Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as heartburn, sore throat, belching, and a burning feeling in the chest. It is common for people to have occasional acid reflux. However, if you experience it consistently, you may develop a disease called gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ).
For those of you who have stomach acid problems, or when stomach acid rises, you must be careful in choosing food and drinks. The reason is, that certain foods and drinks can make symptoms worse, while some other types can relieve symptoms.
This time, we will discuss which drinks are good for people with stomach acid and why.
1. Ginger tea
Ginger is one of the ingredients that are traditionally used to treat various health problems. Ginger can help reduce the symptoms of many gastrointestinal complaints, such as acid reflux, bloating, and dyspepsia.
A study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition shows that ginger relieves pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and increases gastric emptying. Without this reduction in pressure, the risk of sphincter failure increases, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the food pipe. Plus, the warm sensation of ginger can soothe the stomach.
2. Air
Water has a neutral pH, which is around 7.0, which can slightly increase the pH of the stomach. In addition, water can also help digestion and motility of food out of the stomach and into the small intestine. This can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
A 2019 study in the journal Medical Gas Research found that drinking electrolyzed alkaline water can help relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, such as acid reflux. However, keep in mind that too much water can upset the balance of minerals in the body, which will increase the chances of acid reflux, so drinking too much water should also be avoided.
3. Honey
Water mixed with honey can be an effective treatment in relieving acid reflux symptoms. According to the Prevention page, this is because honey helps coat the throat.
Manuka honey in particular is known for its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is best used to soothe a sore throat triggered by excessive stomach acid. For more benefits, you can add a spoonful of honey to a glass of ginger tea.
4. Low-fat milk or skim milk
Whole milk can be difficult to digest for some people. In addition, whole milk can contain high amounts of fat that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, causing or worsening reflux symptoms, explains the Healthline page.
Furthermore, fat can also reduce gastric motility, which can keep high-fat foods in the stomach longer. The solution to this is to choose low-fat cow’s milk or skim milk.
5. Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera contains high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds that prevent irritation, making it one of the best home remedies for sunburn. In addition, aloe vera juice is packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids that aid digestion and help eliminate body waste.
A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical also supports the claim that intake of aloe vera reduces the frequency of GERD symptoms. For that, aloe vera juice can be a solution to prevent or overcome stomach acid spikes.
6. Coconut water
Coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes. The Healthline page explains, that electrolytes play a big role in maintaining the body’s pH level. Sodium and potassium are the main electrolytes in the body, and a glass of coconut water provides 10 percent of the daily sodium requirement and 17 percent of the daily potassium requirement.
Plus, coconut water is alkaline, which neutralizes stomach acidity, preventing heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux. When choosing coconut water, you should choose fresh coconut water without added sweeteners rather than coconut water that is sold in ready-to-drink packages.
7. Yoghurt
Yogurt acts as a temporary buffer that relieves acid reflux symptoms. One of the main reasons for the various symptoms of acid reflux is that acid reflux causes damage to the lining of the esophagus. Milk and yogurt coat the esophagus, preventing acid from irritating that lining, explains the American Association of Retired Persons.
However, choose low-fat yogurt over those made from whole milk. This is because high-fat foods can exacerbate acid reflux. Also, milk that is higher in fat content stays in the stomach longer, creating more opportunities for acid reflux to occur.