Best drinks if you have acid reflux

Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back 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).

What to drink

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:

• acid reflux

• bloating

• dyspepsia

Ginger eases pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and improves gastric emptying.

Without reducing this pressure, the risk of the sphincter failing increases, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the food pipe.

Ensuring a person’s stomach empties effectively may also reduce stomach acid in the upper digestive tract.

Drinking ginger tea can help a person consume more ginger and provide a warm, soothing sensation.

Ginger ale is less likely to help because of carbonation and 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 worsen acid reflux symptoms.

That said, low-acid fruits and vegetables often contain natural compounds that may reduce acid reflux. Eating and drinking these fruits and vegetables may be beneficial to some people.

Good choices for juicing include:

• aloe vera

• celery

• carrot

• cantaloupe

• honeydew melon

Low-fat milk

Foods and drinks with high fat content, such as whole milk, can worsen symptoms of GERD. So, low fat and plant-based milks can be good options.

Some plant-based milk, like almond milk, is 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 appropriate 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 clear acid in the esophagus and treat a GERD-related chronic cough.

Drinks to avoid

Certain beverages pose an exceptionally high risk of triggering acid reflux.

Alcohol

Alcohol damages mucus in the gastric system’s lining and impairs esophagus contractions. Both of these factors can increase acid reflux.

Citrus juices

Juices made from citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits are highly acidic, which can worsen acid reflux.

Compounds in citrus fruits may also reduce the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter and delay gastric emptying.

Carbonated beverages

A 2021 review suggests that several studies found an association between drinking carbonated beverages and an increased risk of GERD. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) also recommends avoiding carbonated drinks to reduce acid reflux and GERD.

However, research is not conclusive on the role that carbonated drinks play in acid reflux.

Caffeinated beverages

The NIDDK recommends people with acid reflux eliminate coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages from their diets.

Drink	Avoid
• water • ginger tea • low fat milk • low-acid vegetable and fruit juice	• alcohol • citrus juices • carbonated beverages • caffeinated beverages

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the valve connecting the stomach to the food pipe weakens. 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

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• 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.

Causes

Some medical conditions increase the risk of severe GERD symptoms, including:

• obesity

• pregnancy

• nicotine use

• dry mouth

• diabetes

• hiatal hernia

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.

More tips

Other self-care measures that can help manage acid reflux and other symptoms of GERD include:

• 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 medications may help treat heartburn and other symptoms of GERD, such as:

• antacids

• H2 receptor blockers

• proton pump inhibitors

When to contact a doctor

A person should speak with a doctor if their symptoms of acid reflux do not improve with lifestyle changes and OTC medications or if they experience:

• 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, including:

• esophagitis

• strictures

• barrett’s esophagus

Frequently asked questions

The following are commonly asked questions about acid reflux

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 (4–8 inches) 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 associated with symptoms of GERD.

What foods and drinks soothe acid reflux?

To help soothe acid reflux, one can try drinking ginger tea, low fat milk, water, or non-acidic fruit or vegetable juices. Non-acidic fruit and vegetable juices include carrot, melon, or aloe vera.

Foods that might help ease symptoms include low fat yogurt and watery foods, including cucumber, celery, lettuce, and watermelon.

What drinks make acid reflux worse?

People with acid reflux should avoid alcoholic beverages and coffee.

What helps acid reflux go away?

To treat acid reflux, a person can take over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as antacids.

While experiencing symptoms, a person may benefit from elevating their head during sleep. They can place extra pillows under the head and upper back to do this.

Is Sprite good for acid reflux?

Carbonated drinks, such as Sprite, can increase the risk of acid reflux. One can choose water, ginger tea, or low fat milk instead.

Summary

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, particular fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milk may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn.

Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.