Does Drinking Water Help Heartburn and Acid Reflux?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2008 study published in the National Library of Medicine, a glass of water can immediately increase gastric pH, offering rapid but temporary relief from acidity. For millions who experience acid reflux, the question of whether or not drinking water helps heartburn is a frequent one, and the answer is rooted in its ability to dilute stomach acid and aid digestion.

Quick Summary

Water can provide temporary relief for heartburn by diluting stomach acid, washing irritants back down the esophagus, and promoting overall healthy digestion. Proper hydration prevents dehydration, which can worsen symptoms, while correct sipping methods and temperature can maximize benefits. Some specialty waters and other beverages may also assist, but water remains a simple and effective approach for managing heartburn.

Key Points

Dilution is Key: Water helps dilute concentrated stomach acid that has refluxed into the esophagus, reducing irritation and the burning sensation.
Flush the Esophagus: Sipping water can help wash irritating stomach acid back down into the stomach, providing temporary, immediate relief from heartburn.
Preventing Dehydration: Staying hydrated is crucial for overall digestive health; dehydration can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
Sip, Don't Chug: Drinking water slowly throughout the day is more effective than drinking large amounts at once, which can increase stomach pressure and worsen reflux.
Choose Still Over Sparkling: Carbonated beverages can cause bloating and burping, which triggers heartburn; opt for plain, still water instead.
Consider Temperature: Room-temperature or warm water is often better than cold water, which can slow digestion and cause the stomach to contract.
Not a Cure, But a Relief: While water provides temporary comfort and supports digestion, it is not a cure for chronic acid reflux and should be used alongside other management strategies.

Understanding Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the chest that is a common symptom of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the tube connecting your throat and stomach, irritating its lining. While occasional heartburn is common, frequent episodes may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many factors contribute to acid reflux, including diet, lifestyle, and a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve between the esophagus and stomach.

The Role of Water in Heartburn Relief

For those seeking immediate but temporary relief, drinking water can be an effective and accessible remedy. It provides relief through several mechanisms:

Diluting stomach acid: When acid flows back into the esophagus, water can help dilute its concentration, making it less irritating to the sensitive lining. A study from 2008 showed that drinking water can temporarily increase the stomach's pH level.
Flushing the esophagus: Sipping water helps wash the refluxed acid back down into the stomach, where it belongs. This mechanical action can provide a sense of instant relief.
Improving overall digestion: Staying well-hydrated is vital for a healthy digestive system. It aids in breaking down food, facilitating its passage through the gastrointestinal tract, and can prevent constipation. A smooth digestive process reduces the chance of food lingering in the stomach, which can trigger acid reflux.
Preventing dehydration: Dehydration can negatively affect digestion and cause an imbalance in stomach acidity, potentially exacerbating heartburn symptoms. Ensuring you drink enough water helps maintain balance and proper function.

Best Practices for Drinking Water

Simply drinking water is not a foolproof cure, and how you drink it can impact its effectiveness. Certain methods can maximize the benefit and prevent unintended side effects like bloating:

Sip slowly: Instead of chugging large quantities, sip water slowly throughout the day. This helps continuously wash down any acid and avoids overloading the stomach, which can increase pressure and worsen reflux.
Drink at mealtime: Having a glass of water during and after meals can aid in digestion and dilute stomach acids, but be careful not to drink excessive amounts that could cause bloating.
Choose the right temperature: Warm or room-temperature water is often recommended over cold water, as cold liquids can cause the stomach to contract and slow digestion. Extremely hot water should also be avoided as it can irritate the esophagus.
Stay upright: After drinking, remain upright for at least 30 minutes. This uses gravity to keep stomach contents down and prevents acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
Avoid carbonated varieties: Sparkling or carbonated water can increase stomach pressure and lead to bloating and burping, which pushes acid upwards and can trigger heartburn. Opt for plain, still water instead.

Comparison Table: Water vs. Other Drinks for Heartburn


Feature	Plain Water	Alkaline Water	Coconut Water	Herbal Teas	Carbonated Drinks	High-Fat Milk
Effectiveness for immediate relief	High	High (temporary pH boost)	Medium	Medium (soothing)	Low (can worsen)	Low (can worsen)
Mechanism	Dilutes acid, washes esophagus	Temporarily raises pH level	Provides electrolytes, pH balance	Reduces inflammation, aids digestion	Increases stomach pressure	Can increase stomach acid production
Risk of side effects	Very Low	Low (if used appropriately)	Very Low	Low (avoid mint teas)	High (bloating, burping)	High (can stimulate acid)
Long-term solution	Supports overall digestion	Depends on cause, not a cure	Supports overall health	Soothes digestive system	Not recommended	Not recommended

Other Remedies and Considerations

While drinking water helps, it's part of a broader approach to managing acid reflux and heartburn. For many, lifestyle adjustments are crucial for long-term relief.

Dietary changes: Identify and avoid trigger foods, such as spicy, fatty, and acidic items like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals.
Weight management: Excess abdominal weight can put pressure on the stomach and push acid back up. Losing weight can significantly reduce symptoms.
Sleep habits: Elevate the head of your bed using a foam wedge to keep stomach acid down while sleeping. Avoid lying down within 3-4 hours of eating.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Antacids provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid, while H-2-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can offer more long-term solutions for frequent sufferers.
Herbal remedies: Some herbal teas like ginger or chamomile may offer a soothing effect on the digestive tract.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool

In summary, drinking water is a valid and often-recommended strategy for managing heartburn and acid reflux. Its ability to dilute stomach acid and flush the esophagus offers quick, temporary relief. Regular hydration also plays a crucial role in maintaining overall digestive health, which can prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place. For optimal results, focusing on proper hydration techniques, such as slow, consistent sipping of plain, room-temperature water, is key. However, water is best used as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. Individuals with persistent or severe heartburn should consult a healthcare professional to identify underlying issues and create a personalized treatment plan.

Natural Relief with Water

For a natural, at-home approach, drinking water is one of the simplest first steps. A single glass can provide quick relief by diluting stomach acid and washing it back down the esophagus. Pairing proper hydration with other dietary and lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvements in managing heartburn symptoms. While it offers temporary comfort, consistent, mindful hydration supports long-term digestive wellness and can reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux episodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some people find that drinking very cold water can cause their stomach muscles to contract, which may slow digestion and potentially worsen acid reflux symptoms. Room-temperature or lukewarm water is generally recommended.

Alkaline water has a higher pH than regular water and can temporarily help neutralize some stomach acid. However, a simple glass of regular water also provides significant diluting and flushing effects. Some experts are skeptical that alkaline water provides a substantial long-term advantage over plain water.

Yes, drinking a glass of water during and after meals can aid digestion by helping to break down food and dilute stomach acids. However, avoid drinking excessively large amounts, which could cause bloating.

The best way is to sip water slowly throughout the day rather than drinking large quantities at once. This provides a consistent flushing effect and prevents the stomach from becoming overfilled and pressurized.

While water is a great option, some herbal teas like ginger or chamomile can offer additional soothing properties. Other beneficial options include coconut water or low-fat milk. Beverages like carbonated drinks, alcohol, and citrus juices should be avoided.

There is no single amount that works for everyone. Most health experts recommend sipping water consistently throughout the day, aiming for general hydration goals. Small quantities taken frequently are more beneficial than large volumes at once.

No, water provides only a temporary neutralizing effect by diluting stomach acid. The stomach's parietal cells continually produce acid, so the effect of water is not permanent. For long-term relief, a multi-faceted approach including diet and lifestyle changes is necessary.