Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsWhat to DrinkWhat to Avoid
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
What to Drink
What to Avoid
Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, causes a pain or burning sensation in the chest. It occurs when stomach acid travels back into theesophagus(the tube connecting the mouth and stomach).
Treatment for heartburn often includes taking medications and making diet and lifestyle changes. Certain beverages, including water, nonfat dairy, and herbal teas, may also reduce symptoms.
This article discusses what to drink and not drink for heartburn relief.
Piyapong Thongcharoen / Getty Images
Heartburn often occurs when the valve between the stomach and esophagus, called thelower esophageal sphincter(LES), relaxes when it shouldn’t or becomes weak.Although medications are sometimes required,dietary changescan often help prevent and manage heartburn.
Several drink options are available that should not trigger heartburn and may even help ease symptoms.
Water
Water is vital for our health and well-being. It also helps keep the digestive system moving.
One study found frequent sips of water can help clear acid from the esophagus, which may help prevent heartburn and damage to the esophagus.
With a pH of seven, pure water is considered a neutral, meaning it’s neither acidic nor basic, as measured on the pH scale. One study found that drinking alkaline electrolyzed water with a modified pH can help neutralize stomach acid, relieving heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Nonfat Milk and Yogurt
While the fat content in whole milk can aggravate heartburn, drinking nonfat milk may be helpful. Nonfat milk is thought to provide quick heartburn relief because it can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and stomach acid.
Low-fat yogurt is also a good option to ease heartburn because it has the same soothing qualities as milk. Yogurt also contains probiotics, which can help digestion.
Nonacidic Fruit and Vegetable Juice
Acidic juices, including pineapple, tomato, and orange juice, can irritate the esophagus, making heartburn worse.
Low-acid fruit and vegetable juices are less likely to cause heartburn. Some people even report symptom relief after drinking low-acid juices.
Examples of low-acid juices include:
You can blend low-acid fruit with nonfat or plant-based milk and leafy greens into a heartburn-friendly smoothie packed with vitamins and minerals.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas have a high water content, which may help dilute and weaken stomach acid.However, some may be more effective than others at relieving heartburn.
Herbal teas to ease acid reflux include:
Additionally, you might find it helpful to add a spoonful of honey to your herbal tea. Honey has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in your esophagus.
Peppermint Tea and HeartburnAlthough peppermint can help ease some digestive symptoms, it may worsen heartburn. Peppermint decreases LES pressure, which can send acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus.
Peppermint Tea and Heartburn
Although peppermint can help ease some digestive symptoms, it may worsen heartburn. Peppermint decreases LES pressure, which can send acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus.
Certain drinks may trigger heartburn in some individuals. If you are struggling with heartburn or want to prevent it, you may consider limiting or avoiding certain beverages.
Caffeinated Beverages
Coffee and other drinks that contain caffeine have been identified as potential triggers for heartburn. It is believed that caffeine may relax the LES, contributing to acid reflux. However, it is important to note that current research remains mixed.
One study examined the relationship between the consumption of coffee, tea, soda, milk, water, and juice on reflux symptoms in women without a history ofgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).
Researchers found that drinking six servings of coffee, tea, and soda per day caused increased symptoms of reflux. Replacing two servings of these beverages with water helped to decrease symptoms.
Interestingly, results were similar between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and soda. There also was a stronger association between decaffeinated tea and the risk for reflux symptoms than caffeinated tea. This suggests that compounds other than caffeine may contribute to heartburn.
Another study from that same year, however, found no link between tea and coffee consumption and reflux symptoms.
Certain Fruit Juices
Citrus fruits are triggers of heartburn because they reduce LES pressure and delay gastric emptying, causing food to stay in the stomach longer than it should.
Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes also contain citric acid, which can irritate the lining of a damaged esophagus.Examples of juices to avoid for heartburn include:
Carbonated Drinks
Soda and other carbonated drinks are often considered triggers for heartburn and acid reflux. According to one review, several studies have found a significant association between carbonated beverages and a higher risk of reflux disease.
Drinks with carbonation can cause gas and bloating inside the stomach and increased pressure on the LES, causing stomach acids to flow into the esophagus.
Alcohol
People with heartburn are advised to avoid alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and hard liquor, because alcohol can lower LES pressure, contributing to acid reflux.
One meta-analysis found a significant association between alcohol and the risk of reflux disease. Individuals who drink heavily are at a greater risk.
Another study found that beer and wine may increase heartburn, with most symptoms appearing within an hour of consumption.
If you have acid reflux and choose to drink, it’s best to do so in moderation and avoid consuming alcohol with carbonated or acidic mixers.
Summary
Heartburn can be uncomfortable, but it can be managed. In addition to following an eating plan to keep heartburn in check, you can also include drinks that won’t irritate your esophagus or cause reflux. Water, nonfat milk, and certain herbal teas may benefit those with heartburn, while acidic juices, carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol may increase symptoms in some individuals.
