Health & Wellness

Soothing Sips: What To Drink For Heartburn Relief?

Heartburn can affect anyone at any time, and its symptoms can make you quite uncomfortable. These easy homemade drinks can make you feel great again!


Written by Ravina K

On Mar 10, 2023 – 11 minutes read

What To Drink For Heartburn Relief

When a table full of mouth-watering delicacies is present before you, it is only human to cave in. And if you are a foodie, you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to taste a single dish. In the process, it is normal to overeat, the repercussions of which one may face later in the form of heartburn. However, fret not! Discover what to drink for heartburn relief and soothe your discomfort.

Contrary to the name, heartburn is not in fact related to the heart. It has earned the moniker because the condition has symptoms similar to that of a heart attack. In reality, heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a digestive system-related condition, which you can easily recover from using homemade drinks. So, what to drink for heartburn relief? We will tell you!

Understanding Heartburn & What To Drink For Heartburn Relief?

Heartburn, a common condition experienced by many for various reasons, is seldom a cause for concern. Finding relief can be as simple as enjoying homemade drinks. Let’s explore what to drink for heartburn relief and what foods neutralize stomach acid immediately while delving further into understanding this condition.

Only in rare cases, frequent episodes of heartburn can be diagnosed as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) by doctors. In such cases, it can be an indication of an underlying health condition and if not treated on time, can have some serious implications on your health. 

what foods neutralize stomach acid immediately

To act promptly and appropriately, it’s crucial to recognize the sensations of heartburn. While you may have encountered it before, distinguishing it from other conditions can sometimes be tricky. Discover what to drink for heartburn relief as a home remedy to address this discomfort effectively.

Usually, heartburn manifests as a burning sensation in the chest area. When acidic fluid from the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus, it can leave a bitter taste in your mouth and throat. Symptoms may worsen when lying down or sleeping. Certain drinks can help soothe your stomach, especially at night. But before delving into what to drink for heartburn relief at night, it’s important to recognize the symptoms that may indicate acid reflux.

Symptoms Of Heartburn

The symptoms of heartburn can vary from person to person. For some, it can be mild, while others may experience extreme discomfort. The most common symptoms of the condition are bitterness and a burning sensation in the throat and mouth. Other common ones include: 

what to drink for heartburn relief home remedy
  • Pain or burning sensation behind the breastbone 
  • Difficulty in swallowing food 
  • Intense pain when lying down or bending over
  • Coughing or hoarseness

Now what are the factors that cause heartburn? This will give us an idea as to what to drink for heartburn relief.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn arises when stomach fluid refluxes into the esophagus, the tube responsible for carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. Due to its acidic nature, this stomach fluid irritates the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. If you’re seeking relief from heartburn fast, it’s important to understand what helps alleviate this discomfort promptly.

Heartburn can also occur if your lower esophageal sphincter is not functioning properly or if its muscles have weakened. Ordinarily, when food passes from the esophagus into the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a barrier between the two, closes. However, when the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctions, this closure does not occur, allowing stomach fluid to reflux into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. Consuming alkaline drinks can help neutralize this acid. Want to know more about heartburn triggers and what gets rid of heartburn fast at home?

What Triggers Heartburn?

Heartburn is often triggered by having a spicy or acidic meal. Carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppermint, fried foods, fatty foods, spicy foods, and alcohol, are all common culprits. But sometimes it can also be triggered by additional pressure on the stomach like when wearing tight jeans or trousers, eating a large meal, or lying down immediately after eating. 

For some people, heartburn is triggered immediately after eating and lasts only a few minutes, while for others it can be a constant bother for several hours. The latter is common when it is triggered by underlying health conditions. Acidity caused by foods and indigestion can be relieved by certain homemade drinks that will neutralize the acid, ease digestion, and make you feel great again. If you’re asking yourself what to drink for heartburn relief, let’s first learn why it is important to take this seriously and look for solutions.

Why Is It Essential To Treat Heartburn?

While heartburn can affect individuals of all ages and occur on numerous occasions, it’s crucial to take appropriate steps to maintain overall gut health. Persistent heartburn can lead to esophageal damage and increase the risk of conditions such as esophagitis, ulcers, strictures, aspiration pneumonia, and Barrett’s esophagus.

