Acid reflux or heartburn is the burning sensation a person may experience when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. While it is relatively normal for people to suffer from acid reflux from time to time, if a person continuously suffers from acid reflux, they may have a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Certain foods and drinks can trigger acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
What is Acid Reflux?
When you swallow food, it travels from the mouth down the esophagus (food pipe). Once it reaches the end of the esophagus, a valve known as the esophageal sphincter relaxes and opens to allow the food to pass through to the stomach. When this valve is functioning correctly, it contracts once the food has passed, preventing gastric acid from flowing back into the esophagus. However, in some cases the esophageal sphincter does not relax and contract as it should, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Because stomach acid is acidic, it causes an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest and throat when this occurs.
Acid Reflux and Gerd Symptoms
Some symptoms associated with acid reflux and heartburn include difficulty swallowing; regurgitating food or stomach acid; a sour acidic taste in the mouth; sore throat; coughing; hoarse voice; and/or a burning sensation in the chest.
When a person experiences symptoms of acid reflux, their natural reaction is to reach for a soothing drink to ease the burning sensation. While some drinks can help soothe heartburn symptoms, other drinks can trigger heartburn, Knowing which drinks aggravate acid reflux and which neutralize stomach acid and help reduce symptoms can save a lot of unnecessary stress.
Food and Drinks that can Cause Heartburn or Aggravate Acid Reflux
Foods that are notorious for triggering heartburn and acid reflux include hot spicy dishes, citrus fruit, tomatoes, and onions, while some people also find that chocolate, peppermint, and fatty food may cause acid reflux. Acid reflux symptoms are not only caused by foods, beverages such as coffee, fizzy drinks, and alcohol can also trigger reflux.
Foods that Neutralize Stomach Acid and Relieve Acid Reflux
The good news is that should you suffer from a bout of acid reflux, there are measures you can take to relieve the symptoms of heartburn. Foods that are good for acid reflux help neutralize stomach acid to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Baking soda is an excellent remedy for acid reflux, as are apples and bananas which contain natural anti-acid properties.
Beverages that Help Reduce Symptoms and are Good for Acid Reflux
While caffeinated drinks and alcohol will aggravate acid reflux, there are several options that will help dilute and/or neutralize stomach acid to quickly offer relief. Good options for managing acid reflux include almond milk, coconut water, and hot tea -- especially herbal tea such as ginger tea. Drinking warm water can help dilute stomach acid, while alkaline water can also help neutralize the acid.
Does Drinking Hot Water Help Acid Reflux?
While it sounds too good to be true, drinking water does help you avoid acid reflux. Drinking water can help dilute the acid and flush out the esophagus. Not only does water dilute acids, but since water on average has a pH of 7 and is considered to be neutral, it can also help raise the pH level of the stomach and counteract the acidity of acidic foods to offer relief when acid reflux occurs. People who experience acid reflux should consider drinking a glass of warm water every day, as this can help the body get rid of toxins that can irritate the esophagus and make acid reflux worse. Adding honey to the water provides additional health benefits as it is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals may cause acid reflux if they cause inflammation in the esophagus. Drinking enough water every day is important for our general health and well-being. Warm water is better for acid reflux than hot water, which may irritate the esophagus and aggravate the problem.
The symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD can be uncomfortable and extreme. Knowing what foods and drinks to avoid to prevent acid reflux, and that simple solutions like drinking a cup of warm water helps flush acids from the esophagus and may help reduce the symptoms to offer some relief.
