Healing Foods for Soothing Acid Reflux and Bloating

33. Turmeric (Curcumin) — The Gut Anti-Inflammatory Shield

While mentioned for bone health in another list, Turmeric specifically targets the digestive tract with its active compound, Curcumin. Its primary benefit isn't adding fiber or neutralizing acid directly, but rather its potent anti-inflammatory action that directly calms an irritated gut lining. Chronic inflammation, even low-grade, is a major driver of reflux and general gut sensitivity. Curcumin helps modulate the immune response in the GI tract, reducing swelling and irritation. Furthermore, it supports healthy bile flow, aiding in the breakdown of fats, which can otherwise sit heavy in the stomach and trigger reflux. Incorporating turmeric into soups, warm milk, or even as a supplement provides a powerful, cellular-level defense against digestive upset.

34. Baked Potato (Skin Peeled) — The Simple Starch Buffer

A plain, baked white potato, with the skin peeled, is one of the simplest and most gentle foods for an inflamed or sensitive stomach. This starchy food is highly effective because it contains virtually no fat, is naturally alkaline, and offers a specific type of complex carbohydrate that acts as a simple, soft buffer against stomach acid. Unlike more complex fibers, the starch in a peeled, baked potato is digested high in the gut, leaving little behind to ferment and cause gas or bloating in the colon. It provides instant, satisfying calories without demanding much effort from a strained digestive system, making it an ideal "safe food" during flare-ups.