In the worst case, people with frequent episodes of acid reflux may also develop esophageal cancer. We will tell you what to drink for heartburn relief. These are one hundred percent natural and devoid of side effects.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Heartburn? 

Irrespective of your age and sex, heartburn can hit you at any time of the day. So, it is best to know the risk factors of this condition. Some of the common ones include: 

  • Hiatal hernia: It is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity which separates your abdomen and chest. It can cause the leaking of stomach fluid. 
  • Pregnancy: During the third trimester, pregnant women may experience heartburn due to increased pressure on the abdomen. 
  • Smoking: Frequent smoking weakens the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter, putting the person at risk of frequent heartburn. Smokers are also at risk of developing GERD. 
  • Body weight: Being overweight (obesity) is the leading cause of GERD. People with unmanaged body weight often experience heartburn due to high pressure on the abdomen. 
  • Certain medications: Taking some specific medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and sedatives can also cause heartburn. 
what to drink for heartburn relief home remedy

All of the aforementioned factors can increase your risk of experiencing heartburn and related conditions. It’s crucial to prioritize your overall health. Heartburn can be uncomfortable and may require prompt attention. If you prefer to avoid antacids or medications, there are readily available homemade drinks that can provide significant relief. So, what should you drink for heartburn relief? Additionally, exploring what tea is good for acid reflux can offer further relief.

What To Drink For Heartburn Relief?

During the initial phase, you can manage recurring heartburn episodes with homemade drinks and over-the-counter medication. There’s no need to rely on pills or visit a doctor unless heartburn occurs frequently. Relief can often be obtained by consuming readily available beverages and foods. However, if the condition persists, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Foods: Spicy and fatty foods are the most common culprits of heartburn. So, to minimize their impact, include high-fiber, alkaline, and water-rich foods in your diet. Some examples of these foods are: 

High-fiber foods: Oatmeal, rice, carrot, potatoes, beetroots, broccoli, green beans

Alkaline foods: Banana, cauliflower, nuts, fennel seeds

Watery foods: Watermelon, cucumber, celery, lettuce

Drinks: The stomach fluid is acidic, so to balance the increased amount of acid in the stomach, have neutral and soothing drinks. Water is the first thing most people reach out for when they experience a burning sensation in the throat but never have water with lime juice as it can worsen the pain. Lime juice is acidic and will only add to your misery. Plain water, skimmed milk, carrot, aloe, or cucumber juice, and herbal teas are some of the best drinks for respite from the symptoms of heartburn. 

What To Drink For Heartburn Relief: Easily Available Homemade Drinks

When you’re experiencing heartburn, you’re looking for something within your hand’s reach and there are many things you can try depending on what you have readily available at home. What are these options? What to drink for heartburn relief?

does drinking hot water help acid reflux
  • Water: Water is neutral and is the best drink to have when dealing with heartburn. It helps to break down food in the stomach and also neutralizes the excess acid present in the stomach. While you are experiencing heartburn, drinking lukewarm water is more effective than cold water as it aids better in digestion and soothes the stomach. The combination of honey and warm water can also be good for diluting stomach acid. Honey has antioxidant properties and can help protect the stomach cells from damage from stomach acid. 
  • Herbal tea: A hot cup of herbal tea is not only good for managing the symptoms of heartburn but also improves digestion. The best part is that there are a variety of herbal drinks to choose from like chamomile, ginger, licorice, and marshmallow root that offer relief from symptoms of acidity. These are great alternatives for regular coffee and tea. 
  • Skimmed milk: Full-fat cow milk can be hard to digest for people dealing with heartburn as it contains a high amount of fat. But skimmed or low-fat milk can help to soothe the stomach lining and provide respite from the symptoms of heartburn. 
  • Almond milk: For both vegans and lactose intolerant people, almond milk is a great alternative to skimmed cow milk. It soothes the lining of the stomach and also helps reduce acidity levels. 
  • Green juice: A glass of green juice made with high-fiber green vegetables like spinach, kale, celery, and cucumber is one of the best drinks to control acid reflux. It helps soothe the burning sensation in the esophagus caused by acidic fluid. 
  • Coconut water: Refreshing coconut water can also help to soothe your stomach when suffering from heartburn. Loaded with electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and manganese, coconut water can help to balance pH levels and rehydrate you. 

What Not To Drink When You Are Experiencing Heartburn?

