A burning sensation can be felt in the chest and throat. Water, low-fat milk and herbal teas can help. Caffeine, alcohol, and sodas can worsen the symptoms.
Acid reflux or heartburn occurs when stomach acids flow back into a person’s oesophagus.
Acid reflux can occur intermittently. If a person experiences acid reflux consistently, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal (GERD).
What to Drink
Avoiding the foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux symptoms can be helpful. Some drinks can even help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Ginger tea
Ginger is a great way to reduce the symptoms of many digestive complaints.
- acid reflux
- Bloating
- Dyspepsia
Ginger relieves the pressure on the lower gastric sphincter. It also improves gastric emptying. If this pressure is not reduced, the risk that the sphincter will fail increases and stomach acid can flow back into your food pipe.
Assuring that a person’s stomach empties properly can also reduce the amount of stomach acid in the upper digestive tract.
Ginger tea is a great way to consume more ginger. It also provides a soothing, warm feeling.
Ginger ale may not be as effective due to its carbonation, and it can also contain caffeine. The majority of commercial ginger ale drinks do not have enough ginger in them to be effective.
Fruit juices
Highly acidic fruit juices can irritate mucus in the food pipe and worsen symptoms of acid reflux.
Low-acid fruits, vegetables and other foods often contain natural compounds which may help reduce acid reflux. Some people may benefit from eating and drinking these low-acid fruits and vegetables.
Some of the best choices for juicing are:
- aloe vera
- Celery
- Cantaloupe
- honeydew melon
Find out more about diets to treat GERD.
Low-fat milk
Whole milk and other high-fat foods can worsen symptoms. Low-fat and plant-based dairy products are good alternatives.
Almond milk is one example of a plant-based alkaline milk that can neutralize stomach acids.
Water
Water is essential to the proper functioning of the body and can aid in digestion. By staying hydrated, you can help ensure that food is properly passed through the digestive system, reducing the frequency of acid reflux after meals.
Regularly drinking small amounts of water can also help treat GERD and clear up acid in the oesophagus.
Avoiding alcohol
Certain drinks can cause acid reflux.
Alcohol
Alcohol can damage the mucus that lines the lining of your gastric system and affect esophage contractions. These two factors can cause acid reflux.
Find out more about alcohol and heartburn.
Citrus juices
Citrus juices like grapefruit or oranges can worsen acid reflux.
Citrus fruits contain compounds that can also delay gastric emptying and reduce pressure on the lower oesophagal valve.
Carbonated beverages
According to a review published in 2021 by Trusted Source, several studies have found a link between carbonated drinks and GERD. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Trusted Source recommends avoiding sodas to reduce acid reflux and GERD.
Research is still unsure about the role of carbonated beverages in acid reflux.
Caffeinated beverages
NIDDKTrusted Source advises that people with acid reflux should eliminate coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks from their diet.
DrinkAvoid
Water
* ginger tea
Low-fat milk
Low-acid fruit and vegetable juice * Alcohol
* citrus juices
Carbonated beverages
Caffeinated beverages
Learn more about caffeine and GERD.
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What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when there is a weakening of the valve that connects the stomach and the food pipe. Acid from the stomach flows up into your oesophagus.
Stomach acid can be irritating, causing irritation in the food pipe, which can lead to discomfort.
Symptoms
Acid reflux symptoms include:
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Having difficulty swallowing
- chest pain
- Sore throat
- hoarse voice
- Dry cough
- Feeling like there is a lump in my throat
- Regurgitating acid or food
Acid reflux can be a mild but unpleasant GERD symptom. Some people experience more severe symptoms, which can interfere with their daily activities.
Find out more about acid reflux, heartburn and GERD.
Causes
Some medical conditions can cause severe GERD symptoms. These include:
- obesity
- pregnancy
- Nicotine use
- Dry mouth
- Diabetes
- hiatal hernia
A person who experiences frequent and severe acid reflux or heartburn should consult a physician, as the condition could develop into something more serious.
More Tips
Other self-care methods that Trusted Source recommend to manage symptoms of GERD and acid reflux include:
- Managing body weight
- quitting smoking
- Elevating the head of your bed while sleeping
- Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight.
Medications
Several OTC and prescription medications can help treat heartburn from the Trusted Source and other symptoms associated with GERD.
- antacids
- H2 receptor blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
