If you have acid reflux, you’ve probably searched for many ways to find relief. Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause stomach acid to flow into your esophagus. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t close completely. Acid reflux is very common, with about 20% of the US population reporting symptoms.
Drinking low-acidic tea for acid reflux and other beverages can help soothe these symptoms. Herbal teas are made from different spices, herbs, and plants and are known for their many health benefits. Options such as ginger tea, licorice tea, chamomile tea, slippery elm tea, marshmallow root tea, turmeric tea, and fennel tea can provide relief for acid reflux symptoms. Other drinks that may help include water, coconut water, low-acidic juices and smoothies, and plant-based milk. It’s important to avoid acidic juices, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks like coffee and green tea, as they can aggravate symptoms of acid reflux. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
Key Takeaways
- Green tea and other herbal teas can provide relief for acid reflux symptoms.
- Drinking low-acidic beverages like water, coconut water, and plant-based milk can alleviate symptoms.
- Avoid acidic juices, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks as they can worsen acid reflux.
- Consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning pain in the lower chest area. It is commonly interchangeably used with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a chronic recurrence of acid reflux symptoms.
Symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include heartburn, nausea, burping, coughing, regurgitation, hoarseness, and sore throat. If left untreated, GERD can cause inflammation and damage to the esophagus. About 15-30% of the US population suffers from GERD. Symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods and beverages. Drinking low-acidic tea for acid reflux can provide relief and soothe these symptoms.
“Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.”
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Heartburn | A burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid irritating the esophagus. |
| Nausea | A feeling of sickness or queasiness in the stomach often accompanied by the urge to vomit. |
| Burping | Releasing gas from the digestive tract through the mouth, often accompanied by a sound. |
| Coughing | A reflexive action of the body to clear the airways, often caused by irritation from acid reflux. |
| Regurgitation | The flow of stomach contents, including acid, back into the mouth or throat. |
| Hoarseness | A rough, harsh, or raspy voice caused by irritation or inflammation of the vocal cords. |
| Sore Throat | Pain, discomfort, or irritation in the throat often caused by acid reflux reaching the throat. |
What Tea is Good for Acid Reflux?
If you’re wondering what tea is best for acid reflux, many options are great for calming symptoms like heartburn and nausea. The best options for acid reflux and GERD are caffeine-free herbal teas.
“Ginger tea can reduce the likelihood of stomach acid traveling to the esophagus and relieve nausea.”
“Licorice tea can increase mucus production, protecting the esophagus and stomach from acid.”
“Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce stress, a trigger for acid reflux and GERD symptoms.”
“Slippery elm tea coats the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates mucus production, reducing irritation.”
“Marshmallow root tea soothes irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract and stimulates tissue regeneration.”
“Turmeric tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the digestive tract from damage.”
“Fennel tea supports digestion, helps relieve digestive issues, and combats inflammation.”
These herbal teas can provide natural relief for acid reflux symptoms.
Tips for Choosing Herbal Teas
- Opt for caffeine-free herbal teas to avoid potential triggers for acid reflux.
- Read the ingredients to ensure the teas are free from any additional irritants or additives.
- Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure these teas are suitable for your specific condition or any other medications you may be taking.
Tasting Notes: Herbal Tea for Acid Reflux
| Tea | Taste Profile | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Ginger Tea | Spicy and warming | Reduces acid reflux and relieves nausea |
| Licorice Tea | Sweet and earthy | Increase mucus production and protect the esophagus and stomach |
| Chamomile Tea | Mild and floral | Anti-inflammatory properties and stress reduction |
| Slippery Elm Tea | Mild and nutty | Coats the gastrointestinal lining and stimulates mucus production |
| Marshmallow Root Tea | Mild and soothing | Soothes irritation and inflammation, stimulates tissue regeneration |
| Turmeric Tea | Earthy and warm | Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties |
| Fennel Tea | Mildly sweet and herbal | Supports digestion, relieves digestive issues, combats inflammation |
Other Drinks for Acid Reflux
In addition to herbal teas, there are other drinks that can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Here are some options:
- Water: Essential for reducing acid reflux symptoms and promoting healthy digestion.
- Alkaline Water: Helps neutralize stomach acid and maintain a healthy pH balance.
- Coconut Water: Promotes a healthy pH balance in the body and provides hydration.
- Low-Acidic Juices and Smoothies: Choose neutral or alkaline pH options to minimize acid reflux symptoms.
