatty foods tend to sit in the stomach for a long time and are hard to digest properly. As a result, this can trigger surplus acid production.
 
No reviews
14.  
 by Tarla Dalal
Nuts like walnuts are rich in fats. And can cause heartburn because fat slows down the emptying of the stomach.
 
No reviews
Subscribe to the free food mailer

Soya

Missed out on our mailers?
Our mailers are now online!

View Mailer Archive

Privacy Policy: We never give away your email
Rate and review this recipe and get 15 days FREE bonus membership!

REGISTER NOW If you are a new user.
Or Sign In here, if you are an existing member.

Login Name
Password

Forgot Login / Password?Click here

If your Gmail or Facebook email id is registered with Tarladalal.com, the accounts will be merged. If the respective id is not registered, a new Tarladalal.com account will be created.

Are you sure you want to delete this review ?

Click OK to sign out from tarladalal.
For security reasons (specially on shared computers), proceed to Google and sign out from your Google account.

Reviews

38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 01 Feb 23 12:05 AM


Very good article.....
| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    Thanks for the feedback !!! Keep reviewing recipes and articles you loved.
Reply
01 Feb 23 08:54 AM
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 16 Jun 22 09:06 AM


Very helpful...mam, my 10 Yr daughter has vomiting every week at night..mostly after eating cheese, mango ..pls suggest good diet fr her...
| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    Thank you for the feedback. Mam we suggest you consult a paediatrician for the same. Please keep reviewing recipes and articles you love.
Reply
24 Jun 22 12:01 PM
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 15 Oct 21 09:18 PM


Excellent narration
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 30 Sep 21 04:32 PM


| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    Thanks for the feedback !!! Keep reviewing recipes and articles you loved.
Reply
01 Oct 21 02:52 PM
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 22 Sep 21 02:20 PM


respected madam.i think and got from other sources that restriction on certain diets as idali ,rice or fermented foods;ie that has probiotic values and over all good for guts good bacteria,is not good.my doctor tells me to stop all diary items in any form as it are acidic after digestion.so,there are so much dilemma and contradiction.you also said moong as gas produing whereas it is said it is easy on digestion.
| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    Yes, it is true that fermented foods have good bacteria but sometimes over fermentation can aggravate the existing acidity. Moreover, there is no one cure to acidity. The foods suitable are quite individualistic. So restrict the consumption of dairy products if it causes acidity. Try curd - it might suit the digestive tract. Similarly prefer yellow moong dal over moong. It is easy to digest.
Reply
22 Sep 21 04:18 PM
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 16 Sep 21 05:43 PM


Very useful information for acidity causing foods. Thanks
| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    Thanks for the feedback !!! Keep reviewing recipes and articles you loved.
Reply
18 Sep 21 01:26 PM
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 16 Sep 21 07:30 AM


Madam, it is widely accepted that Lemon, Mint, Onion are not suitable for acidity and they can trigger acid reflux. Then why do you suggest recipes using these?
| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    Lemon is acidic in nature, but it is known to exhibit alkaline pH in the stomach and thus allowed. With regards to mint, spearmint and peppermint have more cooling effect. Mint leaves are known to have digestive properties. Raw onions are best avoided to prevent acidity, but cooked onions can be included in the diet in small quantities.
Reply
18 Sep 21 01:24 PM
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 13 Sep 21 12:38 PM


Thank you mam for sharing this information💯👌👍
| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    Thanks for the feedback !!! Keep reviewing recipes and articles you loved.
Reply
13 Sep 21 02:10 PM
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 05 Aug 21 08:53 AM


Thank you, but can you please tell other alternative for those don''t like curd/buttermilk
| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    There is no substitute to curd or buttermilk. However if you want to substitute it in any particular recipe, please send the link.
Reply
05 Aug 21 02:51 PM
38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity
5
 on 15 May 21 07:04 PM


This was very very helpful. Thank you!!
| Hide Replies
Tarla Dalal    Thanks for the feedback !!! Keep reviewing recipes and articles you loved.
Reply
17 May 21 01:19 PM
View comment page:  ... 2