Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sodas may worsen symptoms, however.
Drinking water can help to alleviate heartburn symptoms in a few different ways. First, water can help to dilute stomach acid and make it less irritating to the esophagus. This can reduce the burning sensation in the chest that is characteristic of heartburn.
While it's good to drink a lot of water when you have GERD, avoid drinking water just before bed time. It'll only wake you up in the middle of the night because you have to use the bathroom, and it may not be easy to drift back to sleep.
Water has a pH that, at 7, is neutral. This dilutes the more acidic stomach fluids, bringing relief. But when you have had a meal that is too large, drinking water at the same time or immediately after can make GERD symptoms worse.
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.
The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux. But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms."
Consider adding whole wheat bread to your diet, especially at meals with known trigger foods. Bread can help soak up stomach acid, lowering your risk for heartburn.
Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers – These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach – and won't cause painful gas. Brown rice – This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling – just don't serve it fried. Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.
Antacids provide fast heartburn relief. They start to work in seconds* to neutralize stomach acid, making your stomach contents less acidic and reducing the chances that acidic liquid will leak into your esophagus (the muscular tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
Gaviscon can be used to treat heartburn (acid reflux) and indigestion. The medicine works by forming a protective layer that floats on top of the contents of your stomach. This stops stomach acid escaping up into your food pipe.
Take over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids, or acid suppressors/proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec, Nexium, or Pepcid.
Soda and Acid Reflux Disease
If you are experiencing regular heartburn or acid reflux, then drinking soda is an especially bad idea. This is because soda will actually exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, making the pain more severe and the symptoms more frequent.
Supragastric burping: This involves a person suctioning in air, often subconsciously, from their mouth into their esophagus. The person then expels the air through their pharynx, the tube that carries air, food, and fluid down from the mouth and nose. People may do this to relieve symptoms of acid reflux.
Bananas for stomach acid are considered safe because they have alkaline (alkaline) properties. In addition, this fruit is also considered to help balance the acid in the stomach so that symptoms of acid reflux or GERD can be prevented.
Avocado: Despite being high in fat, avocados are rich in healthy fats, which can settle your stomach and prevent acid reflux symptoms.
Milk and dairy products are high in fat and tend to make heartburn worse. When you have frequent GERD symptoms, like heartburn, eating high-fat dairy products like cheese can aggravate your symptoms. Furthermore, cold dairy products like ice cream can actually numb and inhibit the lower esophageal sphincter's function.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
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.
However, distilled spirits like vodka and whiskey are the best choices to avoid problems with acid reflux. They are low in calories and carbs and don't contain any sugar.
Switch to the Best Sleeping Position for Acid Reflux
Multiple research studies have found that sleeping on your left side. View Source is the best sleeping position for GERD. Sleeping with your left side down reduces reflux episodes. View Source and exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid.