Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows backwards into the esophagus. It’s an uncomfortable digestive condition which may cause heartburn and other related symptoms.
Foods and drinks may help relieve acid reflux symptoms, so educating yourself on which beverages may be beneficial will lead you on a path towards leading a healthier lifestyle.
Table of Contents
1. Water
Water is one of the best beverages to aid acid reflux, helping dilute acids and flush out your esophagus to ease symptoms like heartburn.
Calcium supplements are an excellent source of essential minerals, including calcium. For optimal benefits, take them along with meals or within an hour after eating to increase their efficacy.
If you take calcium supplements, it’s essential that you check the label to find out the type of form it comes in – most supplements come either carbonate or citrate forms.
Carbonate forms require stomach acid production; to maximize absorption, take with meals. A study published in Journal of Gastroenterology suggests this could increase calcium absorption.
Add some lemon to your water or take therapeutic-grade (pure) lemon essential oil – both can help those suffering from acid reflux; however, not everyone responds positively.
Alkaline water has also been suggested as a possible treatment for acid reflux, though not enough research supports its claims. It can have a buffering effect against hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach and provide some relief to those experiencing acid reflux symptoms.
2. Ginger
Ginger, extracted from Zingiber officinale root, is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It can be consumed as food, tea, essential oil or supplement and can help treat digestive ailments.
Ginger can help with nausea, indigestion, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome – as well as being used by chemotherapy patients to alleviate side effects or pregnant women experiencing morning sickness. It has even become an integral component of chemotherapy treatments themselves!
Ginger water may help alleviate acid reflux symptoms by relaxing pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and improving gastric emptying, and may reduce bloating and constipation as a side benefit.
If you’re using ginger to treat acid reflux, be sure to drink it at room temperature or cold so as to avoid burning your tongue and mouth. Honey or lemon may add extra flavor.
Ginger provides numerous health benefits due to its powerful protective compounds such as gingerol, shogaol and paradols – these compounds help combat oxidative stress as well as free radicals that contribute to acid reflux disease.
Produce is an excellent source of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and potassium; while its high levels of choline support the brain and nervous system.
3. Fruits
Diets rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables are essential components of living a healthy lifestyle. These high fiber foods help support digestive function while simultaneously relieving symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Oatmeal and whole-grain breads are great sources of low-fat nutrients for those living with GERD, helping you feel full for longer. Plus, these filling whole-grains give your stomach time to digest while filling you up.
Fruits such as bananas and melons can help those suffering from heartburn by not being acidic; melons like watermelons and cantaloupe don’t contain citric acid that could potentially trigger symptoms.
However, citrus juices should be avoided if you suffer from acid reflux as they can worsen symptoms. Grapefruit, orange and lemon are high-acid fruits which may irritate the lining of your esophagus and exacerbate symptoms.
Diets that can help manage symptoms include lean meats and fish that are lower in fat than red meat, vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, asparagus and cauliflower can help ease stomach acidity as they provide essential vitamins and minerals that benefit overall health.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be an excellent addition to any diet, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. Packed full of fiber and protein, oatmeal will keep you fuller longer while helping reduce calorie consumption.
Oats also contain beta-glucan, which has been shown to slow the emptying of your stomach and increase production of the peptide YY (PYY) hormone that triggers feelings of fullness – helping you eat less to aid weight loss.
Oatmeal is an excellent low glycemic food with moderate amounts of proteins and fats, helping regulate blood sugar levels and protect against diabetes.
Oatmeal contains selenium and zinc, both powerful antioxidants that may reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Furthermore, iron and magnesium content support immunity systems.
However, if you suffer from GERD or acid reflux, it is wise to limit how much oatmeal you consume at once. If choosing oatmeal as part of your breakfast diet, ensure it is cooked thoroughly before indulging. Furthermore, keep in mind its slightly acidic pH level which could potentially trigger heartburn symptoms for some individuals.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt is a delicious probiotic food packed full of live bacteria (probiotics) which aid digestion by aiding the body in processing foods more easily and maintaining an efficient digestive tract, while simultaneously supporting an immune-system healthy living environment.
Calcium-rich cheese provides essential bone health benefits while being low in fat content – an ideal choice for weight-conscious eaters.
Avoid yogurt that is high in both fat and sugar as this food softens your upper stomach layer and esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening acid reflux symptoms.
Lactose intolerance makes digesting dairy products difficult because their bodies lack the enzymes required to break down lactose.
If you suffer from lactose intolerance, low-fat yogurt could be an excellent way to alleviate symptoms. Low-fat yogurt usually contains less lactose and may be easier to digest.
Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, helping build muscles while providing nutrients and antioxidants essential for good health. Plus, its calcium content ensures strong bones and teeth!
6. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea can be an enjoyable, soothing solution to soothe acid reflux symptoms as well as ease nausea.
Drink it straight or prepare a brew using water and other ingredients; honey or lemon may help temper its spicy taste.
Ginger contains phenolic compounds which are thought to assist the lower esophageal sphincter in its task of keeping acid out of the esophagus, while simultaneously helping reduce inflammation and irritation as well as gastric contractions that contribute to acid reflux symptoms.
Exercise can also aid digestion, helping reduce heartburn and bloating. Stimulating digestive juices encourages proper absorption of nutrients by the body.
If you’re experiencing morning sickness or travel-related nausea, sipping some ginger tea may help soothe symptoms. This remedy is particularly useful in avoiding stomach cramps and vomiting that often come hand in hand with motion sickness.
Make homemade ginger ale by steeping fresh ginger root in water for 10 minutes or simmering it longer, as desired. For an enhanced, more complex experience, add lime or lemon slices as well as honey to enhance its flavors further.
7. Coconut Water
Drinking coconut water can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and GERD due to its alkaline properties, which work to lower stomach acidity levels.
Relief may also help ease nausea and bloating while providing anti-inflammatory benefits, making it especially useful after having eaten large meals and wanting to decrease stomach acid in their digestive system.
Coconut water comes in many varieties on the market, but choosing pure versions without added sweeteners or preservatives will keep your drink tasting delicious and fresh for longer.
Coconut water provides another beneficial function – that of hydrating the body. This can be particularly helpful to those engaging in vigorous physical activities or losing fluid due to illness such as colds, stomach flus or gastric complications.
Coconut water provides a balanced source of electrolytes that may be hard to find elsewhere, including sodium, potassium and magnesium.
