What foods neutralise stomach acid? Doctor-approved tips

Overview

Too much stomach acid can cause heartburn, reflux, and discomfort. The good news? Certain everyday foods can help neutralise acid and ease your symptoms naturally. In Australia, many people frequently experience reflux. If it occurs more than twice weekly, it may indicate GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), a condition that impacts roughly around 10 - 15% of Australians¹. Untreated, chronic acid reflux can lead to complications like:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Inflammation or damage to the oesophagus
• Tooth enamel erosion
• Sore throat or persistent cough

Why stomach acid matters

Stomach acid plays a crucial role in digestion, breaking down food and protecting against harmful bacteria. However, when excess acid is produced or it flows back into the oesophagus (the food pipe), it can cause heartburn, reflux, and irritation.

Causes

Some daily habits and lifestyle choices can aggravate acid production. Common triggers include:

• Stress and anxiety

• Smoking and alcohol

• Large or late meals

• Medical conditions like GORD or ulcers

• Evening or post-meal acid spikes

These triggers may boost acid production, loosen the lower oesophageal sphincter (the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus), or slow digestion, all of which contribute to acid backflow.  

Foods that help

Here are doctor-recommended foods commonly found in Australian households that can help soothe your stomach:  

Food	How it helps
Bananas	Coats the stomach and reduces irritation
Oatmeal	Absorbs excess acid and is gentle on digestion
Ginger	Anti-inflammatory, may help calm the stomach
Almonds (raw, unsalted)	Alkaline, helps neutralise acid
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, broccoli)	Low in acid, high in fibre
Melons and cucumbers	High water content, low in acid
Plain (low-fat) yogurt	Cool and soothing, with probiotics to support digestion (if tolerated)

  These foods are commonly available in Australian supermarkets or farmers’ markets.

Foods to avoid

To control stomach acid, avoid or restrict the following food items:

1. Citrus and tomatoes

• Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit

• Tomatoes, tomato sauce, or ketchup

2. Spicy and fried foods

• Chilli and hot sauces

• Greasy or deep-fried takeaway meals

3. Drinks

• Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)

• Fizzy or carbonated beverages

• Coffee

4. Other

• Chocolate

• Mint (peppermint, spearmint)

• Highly processed, high-fat foods

You don’t have to avoid all of these forever, but limiting them, especially after meals or late at night, can make a big difference.

When home remedies aren’t enough

Adjusting your diet, avoiding triggers, and trying natural home remedies may help with mild or occasional symptoms. But if symptoms are frequent, you might need specialised care. Here are some signs that your home remedies might not be enough:

• You still experience heartburn more than twice a week

• You rely on antacids or over-the-counter medications

• Your symptoms recur quickly after stopping natural remedies

• You are unsure which foods are causing the problem

• Symptoms wake you up at night or affect your everyday life

In these cases, it’s wise to consult a online GP. They can provide short-term medication, personalised advice, or run tests to rule out conditions like GORD, ulcers, or food intolerances.

When to consult a doctor

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to see a doctor:

• Difficulty swallowing

• Persistent heartburn not relieved by over-the-counter medications

• Vomiting blood or resembling coffee grounds

• Unexplained weight loss

• Severe chest discomfort

Important: If you experience sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, call 000 immediately.

How Hola Health can help

With Hola Health, you can access professional care conveniently. You can:

• See an Australian GP online within minutes

• Get prescriptions for acid reflux or heartburn

• Receive an online medical certificate for work or school

• Obtain referrals to gastroenterologists if specialised care is required

• Schedule medicine delivery for fast symptom relief

Whether your symptoms are mild or recurring, Hola Health gives you an easy and reliable way to manage them under professional supervision.

Conclusion

If heartburn or acid reflux is affecting your daily life, don’t wait. Make simple dietary tweaks, avoid known triggers, and if symptoms persist, book a telehealth consultation with Hola Health today — professional care, all from home.

FAQs

What are natural ways to neutralise stomach acid?

Foods such as bananas, oats, almonds, and low-acid vegetables can help. In addition, try smaller, more frequent meals, cut back on triggers, manage stress, and avoid lying down after meals.

Can heartburn be treated without medication?

Yes, many cases can be managed with diet and lifestyle changes. However, if symptoms are severe, medical treatment is often needed.

When should I see a doctor for acid reflux?

See a doctor if you have recurring symptoms, trouble swallowing, sudden weight loss, vomiting blood, or if you’re not improving despite home remedies.