What Drink Helps Stop Acid Reflux? A Guide to Soothing Beverages

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, millions of adults experience the discomfort of acid reflux, or GER, regularly. Choosing the right beverage is a simple yet powerful dietary modification, as certain drinks can soothe the irritation while others can significantly worsen symptoms. But what drink helps stop acid reflux most effectively?

Quick Summary

This article explores a range of beverages, including herbal teas, plant-based milks, and juices, that can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid and soothing inflammation. It also highlights the drinks you should avoid that can trigger heartburn.

Key Points

Alkaline Beverages: Drinks like unsweetened almond milk and oat milk are alkaline and can help neutralize stomach acid.
Herbal Soothers: Ginger and chamomile teas have anti-inflammatory and calming effects that can soothe an irritated digestive tract.
Aloe Vera's Role: Purified aloe vera juice can reduce esophageal inflammation and help control stomach acid production.
Hydration is Key: Sipping plain water throughout the day can help flush irritants and aid digestion.
Identify Triggers: It's crucial to avoid drinks that relax the LES or increase stomach acid, including caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and citrus juices.
Consider Lifestyle: Complementary actions like eating smaller meals, avoiding late-night food, and maintaining a healthy weight are also vital for managing reflux.

Understanding Acid Reflux and Its Triggers

Acid reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when stomach contents, including acidic digestive juices, flow back into the esophagus. This backwash irritates the sensitive lining of the esophagus and can cause the classic burning chest pain known as heartburn. When this happens frequently, it can progress to a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many factors can trigger acid reflux, with diet being a major contributor.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle separating the esophagus and stomach, can relax at inappropriate times, allowing acid to escape. Certain foods and beverages can relax the LES or increase the amount of acid in the stomach, making symptoms more likely. By understanding which drinks fall into each category, you can proactively manage your symptoms.

The Best Beverages to Soothe Acid Reflux

Several drinks can offer relief for acid reflux by calming the digestive system and neutralizing stomach acid. Here are some of the most effective options:

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive tract.

Ginger Tea: Ginger has long been used as a digestive aid. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help calm irritation in the esophagus and stomach. It may also aid in gastric emptying, moving food out of the stomach faster and reducing the likelihood of reflux. Steeping fresh ginger root is ideal for maximizing benefits.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile can help soothe gastrointestinal issues like gas and nausea, which can accompany acid reflux.
Licorice Tea: Studies suggest licorice can coat the esophageal lining, protecting it from stomach acid. However, excessive licorice consumption can raise blood pressure, so it's important to use it with caution and consult a healthcare provider.

Aloe Vera Juice

Long recognized for its healing properties, pure aloe vera juice is highly effective for soothing the digestive system. It reduces inflammation in the esophagus and helps to control the production of stomach acid. For best results, use decolorized and purified aloe vera juice to avoid laxative side effects. Always start with a small amount to see how your body reacts.

Plant-Based Milks

For those who experience issues with dairy or prefer an alternative, several plant-based milks offer a low-fat, alkaline option.

Almond Milk: Almond milk is naturally alkaline, which can help to neutralize stomach acidity. Choosing an unsweetened variety is best, as added sugars can trigger reflux. It's also low in fat, another bonus for those with GERD.
Oat Milk: Oat milk has a higher pH than cow's milk and contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that can coat the esophagus and protect it from acid. The high fiber content also helps regulate digestion.
Soy Milk: A good low-fat option, soy milk can be a suitable alternative for many people with acid reflux.

Water

Plain water is often one of the best and simplest solutions for soothing acid reflux. It helps flush out irritants from the esophagus and aids in the overall digestive process. Sipping water slowly can help move food from the stomach to the intestines, potentially relieving symptoms.

Drinks to Avoid That Worsen Acid Reflux

Just as certain drinks can help, others can make symptoms significantly worse. Avoiding these is a crucial part of managing your diet for reflux.

Carbonated Beverages: The carbonation in soda and other fizzy drinks can increase pressure in the stomach, forcing stomach acid up into the esophagus.
Coffee and Caffeinated Tea: Caffeine can increase stomach acid production and relax the LES, leading to increased reflux. Decaf versions may still cause issues for some.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to flow back up. It can also stimulate acid production.
Citrus Juices: Highly acidic juices like orange and grapefruit juice can irritate the esophageal lining.
Peppermint Tea: While many herbal teas are beneficial, peppermint tea can paradoxically worsen reflux by relaxing the LES.
Chocolate Beverages: Chocolate contains a trifecta of reflux triggers: caffeine, fat, and cocoa.

A Comparison of Acid Reflux-Friendly Drinks


Drink	Benefits for Reflux	Potential Drawbacks/Considerations
Ginger Tea	Anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, reduces nausea	May be too spicy for some; not a long-term cure
Aloe Vera Juice	Soothes inflammation, coats esophagus, controls acid	Must use decolorized juice to avoid laxative effects
Almond Milk	Alkaline, low-fat, helps neutralize stomach acid	Many commercial versions contain additives; unsweetened is best
Oat Milk	Alkaline, contains fiber to protect esophagus, aids digestion	Some individuals may still be sensitive
Water	Simple, neutral pH, flushes irritants from esophagus	Does not directly treat the root cause of reflux
Chamomile Tea	Calming, soothes digestive tract, reduces gas	Less direct acid neutralization effect compared to others

Other Lifestyle and Dietary Tips

Beyond your drink choices, other habits can significantly influence your acid reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can reduce pressure on your stomach. It's also important to avoid eating within three to five hours of lying down to prevent reflux while sleeping. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can reduce abdominal pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking can also have a profound impact on managing symptoms. For persistent or severe symptoms, always consult a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

While a single magic cure doesn't exist, a variety of beverages can play a key role in managing and relieving acid reflux symptoms. Knowing what drink helps stop acid reflux, and which ones trigger it, allows you to make informed dietary choices. Incorporating calming ginger tea, soothing aloe vera juice, or alkaline almond milk, alongside a balanced, mindful diet, can provide significant relief. By pairing smart drink choices with other lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively minimize discomfort and improve your overall digestive health.

Learn more about GERD management and diet on the NIDDK website

Frequently Asked Questions

Low-fat milk is often more tolerable than full-fat milk, which can worsen symptoms. Plant-based milks like almond or oat milk are typically better options due to their alkaline and lower-fat content.

Unlike some other herbal teas, peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps stomach acid from flowing back up. This can make acid reflux symptoms worse.

It is generally recommended to avoid coffee, even decaf, as it can increase stomach acid and relax the LES, which aggravates reflux symptoms.

Some drinks, like water, may offer immediate temporary relief by flushing out irritants. However, natural remedies like herbal teas and aloe vera juice provide more long-term soothing and may require consistent consumption to see effects.

While many plant-based milks are beneficial, it is important to check the ingredients list. Some commercial brands contain additives like carrageenan or added sugars that can potentially trigger digestive issues.

While some studies show potential benefits of ginger supplements, fresh ginger tea is often recommended. High doses of ginger supplements should be taken with caution and in consultation with a doctor.

Mixing a small amount of baking soda with water can temporarily neutralize stomach acid. While it can provide short-term relief, it is not a cure and should not be used as a long-term solution.