Now that you know what to drink for heartburn relief, you may also want to know what not to drink when you have heartburn. While some beverages provide relief from heartburn, there are others that can trigger the condition. Those who are prone to heartburn are recommended to avoid these drinks to manage the condition and get some relief: 

what helps heartburn fast
  • Alcohol: Alcohol is acidic in nature and its intake in excess may trigger the condition or may worsen it if you are already experiencing it. When it comes to managing heartburn, moderation is the key. Besides, excess alcohol consumption may also increase the risk of esophageal cancer. To stay healthy, women limit alcohol intake to one drink per day and men to two. 
  • Coffee: Coffee contains caffeine, which is known to trigger acidity and also leads to dehydration. Excess caffeine consumption is not recommended for those dealing with GERD. 2 cups (one cup=250ml) of coffee, is recommended for everyone.
  • Carbonated drinks: The carbonation in soft drinks or beer causes an increase in the amount of acid in the stomach, making you feel uncomfortable. When suffering from heartburn it is best to avoid carbonated drinks. 
  • Citrus juices: Juices are good for your health, but when you are already suffering from heartburn, avoid citric fruit juices. Orange, lemon, or juice of any citric juice can increase the level of acid in the stomach. 
  • Energy drinks: Just like coffee, energy drinks also contain caffeine. When you gulp down an entire bottle of energy drink, the level of acid in the stomach increases, putting you at risk of heartburn. It is best to take a nap or a walk for a while to re-energize yourself, then to have a bottle of energy drink. 

Heartburn And Pregnancy

  • Experiencing heartburn during pregnancy is quite common and almost all pregnant women have to deal with it, particularly during the third trimester. It is caused due to two particular reasons: The growth of the baby and hormonal changes. 
  • Growth of the baby: As the baby grows inside the womb, it puts additional pressure on the mother’s stomach leading to heartburn. 
  • Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes several hormonal changes that lead to several side effects over the period of nine months. Heartburn is just one of them. 

The condition does not have any serious repercussions and goes away with the delivery of the baby. But to manage it during the course, it is recommended that pregnant women have smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, and stay away from fatty and spicy foods. As for home remedies, you already know what to drink for heartburn relief!

Tips And Tricks To Avoid Acid Reflux

What to do to avoid heartburn is a question you need to ask before you ask what to drink for heartburn relief, because as cliche as it sounds – prevention is better than cure. If you are one of those few people who experience heartburn regularly, making some dietary changes can help you manage the condition. Some common steps you can take are: 

  • Managing your bodyweight 
  • Avoiding foods or drinks that trigger your symptoms
  • Wearing loose and comfortable clothes
  • Avoiding lying down or doing heavy work immediately after eating 
  • Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily 
  • Including high-fiber foods in your diet

Final Thoughts

Heartburn is an unpleasant condition that may affect your mood as well as your productivity. It is not a cause for concern unless you deal with it on a regular basis. If you handle the situation correctly and take appropriate steps at the right time, you can get relief from it within a couple of minutes and carry on with your work. 

If you experience discomfort due to heartburn after eating anything spicy or acidic, drink plenty of water or skimmed cow’s milk for instant relief. What to drink for heartburn relief? There are so many easily available homemade drinks. However, if the condition occurs too often and affects your daily life, consult your doctor for advice. They may prescribe you medication and may recommend dietary changes after diagnosis, depending on the cause of the heartburn in your case. Do not delay as untreated heartburn can severely affect your health.

FAQ

1. Does drinking cold water help acid reflux

Drinking cold water may temporarily alleviate acid reflux symptoms for some individuals.

2. Does drinking hot water help acid reflux

Drinking hot water can soothe acid reflux symptoms for some people.

3. Is milk or water better for heartburn?

Water is generally better for heartburn relief than milk.

  1. Nicholas J. Shaheen, M.D., M.P.H., University of North Carolina School of Medicine (2018). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

    https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults
  2. Ryan E. Smith; Rai Dilawar Shahjehan (2022). StatPearls Publishing LLC

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562200/

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ravina

Hi there, I am Ravina! I am a storyteller, who loves to write about lifestyle, politics, and social issues. Writing for me is like meditating as it helps me connect with my inner self and everything around me. It is a medium to express my thoughts and feelings. When not writing, I can be found reading, painting or admiring the beauty of nature.

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