Acid reflux causes a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sodas may worsen symptoms.
Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back up into a person’s esophagus.
It is common for people to experience acid reflux intermittently. However, if a person consistently experiences acid reflux, they may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In this article, we cover the drinks that people can prioritize and avoid to reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Avoiding the drinks and foods that cause the symptoms is the best way to evade the effects of acid reflux. However, some drinks may help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Ginger tea
Ginger can help reduce symptoms of many gastrointestinal complaints, including:
Ginger
Ensuring a person’s stomach empties effectively may also reduce the amount of stomach acid present in the upper digestive tract.
Drinking ginger tea can help a person get more ginger into their diet and provide a warm, soothing sensation.
Ginger ale is less likely to help because of carbonation, and it sometimes contains caffeine. Most commercial ginger ale sodas also do not contain enough ginger to have a positive effect.
Fruit and vegetable juices
Highly acidic fruit juices may irritate the mucus membrane of the food pipe, which can
That said, low acid fruits and vegetables often contain natural compounds that may reduce acid reflux. Eating and drinking these fruits and vegetables
Good choices for juicing include:
aloe vera - celery
- carrot
- cantaloupe
- honeydew melon
Learn more about diets for GERD here.
Low fat milk
Foods and drinks with high fat content, such as whole milk, can
Some plant-based milks like almond milk are also alkaline, which can help neutralize stomach acid.
Water
Water can help with digestion and is integral to the proper working of the body. Staying adequately hydrated can ensure the proper passing of food through the gastrointestinal system, reducing the frequency of post-meal acid reflux.
Regularly taking small sips of water throughout the day may also help
Certain beverages pose a particularly high risk of triggering acid reflux.
Alcohol
A 2018 research review found an association between the frequency and increase in alcohol consumption and GERD.
Alcohol damages mucus in the lining of the gastric system and impairs esophagus contractions. Both of these factors can increase acid reflux.
Learn more about alcohol and heartburn here.
Citrus juices
Juices made from citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits are highly acidic, which
Compounds in citrus fruits may also
Carbonated beverages
A
However, research is not conclusive on the role that carbonated drinks play in acid reflux. For example, a
Caffeinated beverages
The
Find out more about caffeine and GERD here.
| Drink | Avoid |
|---|---|
| • water • ginger tea • low fat milk • low acid vegetable and fruit juice | • alcohol • citrus juices • carbonated beverages • caffeinated beverages |
Acid reflux occurs when the valve that connects the stomach to the food pipe weakens. When this happens, stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.
Because stomach acid is an irritant, it can cause inflammation in the food pipe, which can cause discomfort.
Symptoms
- sour taste in the mouth
- difficulty swallowing
- chest pain
- sore throat
- hoarse voice
- dry cough
- feeling as if there is a lump in the throat
- regurgitating food or acid
Acid reflux is usually a mild but uncomfortable symptom of GERD. Other people have more serious symptoms of GERD that interfere with daily function.
Learn more about the differences between acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD here.
Causes
Some medical conditions increase the risk of severe GERD symptoms, including:
If a person experiences regular and severe episodes of acid reflux or heartburn, they should contact a doctor, as it might develop into a more serious condition.
Other
- managing body weight
- quitting smoking
- elevating the head of the bed while sleeping
- avoiding tightly fitting clothes
Medications
Several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription
A person should speak with a doctor if their symptoms of acid reflux do not improve with lifestyle changes and OTC medications, or if
- unexplained weight loss
- chest pain
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- bloody or black, tarry stools
If left untreated, acid reflux or GERD may lead to several complications,
What is the fastest way to reduce acid reflux?
People can try the following to help them reduce symptoms of acid reflux:
- eating smaller meals
- avoiding trigger foods and beverages
- not lying down after eating
- not eating 3-4 hours before bed
- elevating the head 10-20 centimeters when sleeping
- taking OTC medications, such as antacids
Does Gatorade help with acid reflux?
Gatorade and other sports drinks are acidic and may exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux. Gatorade also contains citric acid, which has been
Acid reflux can be uncomfortable, but will typically resolve independently. However, diet changes may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux in some cases.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn.
Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.