A Word From Verywell
It’s important to remember that no two people are the same. What works for one person may not work for you. Although some people may experience increased frequency and severity of heartburn with certain drinks, your body may process these same beverages without difficulty. There’s no need to avoid or restrict a particular food or drink unless it’s causing you discomfort.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux.Tariq H, Makker J, Ahmed R, Vakde T, Patel H.Frequent sips of the water for the management of gastroesophageal reflux induced refractory cough: a case report and review of the literature.Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine.2019;2019:1-5. doi:10.1155/2019/9205259Tanaka Y, Saihara Y, Izumotani K, Nakamura H.Daily ingestion of alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydrogen influences human health, including gastrointestinal symptoms.Med Gas Res. 2019;8(4):160-166. doi:10.4103/2045-9912.248267Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.J Tradit Chin Med. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5Murray MT.Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). In:Textbook of Natural Medicine. Elsevier; 2020:641-647.e3. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00085-6Science Direct.Chamomile.Math MV, Khadkikar RM, Kattimani YR.Honey - A nutrient with medicinal property in reflux oesophagitis.Indian J Med Res. 2013;138(6):1020-1021.Jarosz M, Taraszewska A.Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: the role of diet.Prz Gastroenterol.2014;9(5):297-301. doi:10.5114/pg.2014.46166MedlinePlus.Heartburn.American Gastroenterological Association.What drinks increase reflux symptoms?Mehta RS, Song M, Staller K, Chan AT.Association between beverage intake and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;18(10):2226-2233.e4. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2019.11.040Wei TY, Hsueh PH, Wen SH, Chen CL, Wang CC.The role of tea and coffee in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Tzu Chi Med J.2019;31(3):169-176. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_48_18Heidarzadeh-Esfahani N, Soleimani D, Hajiahmadi S, Moradi S, Heidarzadeh N, Nachvak SM.Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: a systematic review.Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2021;26(4):367-379. doi:10.3746/pnf.2021.26.4.367Heidarzadeh-Esfahani N, Soleimani D, Hajiahmadi S, Moradi S, Heidarzadeh N, Nachvak SM.Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: a systematic review.Prev Nutr Food Sci.2021;26(4):367-379. doi:10.3746/pnf.2021.26.4.367American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Diet and GERD.Pan J, Cen L, Chen W, Yu C, Li Y, Shen Z.Alcohol consumption and the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Alcohol and Alcoholism.2019;54(1):62-69. doi:10.1093/alcalc/agy063Surdea-Blaga T, Negrutiu DE, Palage M, Dumitrascu DL.Food and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(19):3497-3511. doi:10.2174/0929867324666170515123807
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux.Tariq H, Makker J, Ahmed R, Vakde T, Patel H.Frequent sips of the water for the management of gastroesophageal reflux induced refractory cough: a case report and review of the literature.Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine.2019;2019:1-5. doi:10.1155/2019/9205259Tanaka Y, Saihara Y, Izumotani K, Nakamura H.Daily ingestion of alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydrogen influences human health, including gastrointestinal symptoms.Med Gas Res. 2019;8(4):160-166. doi:10.4103/2045-9912.248267Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.J Tradit Chin Med. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5Murray MT.Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). In:Textbook of Natural Medicine. Elsevier; 2020:641-647.e3. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00085-6Science Direct.Chamomile.Math MV, Khadkikar RM, Kattimani YR.Honey - A nutrient with medicinal property in reflux oesophagitis.Indian J Med Res. 2013;138(6):1020-1021.Jarosz M, Taraszewska A.Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: the role of diet.Prz Gastroenterol.2014;9(5):297-301. doi:10.5114/pg.2014.46166MedlinePlus.Heartburn.American Gastroenterological Association.What drinks increase reflux symptoms?Mehta RS, Song M, Staller K, Chan AT.Association between beverage intake and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;18(10):2226-2233.e4. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2019.11.040Wei TY, Hsueh PH, Wen SH, Chen CL, Wang CC.The role of tea and coffee in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Tzu Chi Med J.2019;31(3):169-176. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_48_18Heidarzadeh-Esfahani N, Soleimani D, Hajiahmadi S, Moradi S, Heidarzadeh N, Nachvak SM.Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: a systematic review.Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2021;26(4):367-379. doi:10.3746/pnf.2021.26.4.367Heidarzadeh-Esfahani N, Soleimani D, Hajiahmadi S, Moradi S, Heidarzadeh N, Nachvak SM.Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: a systematic review.Prev Nutr Food Sci.2021;26(4):367-379. doi:10.3746/pnf.2021.26.4.367American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Diet and GERD.Pan J, Cen L, Chen W, Yu C, Li Y, Shen Z.Alcohol consumption and the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Alcohol and Alcoholism.2019;54(1):62-69. doi:10.1093/alcalc/agy063Surdea-Blaga T, Negrutiu DE, Palage M, Dumitrascu DL.Food and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(19):3497-3511. doi:10.2174/0929867324666170515123807
