You’re probably familiar with the feeling: a burning sensation creeping up from your belly into your chest, signaling you’ve consumed something that has triggered your acid reflux. Whether you feel it occasionally after a heavy meal or more frequently, the search for relief can be hit or miss. As such a vital part of our diet, some people who often experience its symptoms wonder, “Does water help acid reflux?” Keep reading for answers.
Key Takeaways
- Heartburn, acid reflux and GERD are related conditions that affect the human digestive system.
- Water can be an effective solution to help relieve acid reflux by diluting stomach acid.
- Other drinks that can reduce acid reflux symptoms include herbal teas, low-fat milk, and non-acidic fruit and vegetable juices.
- Alcohol, acidic or citrus juices, sodas, and coffee are drinks to avoid if you have acid reflux.
- There are over-the-counter medications available to help reduce acid reflux and heartburn.
Understanding Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD
Did you know your stomach has a lid on it? It’s called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It’s a piece of muscle at the top of the stomach that functions as a lid or doorway, opening and closing to allow food to travel from the esophagus to the stomach. When the LES isn’t functioning correctly or is weakened, it can open when it’s not supposed to and allow irritating stomach acid to travel up your esophagus and into your mouth.
And since our esophagus doesn’t have the same protective mucous lining as the stomach to protect it, this backflow of acid causes the burning sensation known as heartburn, a symptom of acid reflux.
Many people experience heartburn or acid reflux occasionally; however, if it’s happening multiple times a week, you may have a digestive condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. This is a more serious and chronic condition that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health issues. By understanding these terms and symptoms and how they’re connected, you can better equip yourself to manage your symptoms and prevent discomfort.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD
You may have experienced the following symptoms if you have acid reflux or GERD:
- A burning feeling in your chest, called heartburn
- A sour or bitter taste in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- A chronic cough or throat irritation
- Regurgitating your food or sour liquid
Does Water Help Acid Reflux?
So, does water help acid reflux? Actually, yes, water can help relieve or prevent acid reflux for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, sipping water throughout the day helps break down the food you consume. This allows your stomach to digest food more easily and keeps your digestive system running smoothly. Secondly, if you’re already experiencing acid reflux, drinking water can help by diluting the stomach acid, which can reduce irritation in the esophagus even if the backflow is still occurring.
Furthermore, if you’re actively experiencing acid reflux, drinking water washes down the acid filling the esophagus, providing temporary relief. And lastly, dehydration or not drinking enough water can exacerbate or induce acid reflux due to your stomach acidity becoming unbalanced.
While water is a simple and accessible remedy, it may not work for everyone or provide long-term relief. It’s also not the only drink you can consume to ease or prevent symptoms.
Other Drinks That Help Relieve Acid Reflux
Water can become boring for some people to drink all the time. If you’re looking for something more flavorful but won’t agitate your acid reflux, you can try the following:
- Herbal Teas: Chamomille, ginger, and licorice teas are known for their soothing effects on the digestive system.
- Low-fat and Plant Milk: Dairy can exacerbate acid reflux; however, low-fat and plant-based milk is usually gentle enough for sensitive stomachs.
- Fruit and Vegetable Juices: Non-acidic juices, like cucumber, pear, watermelon, carrot, aloe vera, and spinach, contain natural compounds that may be beneficial for people with GERD.
Try incorporating these options into your routine for flavorful alternatives that are also healthy and help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Drinks to Avoid When You Have Acid Reflux
On the other hand, some drinks can trigger acid or exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Avoid the following to keep your heartburn at bay:
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages can damage the mucous lining in the stomach, affect acidity, and impair esophagus contractions.
- Acidic juices: Citrus juices, such as tomato, orange, and grapefruit, can be too acidic, irritating the esophagus.
- Sodas: The carbonation in sodas can cause bloating and pressure on the stomach, worsening acid reflux symptoms.
- Coffee: The acidity and caffeine in coffee can be major irritants if you’re prone to acid reflux.
Medication to Relieve Acid Reflux
If you need immediate relief from acid reflux or the drinks mentioned above aren’t effective, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) options available. Antacids like Tums quickly neutralize stomach acid. H2 blockers like Pepcid AC reduce acid production for longer. Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec and Prevacid block acid production and allow your esophagus time to heal.
If you are someone who regularly experiences acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, we highly recommend seeing a gastroenterologist, like those here at RMC, for a diagnosis and long-term remedy.
When to See a Gastroenterologist at RMC
If you’re finding that water only provides temporary relief for your heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms, it may be time to consult a specialist. Chronic acid reflux can be an indication of more serious underlying issues that require medical attention, like GERD or gastritis.
At RMC, our gastroenterologists can help identify the root cause of your acid reflux and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you find long-term relief. Stop letting acid reflux disrupt your life! Reach out to our team today to improve your digestive health.