Pharmacist says this fruit works ‘better than all antacids’ to treat heartburn; let’s find out

Heartburn is characterised by a burning sensation in the chest, often caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus, said Dr Dilip Todi, consultant, gastroenterologist and hepatologist, Narayana Hospital, Howrah

By: Lifestyle Desk
3 min readNew Delhi Apr 19, 2024 04:43 PM IST

Here's why heartburn occurs (Source: Freepik)

All of us swear by certain things when it comes to our health and immunity. One pharmacist does, too — about which she opened up on social media. According to Dr Angela Binny, when you have heartburn, “have a banana. Bananas work better than all antacids.” Now, that was the first time we ever heard that suggestion. So, we wanted to learn more about this remedy.

But before understanding the efficacy of bananas in treating heartburn, here’s a guide on what is heartburn and why it occurs.

What is heartburn?

Dr Dilip Todi, consultant, gastroenterologist, and hepatologist, Narayana Hospital, Howrah described heartburn as a common symptom characterised by a burning sensation in the chest, often caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. According to clevelandclinic.org, heartburn begins in this tube, but the feeling often radiates through your chest and sometimes into your throat. “It’s a burning sensation that can be mild to severe,” it reads. “Stress, certain foods like spicy or acidic ones, and obesity can all trigger heartburn. While over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms temporarily, making lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods can provide long-term relief,” said Dr Dipak Ahire, consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist and endoscopist, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

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When does it occur?

According to clevelandclinic.org, heartburn is more common when lying down, bending over, having a late dinner, or having a rich, spicy meal that can be hard for the stomach to digest. “It also occurs when one lies down just after food,” said Dr Todi.

Do bananas help? (Source: Freepik)

So, are bananas a remedy?

“Bananas can indeed provide relief for some individuals. Bananas contain natural antacids and potassium, which can help neutralise stomach acid and soothe irritated esophageal lining, providing temporary relief from heartburn symptoms,” elaborated Dr Todi.

However, it’s important to note that while bananas may offer relief for some, they may not work for everyone, as individual responses to foods can vary. “It’s essential to listen to your body and consider how certain foods like bananas affect your symptoms before relying on them as a primary solution for managing heartburn. Consulting with an expert can provide proper guidance on incorporating bananas to get relief from heartburn,” said Dr Ahire.

So, what to keep in mind?

When consuming bananas for heartburn relief, Dr Todi recommended opting for ripe bananas, “as they are easier to digest and have a higher concentration of beneficial nutrients”. “Enjoying bananas as part of a balanced diet and in moderation can help mitigate heartburn symptoms,” said Dr Todi.

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Experts also urge that it’s essential to address underlying causes of heartburn, such as dietary triggers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with the guidance of a doctor for long-term management.