If you’re dealing with acid reflux or heartburn, what you drink could be contributing to your discomfort. Steering clear of drinks that trigger acid reflux can make a big difference in how symptoms manifest.
Caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages have the potential to exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Fortunately, there are many GERD-friendly options that won’t aggravate symptoms.
Caffeine
If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, caffeine may be detrimental to your symptoms. Many medical professionals advise people with GERD to limit or avoid certain foods and drinks which aggravate their symptoms, such as coffee and tea.
However, few scientific studies have demonstrated that eliminating or restricting caffeine significantly improves GERD symptoms. Instead, people should attempt to identify which foods and drinks cause their symptoms, then eliminate those items from their diet.
Many people report that drinking coffee before meals causes heartburn and GERD. This is likely because caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphinter, allowing stomach acids to move back up into your esophagus.
Alcohol consumption also weakens the LES, while caffeine increases acid production in your stomach – another reason why some people struggle to cope with caffeine, according to Dunn.
Caffeine can have adverse effects, so to combat them you should drink decaffeinated coffee instead. Not only does it possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but decaf also helps to relax the lining of your esophagus so it is less vulnerable to acid attack.
Alternative remedies to coffee may include herbal teas. Chamomile tea, for instance, can help soothe the inflammation caused by reflux.
If you do decide to drink coffee, be sure to limit it to one cup per day and avoid drinking it before bedtime. This will help ensure your system can handle the caffeine without interfering with sleep patterns.
Caffeine can irritate the mucous membranes in your esophagus and stomach, leading to acid reflux. If you experience these symptoms, avoid any caffeinated beverages and keep a journal to document your eating habits and GERD symptoms to determine which foods or drinks cause your GI problems.
Caffeine, alcohol and some medications may lead to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in some individuals. Excess caffeine may also cause skipped heartbeats or palpitations; thus, those experiencing these symptoms should contact a doctor if the severity is great.
Alcohol
Alcohol is an addictive drug that can have serious negative consequences on one’s health, particularly when consumed excessively. It has the potential to damage liver, heart and brain tissue as well as impair judgment and coordination.
Alcohol can help alleviate acid reflux and GERD symptoms, but it should be consumed in moderation. In general, no more than a drink per day is considered safe for women and one drink per day for men.
Some people drink alcohol to unwind and relax. Others may appreciate its social benefits, such as a night out with friends or an enjoyable celebratory meal.
Different drinks that contain alcohol, such as beer, wine and spirits (spirits like scotch, rum and vodka). Some alcoholic beverages contain more pure alcohol than others.
Consume alcohol slowly and eat foods that help slow its absorption into your stomach. Protein-rich dishes such as steak, chicken or fish can help reduce the effects of alcohol on blood sugar levels.
Diabetes should never be consumed with alcohol as it can disrupt the balance of sugar in their bloodstream, leading to hunger and nausea.
Additionally, drinking can increase blood pressure and heart rate, potentially leading to other health complications. Diabetics with a history of drinking should consult their doctor about how much alcohol is safe for them to consume in order to keep their glucose levels stable.
Women should especially strive to reduce their alcohol intake. Studies have revealed that those who consume more than one drink a day have an increased risk of breast cancer, especially if they have an inherited deficiency in an enzyme responsible for alcohol metabolism.
If you are experiencing symptoms of alcohol poisoning, it is essential to call 911 right away and stay with the person until they regain consciousness. They will need to be rolled onto their side into a recovery position so they do not choke on their vomit.
Dairy
If you are suffering from acid reflux, drinking a glass of cold milk can help alleviate symptoms. It helps neutralize stomach acid and encourages saliva production.
If your symptoms do not improve, it may be time to speak with a doctor about taking prescription medication. These drugs help regulate stomach acid that rises back up into your esophagus and can reduce heartburn symptoms.
Dairy products are often fortified with vitamins A and D to support immune health. Furthermore, dairy is an excellent source of calcium as well as other essential minerals that may be lacking in some diets.
Soy milk is an ideal dairy alternative, as it contains less fat than most other options and is alkaline-forming. In fact, soy milk is often recommended for those suffering from GERD due to its capacity to neutralize stomach acid and ease symptoms associated with the condition.
Opt for oat milk instead, which is low in fat and high in fiber with naturally low acidity. When possible, opt for organic oat milk as it’s more likely to be fortified with essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and calcium than nonorganic varieties.
Always read the label of any product you are considering purchasing to ensure it does not contain any hazardous ingredients. This is especially essential if you have allergies or are otherwise concerned for your overall health and wellness.
In the United States, approximately one in every six adults suffers from digestive issues such as heartburn or acid reflux. These conditions are common and can have an adverse effect on your quality of life.
If you want to reduce the likelihood of experiencing heartburn or acid reflux, try your best to steer clear of foods that trigger these symptoms. These could include foods high in saturated fat, alcohol and processed food products.
In addition to avoiding these specific items, it’s beneficial to eat a balanced diet that includes lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants which may help reduce stomach acid production.
Foods to Avoid
Food plays a major role in acid reflux symptoms, so if you are experiencing them it may be beneficial to make changes to your diet. Eating certain foods can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and cause it to relax, allowing stomach contents and digestive juices back up into your oesophagus (food pipe).
Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), while not everyone experiences them occasionally, can be chronically uncomfortable and have an impact on daily life. The two most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and sour, burning chest pain.
Fatty and greasy foods are commonly known to cause heartburn, as they stay in your stomach longer. Furthermore, these foods cause the lower LES to relax, increasing acid production from your stomach.
Alcohol, on the other hand, may actually exacerbate acid reflux symptoms for some individuals – it weakens the LES and allows stomach contents to back up into your oesophagus. While moderate amounts of alcohol may help control symptoms in some cases, for most people the best way to prevent GERD is to abstain completely from alcohol consumption.
Carbonated drinks and soft drinks are often associated with GERD symptoms, making an already unpleasant episode worse. Because they tend to be acidic and contain caffeine, carbonated drinks and soft drinks may aggravate existing irritation.
Tomatoes are another food that may irritate your esophagus, so it’s essential to choose tomato-based sauces and products with care when eating them. Furthermore, tomatoes contain capsaicin which may exacerbate the burning sensation in your chest and throat.
Spicy foods are another common trigger of GERD, as they stimulate your body’s production of stomach acids. Thus, if you suffer from heartburn or GERD, it’s best to steer clear of spicy items like peppers, chili powder and other hot spices.
Dairy can exacerbate symptoms of GERD due to its high saturated fat content. To combat this, switch to low-fat milk or replace dairy with an alternative such as soy, almond or coconut milk.
