Italian Restaurant Menu Options for People With Acid Reflux Problems

The core of many Italian dishes is the tomato. Whether it's chopped, turned into a sauce, or used whole, tomatoes are a staple in Italian food but can present a lot of problems for anyone with acid reflux issues. Tomatoes are high in acid and over-consumption could lead to heartburn or indigestion.

With a little extra planning and knowledge, you can still enjoy Italian restaurants without consuming tomato-based menu items. Browse through some of your options and learn how to control your acid reflux without the need to eliminate restaurants from your diet.

Pesto Pasta

One of the main alternatives to a tomato-based pasta is a pesto pasta. Pesto sauce includes a pine nut base and is often mixed with fresh ingredients like basil, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Pesto sauce is used with multiple forms of pasta like ziti and spaghetti.

Not only does pesto pasta eliminate the acid, but the pine nut base can help reduce stomach acid overall. Browse a menu to see all of the pesto options. Pesto sauce is often combined with meats like chicken in specialty pasta dishes.

Chicken Marsala

Another sauce alternative is the mushroom-based sauce found in chicken Marsala. The Marsala is a wine that is cooked down and mixed with mushrooms to really give the chicken flavor. Chicken Marsala is often served over a bed of pasta. The low acid amounts allow you to enjoy all the flavors without the extra side effects.

Whole Wheat Pasta

A big part of managing acid reflux is managing the portion sizes you eat. When you order from an Italian menu, one way to feel fuller sooner is with whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat pasta includes a lot more fiber than regular pasta. You will feel fuller and can save part of your meal for leftovers.

Check a restaurant menu to determine which pastas are available in whole wheat options.

Italian Seafood Salads

Seafood is often low in acids and provides a healthy alternative for your body. Help increase fiber intake and choose a healthy eating option with an Italian seafood salad. The salads often contain grilled seafood like shrimp and scallops. The salad is tossed in an olive-based dressing as opposed to a cream-based dressing. A salad based may include spinach or lettuce.

You can request a salad without tomatoes and limit the amount of shredded cheese on the salad.

White Pizza Options

A traditional pizza includes a lot of acidity with the tomato sauce and fatty cheese. If you enjoy pizza, then you have some options when you order. First, check the menu for a whole-wheat crust. Consider a white pizza, which includes an olive-oil based sauce instead of a red sauce. Consider cheese options for the pizza.

A fat-free cheese will help reduce acid. You could also look into alternative cheese choices like a goat cheese pizza. You may need to try different flavor combinations to find a pizza you love. For extra flavor and moisture, consider a dipping sauce for the pizza, like a low-fat ranch dressing or an olive oil dipping sauce.

Side Dishes

In some cases, you can combat the acidity in pasta with some side dish options. One of the more ideal side dishes to order is green beans. Green beans will help reduce acids and prevent stomach pains when you eat. Carrots and broccoli are a couple alternatives to consider as well.

When you order, ask for a full list of side options. A restaurant could have fresh vegetable options not listed directly on the menu.

After a few visits, you will find an ideal meal to fit your needs. Everyone's body is different, so control and food management will help make a difference in the amount of acid in your body.

Come enjoy our large selection of Italian food options at Picano's Italian Grille. We have a lot of signature dishes with low acidity and can help cater to your dietary needs.