Pantoprazole Foods To Avoid & What To Eat Instead

Pantoprazole is an effective proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of stomach acid the stomach makes. 

Doctors may prescribe it for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes referred to as heartburn, a condition in which acid from the stomach backflows into the esophagus and causes damage and pain. 

Along with taking the medication, dietary changes are recommended to help reduce stomach acid so your esophagus can heal. 

Explore this complete guide on which foods to limit or avoid while taking pantoprazole and which foods to focus on eating.

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Pantoprazole Foods To Avoid

Here’s a list of foods that tend to increase stomach acid.

While taking pantoprazole, avoid eating these foods often or in large quantities.

Trigger foods can vary from person to person.

A Nourish dietitian is a great resource for helping you discover which foods may be causing acid reflux symptoms. 

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods that contain hot peppers and spices that add heat are something you want to avoid to decrease stomach acid. 

The ingredients in these foods stimulate acid production and may lead to further discomfort and damage to your esophagus. 

Examples of spicy foods to avoid include:

• Hot sauces and salsas made with hot peppers (poblano, jalapeno, chili, cayenne, etc.).
• Curries or curry-based dishes.
• Kimchi.
• Spicy chili.
• Buffalo wings.
• Szechuan dishes.

Citrus Fruits And Tomatoes

Citrus fruits and tomatoes contain natural acids that aggravate the symptoms of GERD and can further irritate the esophagus.

While taking pantoprazole, it’s best to limit or completely eliminate them from your diet while you heal. 

Along with all fresh tomatoes and tomato-based products (ketchup, tomato sauce, or paste), you’ll want to avoid citrus fruits including:

• Lemons.
• Limes.
• Oranges.
• Grapefruit.
• Pineapple.
• Mandarines.

Onions And Garlic

Sadly, these flavorful and staple ingredients can be problematic for people taking pantoprazole.

Some of their natural plant compounds tend to irritate the esophagus and trigger reflux symptoms. 

So, for a time, it’s recommended you explore alternative seasoning options like celery, carrots, ginger, and fennel that are less likely to irritate the digestive tract. 

Chocolate

This one may hit hard as, unfortunately, this beloved treat should be approached with caution if you are struggling with acid reflux. 

While it may not be a trigger for everyone, and research is sometimes conflicting on whether it increases acid in the stomach, it’s often associated with increasing GERD symptoms.

As such, while taking pantoprazole, it may be best to avoid or limit this treat.

Mint

Mint, which includes peppermint and spearmint, is also on the list of foods to avoid while taking pantoprazole. 

Studies have shown that mint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that opens to let food into the stomach and closes to keep stomach acid out of the esophagus.

When this muscle relaxes, it allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, causing damage and discomfort.

Because of this, avoiding mint and mint products while taking pantoprazole is a good idea. 

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Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages, such as sodas and sparkling waters, tend to increase symptoms related to reflux.

While there is more to discover on why this occurs, these drinks may increase stomach pressure, leading to the symptoms. 

One study noted that saliva samples of participants did not see an increase in pepsin, the acid thought to cause GERD, after drinking carbonated beverages, but that participants did experience more reflux-like symptoms.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can be detrimental if you are dealing with acid reflux and are taking pantoprazole.

Several studies suggest that drinking alcohol is directly related to the development of GERD.

It’s advisable that while taking pantoprazole, you avoid or significantly reduce any alcohol intake. 

Caffeine

Caffeine is another substance that can potentially disrupt stomach acid management.

While it may be difficult to completely cut out all caffeine, it’s best to try and greatly reduce your intake so your esophagus can have time to heal.

This includes coffee, caffeinated teas, and other energy beverages containing caffeine. 

Fried Foods

Fried foods are typically high in oil and tend to increase GERD symptoms.

As a result, these foods are on the list of things to avoid eating if you are taking pantoprazole. 

Instead, try other cooking methods such as baking, steaming, or grilling.

