In addition, carbonated beverages may serve as an acid load and thus may raise gastric acid volume, leading to increased likelihood of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Two studies have demonstrated that carbonated beverages can reduce the oesophageal pH < 4 and potentially cause GERD-related symptoms.
Carbonated Beverages
Soft drinks not only relax the LES but also increase stomach acid levels. This may be due to the caffeine in popular cola products which can affect the LES and trigger acid reflux.
Background: Carbonated beverages have unique properties that may potentially exacerbate gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as high acidity and carbonation. Cessation of carbonated beverage consumption is commonly recommended as part of lifestyle modifications for patients with GERD.
Acid from soda can irritate the stomach lining, and cause heartburn and acid reflux.
Coca-Cola Actually Helps You Digest - Acidity in Soda Helps You Digest.
That's why other common drinks such as beer, soda, fruit juice and wine are naturally acidic (and are all more acidic than coffee, in fact).
Classic Cola (RC Cola, Coke, Pepsi)
The full sugar versions supply the highest acidity rates with RC Cola being the champion at 2.387, the very front runner of all options tested.
With a pH level of 2.52, Coca-Cola is only slightly less acidic than lemonade.
Drinking and Eating With an Ulcer
Some other beverages can irritate an ulcer, too. This is why it's a good idea to give up coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, alcohol, and citrus fruit juices until the ulcer is healed. All of these are acidic or can increase stomach acid. Plain water is the best choice.
Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
Cold milk can neutralize acids in your stomach and can give you relief from acidity. Drink a glass of cold milk which will prevent your troubles. Also, you can eat a cup of ice creams if you are not susceptible to cold and cough.
Coca-Cola, due to its carbonic and phosphoric acid, has a pH of 2.6 and resembles the natural gastric acid that's thought to be important for fiber digestion, the researchers said. In addition, the sodium bicarbonate and carbon dioxide bubbles in the beverage might enhance the dissolving effect.
Carbonation can cause a buildup of gas, leading to bloating, cramping and pain. The caffeine in soda can also increase stomach acid production, worsen episodes of diarrhea, and contribute to constipation. In addition, the sweeteners used in soft drinks can worsen IBS symptoms due to their laxative effects.
Eating large meals or eating late at night. Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods. Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee. Taking certain medications, such as aspirin.
Drinking excessive amounts of diet soda can sometimes affect the lining of the stomach. “Over time, it can get irritated from the carbonation,” Valdez says. Heavy soda drinkers frequently develop indigestion, bloating and heartburn. Plus, carbonated drinks are a known trigger of acid reflux.
The pH levels of the six analyzed cola drinks are all significantly below the critical pH (pH 5.5) of Calcium hydroxyapatite (P < . 001 Student-t). The diet colas are not necessarily more acidic; regular Pepsi Cola has the lowest pH (pH 2.53), while Diet Selection Cola is the highest pH (pH 3.40).
The following sodas are listed from lowest level of acid to highest: root beer, Diet 7UP, Diet Coke, Diet Mountain Dew, Sprite, Mountain Dew, 7UP, Coke Zero, Diet Dr. Pepper, Slice Orange, Squirt, Fanta Orange, Pepsi, Coca Cola, Cherry Coke.
The Most Acidic Foods and Drinks to Watch Out For
These include lemon juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice.
According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options; choosing drinks made with these alcohols will be best on your stomach. You'll be best served by a drink made with a light juice like apple, pear, or cranberry, but sometimes you just really want that kick of citrus.