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux.Tariq H, Makker J, Ahmed R, Vakde T, Patel H.Frequent sips of the water for the management of gastroesophageal reflux induced refractory cough: a case report and review of the literature.Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine.2019;2019:1-5. doi:10.1155/2019/9205259Tanaka Y, Saihara Y, Izumotani K, Nakamura H.Daily ingestion of alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydrogen influences human health, including gastrointestinal symptoms.Med Gas Res. 2019;8(4):160-166. doi:10.4103/2045-9912.248267Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.J Tradit Chin Med. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5Murray MT.Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). In:Textbook of Natural Medicine. Elsevier; 2020:641-647.e3. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00085-6Science Direct.Chamomile.Math MV, Khadkikar RM, Kattimani YR.Honey - A nutrient with medicinal property in reflux oesophagitis.Indian J Med Res. 2013;138(6):1020-1021.Jarosz M, Taraszewska A.Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: the role of diet.Prz Gastroenterol.2014;9(5):297-301. doi:10.5114/pg.2014.46166MedlinePlus.Heartburn.American Gastroenterological Association.What drinks increase reflux symptoms?Mehta RS, Song M, Staller K, Chan AT.Association between beverage intake and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;18(10):2226-2233.e4. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2019.11.040Wei TY, Hsueh PH, Wen SH, Chen CL, Wang CC.The role of tea and coffee in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Tzu Chi Med J.2019;31(3):169-176. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_48_18Heidarzadeh-Esfahani N, Soleimani D, Hajiahmadi S, Moradi S, Heidarzadeh N, Nachvak SM.Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: a systematic review.Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2021;26(4):367-379. doi:10.3746/pnf.2021.26.4.367Heidarzadeh-Esfahani N, Soleimani D, Hajiahmadi S, Moradi S, Heidarzadeh N, Nachvak SM.Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: a systematic review.Prev Nutr Food Sci.2021;26(4):367-379. doi:10.3746/pnf.2021.26.4.367American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Diet and GERD.Pan J, Cen L, Chen W, Yu C, Li Y, Shen Z.Alcohol consumption and the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Alcohol and Alcoholism.2019;54(1):62-69. doi:10.1093/alcalc/agy063Surdea-Blaga T, Negrutiu DE, Palage M, Dumitrascu DL.Food and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(19):3497-3511. doi:10.2174/0929867324666170515123807
National Institute of Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.
American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux.
Tariq H, Makker J, Ahmed R, Vakde T, Patel H.Frequent sips of the water for the management of gastroesophageal reflux induced refractory cough: a case report and review of the literature.Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine.2019;2019:1-5. doi:10.1155/2019/9205259
Tanaka Y, Saihara Y, Izumotani K, Nakamura H.Daily ingestion of alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydrogen influences human health, including gastrointestinal symptoms.Med Gas Res. 2019;8(4):160-166. doi:10.4103/2045-9912.248267
Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.J Tradit Chin Med. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5
Murray MT.Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). In:Textbook of Natural Medicine. Elsevier; 2020:641-647.e3. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00085-6
Science Direct.Chamomile.
Math MV, Khadkikar RM, Kattimani YR.Honey - A nutrient with medicinal property in reflux oesophagitis.Indian J Med Res. 2013;138(6):1020-1021.
Jarosz M, Taraszewska A.Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: the role of diet.Prz Gastroenterol.2014;9(5):297-301. doi:10.5114/pg.2014.46166
MedlinePlus.Heartburn.
American Gastroenterological Association.What drinks increase reflux symptoms?
Mehta RS, Song M, Staller K, Chan AT.Association between beverage intake and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;18(10):2226-2233.e4. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2019.11.040
Wei TY, Hsueh PH, Wen SH, Chen CL, Wang CC.The role of tea and coffee in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Tzu Chi Med J.2019;31(3):169-176. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_48_18
Heidarzadeh-Esfahani N, Soleimani D, Hajiahmadi S, Moradi S, Heidarzadeh N, Nachvak SM.Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: a systematic review.Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2021;26(4):367-379. doi:10.3746/pnf.2021.26.4.367
Heidarzadeh-Esfahani N, Soleimani D, Hajiahmadi S, Moradi S, Heidarzadeh N, Nachvak SM.Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: a systematic review.Prev Nutr Food Sci.2021;26(4):367-379. doi:10.3746/pnf.2021.26.4.367
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Diet and GERD.
Pan J, Cen L, Chen W, Yu C, Li Y, Shen Z.Alcohol consumption and the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Alcohol and Alcoholism.2019;54(1):62-69. doi:10.1093/alcalc/agy063
Surdea-Blaga T, Negrutiu DE, Palage M, Dumitrascu DL.Food and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(19):3497-3511. doi:10.2174/0929867324666170515123807
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