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.
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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
dyspepsiaTrusted Source
Ginger eases pressureTrusted Source on the lower esophageal sphincter and improves gastric emptying. Without a reduction of 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 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 worsen Trusted Source 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 beneficialTrusted Source 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 Trusted Source. So, low fat and plant-based milks can be good options.
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 clear acid in the esophagus Trusted Source and treat a GERD-related chronic cough.
Drinks to avoid
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 can worsenTrusted Source acid reflux.
Compounds in citrus fruits may also reduce the pressureTrusted Source of the lower esophageal sphincter and delay gastric emptying.
Carbonated beverages
A 2021 reviewTrusted Source 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)Trusted Source also recommends that people avoid carbonated drinks to reduce acid reflux and GERD.
However, research is not conclusive on the role that carbonated drinks play in acid reflux. For example, a 2017 studyTrusted Source found no association between their consumption and GERD symptoms.
Caffeinated beverages
The NIDDKTrusted Source recommends people with acid reflux eliminate coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages from their diets. However, a 2019 studyTrusted Source found no association between tea and coffee drinking and reflux symptoms.
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
What is acid reflux?
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
SymptomsTrusted Source 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.
Learn more about the differences between acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD here.
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 measuresTrusted Source 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 medicationsTrusted Source may help treat heartburn and other symptoms of GERD, such as:
antacids
H2 receptor blockers
proton pump inhibitors
When to see 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 experienceTrusted Source:
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, includingTrusted Source:
esophagitis
strictures
barrett’s esophagus
Frequently asked questions
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 associatedTrusted Source with symptoms of GERD.
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, 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.
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