Sour fruits

Sour fruits like orange, pineapple or strawberry, for example, are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, and are also known as citrus fruits.

Its richness in vitamin C is essential to avoid diseases such as scurvy, which arises when there is a shortage of this vitamin.

Acid fruits are not as acidic as gastric juice, but they can increase acidity in the stomach and should not be consumed in case of gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux.

List of acid fruits

Acid fruits are those rich in citric acid, which is responsible for the bitter and spicy taste of these fruits, which can be divided into two groups:

• Sour or citrus fruits:

Pineapple, acerola, plum, blackberry, cashew, cider, cupuaçu, raspberry, gooseberry, jabuticaba, orange, lime, quince, quince, strawberry, loquat, peach, pomegranate, tamarind, tangerine, and grape.

• Semi-acidic fruits:

Persimmon, green apple, passion fruit, guava, pear, carambola and raisins.

Semi-acidic fruits have a lower amount of citric acid in their composition and are better tolerated in cases of stomach problems such as gastritis or reflux. All other fruits can be consumed normally in cases of gastritis.

Sour fruits in gastritis and reflux

Sour fruits should be avoided in cases of ulcers and bouts of gastritis, as the acid can cause increased pain when the stomach is already inflamed. The same holds true for cases of reflux where there are wounds or inflammation of the esophagus and throat as the pain appears when citric acid comes in contact with the wound.

However, when the stomach is not inflamed or when there are lesions along the throat, citrus fruits can be consumed at will as their acid will even help prevent intestinal problems such as cancer and gastritis. 

Sour fruits in pregnancy

Acidic fruits in pregnancy can help decrease nausea since acid from fruits will stimulate the formation of digestive acids, favoring gastric emptying. In addition, these fruits also have good amounts of folic acid and B-complex vitamins that are essential for the formation of the neural tube and the baby's tissues.