Examples of fried foods include:

• French fries.
• Onion rings.
• Fried chicken or fish.
• Doughnuts.
• Mozzarella sticks.
• Fried calamari.
• Spring or egg rolls.
• Tempura.

What To Eat Instead

Now that you know which foods to limit, discover what to eat while taking pantoprazole.

Lean Proteins

Lean proteins are an essential part of a well-balanced diet and are especially important if you are struggling with digestion concerns like acid reflux. 

Lean proteins are less likely to cause uncomfortable symptoms related to acid, and they contribute to your overall health. 

Examples of lean proteins include:

• Chicken breast.
• Turkey.
• Fish.
• Lean cuts of beef or pork.
• Legumes.
• Quinoa.
• Nuts and seeds. 
• Tofu.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and reduces acid reflux.

Adding whole grains to your snacks or meals creates a balanced meal and helps you feel full.

Examples of whole grains include:

• Brown rice.
• Oats.
• Whole wheat bread.
• Barley.
• Quinoa.

Non-Citrus Fruits And Vegetables

Non-citrus fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and fiber, which promote healthy digestion and healing from acid reflux. 

Some examples of fruits and veggies include:

• Melons.
• Bananas.
• Apples.
• Pears.
• Berries.
• Leafy greens.
• Cucumbers.
• Carrots.
• Green beans.
• Peas.

Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products are packed with calcium for bone and muscle health and tend to not trigger acid reflux like whole-fat dairy products may.

Low-fat, non-sour yogurt seems to especially have a cooling effect on the stomach. ‘

Other dairy foods to eat include:

• Skim or 1% milk.
• Low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt.
• Low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses.

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How Does Pantoprazole Work?

Pantoprazole works by inhibiting the proton pumps in the lining of the stomach.

These proton pumps are responsible for secreting stomach acid. By blocking their action, pantoprazole helps reduce the production of stomach acid.

Having less stomach acid relieves symptoms of acid reflux and gives the stomach and esophagus time to heal.

Other Tips For Managing Acid Reflux

Along with limiting certain foods and consistently taking pantoprazole, several other diet tips can help you better manage acid reflux. 

• Eat smaller meals and avoid eating large meals.
• Avoid eating before lying down and late at night.
• Reduce stress.
• Stop smoking.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly. 
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing.

What To Do If Your Acid Reflux Isn't Improving

If you’ve changed your eating habits and are following the other tips for reducing acid and yet it’s not improving, it’s recommended that you talk with your doctor. 

They may want to change your medications, test for other medical conditions, or refer you to a gastrointestinal specialist. 

Takeaway

Pantoprazole is an effective way to decrease stomach acid and allow your esophagus to start healing from acid reflux. 

While taking pantoprazole, it’s also a good idea to cut out foods that increase stomach acid or acid reflux symptoms to further reduce discomfort and enhance the healing process. 

Foods to limit or avoid include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, mint, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and fried foods. 

Instead, focus on eating lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.

These foods promote healthy digestion, can help reduce symptoms, and are part of a balanced diet to meet your overall health needs. 

Other ways to help reduce acid reflux symptoms include eating smaller meals, not eating late at night, smoking cessation, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. 

It’s important to let your doctor know if your symptoms do not improve, as they may need to make changes to your treatment plan. 

How A Dietitian Can Help

If you are struggling with acid reflux, a Nourish dietitian can be a great source of help and guidance. 

After learning your health history and current medications, they can create a tailored eating plan that meets your unique nutritional needs while taking your preferences into account.

They can teach you strategies to discover which foods are triggering your acid reflux symptoms so you know what to avoid.

They can also give more in-depth guidance on which foods will help you heal. 

During follow-up appointments, your Nourish dietitian can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. 

Over and above being a great source of knowledge about nutrition, your Nourish dietitian can be a source of encouragement and support while you are on this journey to better health.

Find a Nourish dietitian who takes your insurance.