What Tea is Best for Acid Reflux? 7 Herbal Teas and Other Drinks to Try

September 20, 2022

What Tea is Best for Acid Reflux? 7 Herbal Teas and Other Drinks to Try

If you have acid reflux, you’ve probably searched for many ways to find relief. Struggling with the uncomfortable feeling of acid regurgitation and heartburn can be exhausting.

Acid reflux is very common, with about 20% of the US population reporting symptoms. These symptoms can be further exacerbated by certain foods and beverages. Drinking tea for acid reflux may provide you with the relief you need.

What is Acid Reflux?

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.

The terms acid reflux and GERD are commonly used interchangeably, but acid reflux refers to occasional symptoms, while GERD is a chronic recurrence of these symptoms. If left untreated, GERD can cause inflammation and damage to your esophagus.

Some typical symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include:

• heartburn
• nausea
• burping
• coughing
• regurgitation
• hoarseness
• sore throat

Drinking low-acidic tea for acid reflux and other beverages can help soothe these symptoms.

What Tea is Good for Acid Reflux?

Drinking tea for acid reflux and GERD can prevent triggering your symptoms or help relieve the uncomfortable feelings associated with them.

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 tea for acid reflux and GERD are caffeine-free herbal teas.

Herbal teas are made from different spices, herbs, and plants and are known for their many health benefits. Below are eight of the best herbal teas for acid reflux and GERD.

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea for acid reflux is extremely beneficial in small doses. It is naturally rich in compounds and antioxidants that can provide many health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and other symptoms.

The compounds in ginger can decrease the likelihood of stomach acid traveling to the esophagus. These chemicals can ease gastric contractions and calm gastrointestinal irritation. Drinking ginger tea for acid reflux also relieves nausea.

2. Licorice Tea

Another great tea for acid reflux is licorice tea. Licorice root has been used as an herbal remedy since ancient times. Studies reveal the benefits of using licorice root tea for acid reflux and GERD to treat symptoms like heartburn, inflammation, and upset stomach.

The primary active compound in licorice root, glycyrrhizin, can increase mucus, protecting the esophagus and stomach from acid. However, there are risks associated with consuming too much glycyrrhizin. Because of this, some licorice products are processed to lower levels of glycyrrhizin, making it safer for consumption.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is commonly used to fight symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce digestive symptoms such as upset stomach. Consuming chamomile tea can also reduce stress which is a key trigger for acid reflux and GERD symptoms.

4. Slippery Elm Tea

The inner bark of the slippery elm tree is commonly ingested for medicinal purposes. When mixed with water, it produces a gel that has great coating properties.

Drinking slippery elm tea for acid reflux coats the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract, soothing and protecting it from further inflammation. It also can stimulate mucus production, which can further reduce irritation of the stomach and esophagus.

5. Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow root is an herb that has been used to treat digestive issues for thousands of years. Consuming marshmallow root tea for acid reflux soothes irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract by forming a protective layer of tissue. It also stimulates the cells responsible for tissue regeneration.

6. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is a spice that has been used in alternative medication since ancient times. Consuming turmeric tea for acid reflux and GERD is abundantly beneficial because of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It is used often as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues such as inflammation, stomach ulcers, and heartburn. Curcumin, turmeric’s primary active ingredient, protects the digestive tract from damage.

7. Fennel Tea

Fennel tea is brewed from the flowers and stems of the fennel herb. It is suggested to have the ability to support digestion and aid in relieving digestive issues such as upset stomach and excess gas. Its anti-inflammatory properties can nurture swelling in your digestive tract, making it an excellent tea for acid reflux and GERD.

Other Drinks for Acid Reflux

Many other drinks can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Here are some of the best options:

Water

Drinking water helps move food throughout your digestive tract, reducing acid reflux and GERD symptoms. Alkaline water, in particular, has a higher pH and can neutralize your stomach acid.

Coconut Water

Unsweetened coconut water provides a great source of electrolytes and promotes a healthy pH balance in your body which is essential when managing acid reflux and GERD.

Juices and Smoothies

Low-acidic juices and smoothies with neutral or alkaline pHs are less likely to trigger symptoms of acid reflux. Green vegetables like spinach and kale are great choices to increase your vitamin and mineral intake while fighting acid reflux. Some of the best ingredients for juices and smoothies are:

• Carrots
• Aloe vera juice
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Pear
• Beets
• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Papaya

Plant-based Milk

Drinking plant-based milk as an alternative to consuming dairy may reduce your symptoms. Many people have trouble digesting cow’s milk, which leads to an increase in acid reflux symptoms.

Plant-based milk has a lower fat content than cow’s milk making it a better option for people who suffer from acid reflux and GERD. Great options for plant-based milk include:

• Coconut milk
• Almond milk
• Soy milk
• Oat milk
• Cashew milk
• Flax milk

Drinks to Avoid

Some drinks have a reputation for aggravating symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. It’s best to avoid these drinks as much as possible.

Acidic Juices

Highly acidic juices irritate the esophagus. Some juices to avoid include:

• Tomato juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Tangerine juice
• Lime juice
• Lemon juice
• Orange juice

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol is known to irritate symptoms of acid reflux. Heavy alcohol consumption can damage the mucous lining in the stomach and esophagus, leading to the development of GERD.

Coffee and Other Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeine, found in drinks like coffee and green tea, increases secretions of gastric acid, raising the chances of acid rising to your esophagus and aggravating acid reflux.

Final Thoughts

Coping with the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD can be difficult. Drinking herbal tea and low-acidic beverages for acid reflux might help you find relief. Hopefully, this list will help you choose the best remedy for you. If acid reflux is not soothed by at-home remedies and continues on for an extended period of time, it is always best to contact your primary healthcare provider.