- Green Vegetables: Incorporate spinach and kale into your diet as they are known for reducing acid reflux.
- Plant-Based Milk: Opt for coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or flax milk instead of cow’s milk, which can aggravate symptoms of acid reflux.
It’s important to avoid drinks that can aggravate acid reflux symptoms. Here are some to be mindful of:
- Acidic Juices: Citrus juices like orange, grapefruit, and tomato juice can trigger symptoms.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen acid reflux.
- Coffee: Contains caffeine, which can stimulate acid production and exacerbate symptoms.
- Caffeinated Drinks: Energy drinks, sodas, and certain teas like green tea should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether as they can aggravate acid reflux.
By making informed choices about the drinks you consume, you can help manage and reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
Conclusion
Coping with the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD can be challenging, but drinking herbal tea and other low-acidic beverages can provide natural relief. Ginger tea, licorice tea, chamomile tea, slippery elm tea, marshmallow root tea, turmeric tea, and fennel tea are among the best teas for acid reflux.
These herbal teas have various properties that can soothe inflammation, stimulate mucus production, and reduce irritation in the digestive tract. Ginger tea can reduce the likelihood of stomach acid traveling to the esophagus and relieve nausea. Licorice tea can increase mucus production, protecting the esophagus and stomach from acid. Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce stress, a trigger for acid reflux and GERD symptoms. Slippery elm tea coats the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates mucus production, reducing irritation. Marshmallow root tea soothes irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract and stimulates tissue regeneration. Turmeric tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the digestive tract from damage. Fennel tea supports digestion, helps relieve digestive issues, and combats inflammation.
Other drinks such as water, coconut water, low-acidic juices and smoothies, and plant-based milk can also help alleviate symptoms. Water is essential for reducing acid reflux symptoms and moving food through the digestive tract. Coconut water promotes a healthy pH balance in the body. Low-acidic juices and smoothies with neutral or alkaline pHs are less likely to trigger symptoms of acid reflux. Plant-based milk options like coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, and flax milk are better choices for people with acid reflux and GERD than cow’s milk, which can aggravate symptoms.
It’s important to avoid drinks that can aggravate acid reflux symptoms, such as acidic juices, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider.
FAQ
What are the benefits of green tea for acid reflux relief?
Green tea has natural properties that can help soothe symptoms of acid reflux. It contains catechins, which are antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Green tea also has alkaline properties that can help neutralize stomach acid and promote a healthy pH balance. Additionally, green tea is low in caffeine compared to other teas, making it a better choice for people with acid reflux.
How does acid reflux occur and what are the symptoms?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t close completely. Common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, nausea, burping, coughing, regurgitation, hoarseness, and sore throat. If left untreated, acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What herbal teas are good for acid reflux?
There are several herbal teas that can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Ginger tea can reduce the likelihood of stomach acid traveling to the esophagus and relieve nausea. Licorice tea can increase mucus production, protecting the esophagus and stomach from acid. Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce stress, a trigger for acid reflux and GERD symptoms. Slippery elm tea coats the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates mucus production, reducing irritation. Marshmallow root tea soothes irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract and stimulates tissue regeneration. Turmeric tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the digestive tract from damage. Fennel tea supports digestion, helps relieve digestive issues, and combats inflammation.
What other drinks can help with acid reflux?
In addition to herbal teas, there are other drinks that can help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Water is essential for reducing acid reflux symptoms and aiding digestion. Coconut water promotes a healthy pH balance in the body. Low-acidic juices and smoothies with neutral or alkaline pH levels are less likely to trigger symptoms of acid reflux. Green vegetables like spinach and kale are great choices for reducing acid reflux. Plant-based milk such as coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, and flax milk are better options for people with acid reflux compared to cow’s milk, which can aggravate symptoms.
What drinks should be avoided for acid reflux?
It’s important to avoid drinks that can aggravate acid reflux symptoms. Acidic juices, such as orange juice and tomato juice, can increase stomach acid and trigger symptoms. Alcohol can relax the LES, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and certain teas, including green tea, can also worsen acid reflux symptoms. It’s best to opt for decaffeinated versions or choose herbal teas that are caffeine-free.
When should I consult a healthcare provider for acid reflux?
If symptoms of acid reflux persist or worsen despite trying natural remedies, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options to manage acid reflux or GERD effectively.
