Your guide to what to drink for acid reflux

Acid reflux is when acid from your stomach goes back up your food pipe (esophagus). It may be occasional and sudden or long lasting and chronic.

Persistent acid reflux often leads to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a painful condition that may permanently damage your esophagus.

Common GERD symptoms may include:

• a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
• regurgitation (swallowed food coming back into your mouth)
• nausea
• hoarse voice
• persistent cough

If you have acid reflux or GERD, healthcare professionals may recommend some over-the-counter and prescription medications. They may also suggest some changes to your diet. Stress management may also help.

Smoothies for acid reflux

A 2017 study of almost 4,000 adults found that those with the highest intake of fruits and vegetables, including juices, had a 33% lower risk of acid reflux complications, like GERD.

The study also found that consuming fruits and vegetables may reduce the need for medication in people with GERD.

Dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables may help remove nitrites in the stomach. Nitrites produce nitric oxide, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring between the esophagus and the stomach. A relaxed LES facilitates acid to move up the esophagus.

Juicing removes the fiber from the fruits and vegetables, but smoothies involve liquefying the fruits without removing the fiber, which may be better for people with acid reflux.

Another benefit of fruit and vegetable smoothies for acid reflux is the high content of vitamins A and C. According to the study authors, these vitamins help prevent the onset of GERD.

A 2021 review of research noted that people with GERD may experience fewer symptoms by avoiding acidic options like orange, grapefruit, and tomato juices.

Try using these fruits and vegetables in smoothies to help reduce acid reflux:

• apple
• pear
• watermelon
• cucumber
• celery
• carrot
• beets
• spinach

Teas for acid reflux

The evidence about the benefits of tea and herbal infusions for acid reflux is inconclusive and limited.

For example, despite its popularity as an acid reflux aid, no evidence supports using chamomile tea for this purpose.

A 2019 review of 30 studies did not identify any significant relationship between regular tea consumption and GERD symptoms.

However, a 2020 research paper that included data from over 50,000 people reported that drinking tea, soda, and coffee may cause or worsen existing GERD symptoms.

The authors suggested this may be related to specific compounds in these drinks. Peppermint tea, in particular, may promote the relaxation of the LES and increase the chance of acid reflux.

On the other hand, nontraditional teas, like ginger infusions, may promote gastric emptying, reducing the pressure against the LES. This may make acid reflux less likely.

Because of limited evidence and contradictory information, it is not clear if teas, in general, may help with acid reflux.

Is water good for acid reflux?

Water supports your digestion and helps facilitate food movement from the stomach to the small intestine, potentially reducing the chance of symptoms of acid reflux.

The 2020 research article mentioned earlier indicated that replacing 2 servings of coffee, tea, and soda with water daily was linked to a decreased chance of GERD symptoms. This suggests that water may be an effective aid for acid reflux in some people.

Choosing still water over other options might be best, as carbonated water could worsen acid reflux and other GERD symptoms.

Can you drink alcohol with acid reflux?

According to some 2019 research, there is an association between alcohol consumption and the development of GERD. So, experts will likely recommend you avoid or limit alcohol if you have acid reflux.

It’s unclear whether any specific type of alcohol is better or worse for acid reflux. If you want to have a drink, consider your own symptoms and stick to drinks that you find cause the mildest symptoms.

Cold vs. hot drinks for acid reflux

There is no evidence to show that the temperature of beverages affects acid reflux.

Some people find cold drinks provide immediate relief from the burning sensation acid reflux can cause. Others may find that warm or hot drinks, like ginger infusions, help soothe your symptoms.

Medications for acid reflux

For persistent or severe acid reflux, your healthcare professional may recommend medications.

Common medications for acid reflux may include:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Many health professionals consider PPIs the therapy of choice for symptom relief and healing. An example is omeprazole (Prilosec).
• H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs): These may be especially helpful for managing acid reflux at night. They can become less effective over time, so you might prefer to keep them for occasional use. An example is famotidine (Pepcid AC).
• Antacids: Common antacid ingredients may effectively reduce acid after meals, especially when used with alginate drugs, like Gaviscon. An antiacid option is calcium carbonate (Tums).

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Online care for acid reflux

While certain drink choices may help soothe your acid reflux or prevent flare-ups, you may still want to use prescription medications to manage your condition.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Some drinks, like nonacidic fruit smoothies and ginger teas, may help soothe acid reflux symptoms. However, the evidence does not point to a specific group of drinks indicated for everyone with acid reflux or GERD.

Drinking noncarbonated water may also help manage acid reflux.

Effective acid reflux management may include a dietary changes, stress management, and medications.

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