What drink is best for acidity? Finding relief through nutrition

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that drinking water can reduce stomach acid within one minute? When managing acid reflux symptoms, choosing the right beverage can make a significant difference. Identifying what drink is best for acidity? is crucial for soothing heartburn and reducing discomfort.

Quick Summary

Effective drinks for acidity include alkaline options like coconut water, herbal teas, and plant-based milks. These beverages help neutralize stomach acid and soothe the digestive tract, while acidic and carbonated drinks should be avoided to prevent triggering symptoms.

Key Points

Alkaline Beverages Neutralize Acid: Drinks like coconut water, aloe vera juice, and alkaline water can help balance stomach pH and provide relief.
Herbal Teas Soothe and Calm: Ginger, chamomile, and licorice root teas offer anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the digestive tract.
Water Dilutes Stomach Acid: Plain water is a simple yet effective remedy that helps flush irritants and dilute acid quickly.
Avoid Common Triggers: Steer clear of acidic juices, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, which can worsen symptoms.
Adopt Smart Drinking Habits: Sip slowly throughout the day and avoid large amounts of liquid, especially before bedtime.
Plant-Based Milks are a Gentle Alternative: For those sensitive to dairy, options like almond or oat milk can be gentler on the stomach.

Acidity, often manifesting as acid reflux or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This causes a painful, burning sensation and can be a chronic condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). While many turn to medication, dietary adjustments—especially what you drink—can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms and providing relief.

Understanding the Role of Drinks in Acidity

Your esophagus is connected to your stomach via the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve. When you swallow, the LES relaxes to let food and liquid pass through. For people with acidity, this sphincter can weaken or relax inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to flow back up. The drinks you consume can either exacerbate this problem by increasing stomach acid, relaxing the LES further, or increasing pressure in the stomach, or they can help alleviate it by neutralizing acid, soothing irritation, or improving digestion.

The Best Soothing and Alkaline Drinks for Acidity

Incorporating beverages that are naturally low in acid or have alkaline properties can help balance your stomach's pH and provide immediate relief from heartburn.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the digestive tract.

Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce gastric contractions that allow acid to flow back into the esophagus. It's a time-honored remedy for an upset stomach.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile can help ease gut discomfort, reduce stress, and may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach lining.
Licorice Root Tea: This tea may increase the mucus coating of the esophageal lining, protecting it from backflowing acid. Use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to avoid blood pressure side effects.
Fennel Water: Fennel seeds contain anethole, which can aid digestion and reduce gas and bloating, helping to prevent the buildup of stomach pressure.

Coconut Water

Unsweetened coconut water is a hydrating, low-acidity beverage rich in electrolytes like potassium. Its naturally alkaline nature can help neutralize excess stomach acid and promote a balanced pH level within the body. It can be especially soothing and cooling during a heartburn episode.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which can help calm irritation in the esophagus and stomach lining. It may also help control acid secretion. To ensure safety, use a decolorized and purified aloe vera juice.

Plant-Based Milks

For individuals sensitive to dairy, or for those who find that the fat in whole milk worsens symptoms, plant-based alternatives can be a better choice.

Almond Milk: Many varieties are alkaline and can help neutralize stomach acid.
Oat Milk: With low acidity and a higher fiber content, oat milk can be a gentle option for the stomach.

Plain and Alkaline Water

Drinking plain water throughout the day helps to dilute stomach acid and can help move food along the digestive tract. Alkaline water, with a pH of 8.8-9.0, has also been shown to neutralize stomach acid, offering a potentially more effective option for some.

Comparison of Drinks for Acidity Relief


Drink Type	pH Level	Soothing Properties	Key Benefit for Acidity	Potential Side Effects	Notes
Plain Water	Neutral (7.0)	High	Dilutes stomach acid quickly	None (in moderation)	The simplest and most accessible option.
Alkaline Water	High (8.8+)	High	Neutralizes stomach acid effectively	Excessive intake can cause electrolyte imbalance.	Good option, though more research needed.
Herbal Teas (e.g., Ginger)	Varies	High	Anti-inflammatory, soothes digestive tract	Can interact with some medications (e.g., Licorice)	Avoid peppermint/spearmint teas.
Coconut Water	Mildly Alkaline	High	Neutralizes acid, provides electrolytes	High potassium intake risks for some; watch for added sugar	Choose unsweetened varieties.
Aloe Vera Juice	Mildly Alkaline	High	Reduces inflammation, soothes stomach	Diarrhea risk with unpurified versions	Start with small doses; consult a doctor.
Almond Milk	Mildly Alkaline	Moderate	Neutralizes acid, lower fat	Some brands contain added sugars	Better than high-fat dairy.
Coffee	Acidic	None	None	Relaxes LES, increases stomach acid	A common trigger; avoid.
Carbonated Drinks	Acidic	None	None	Increases stomach pressure, relaxes LES	Avoid all fizzy drinks.

Lifestyle Habits to Complement Your Drink Choices

Beyond choosing the right beverages, implementing smart drinking habits can further help manage acidity.

Sip Slowly: Gulping liquids can introduce excess air into your stomach, increasing pressure and potentially triggering reflux. Sip your drinks slowly to avoid this.
Stay Upright Post-Meal: Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating or drinking. Gravity helps keep stomach acid where it belongs.
Avoid Overfilling Your Stomach: Drinking large quantities of liquid during a meal can distend the stomach, increasing the likelihood of reflux.
Limit Late-Night Drinks: Finish drinking (and eating) several hours before bedtime to give your stomach time to empty.

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Drink for Acidity

While there is no single magical cure, understanding what drink is best for acidity? allows for more informed dietary choices. For many, the answer lies in neutralizing, soothing, and low-acid options like herbal teas, coconut water, or plant-based milks. Plain or alkaline water is a simple and effective foundation for any anti-reflux diet. Avoiding common triggers like coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages is equally important for preventing symptoms. By combining these drink choices with good lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce the discomfort of acid reflux. If symptoms persist or are severe, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

For more information on digestive health, consider visiting the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIDDK.

Frequently Asked Questions

While low-fat or plant-based milks like almond milk can temporarily soothe symptoms, whole milk may worsen them due to its higher fat content, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Low-fat options are generally considered safer.

Despite being acidic initially, a small amount of lemon juice mixed with water and honey can have an alkalizing effect on the body for some people. However, results can vary, and it may not be suitable for everyone.

Carbonated drinks like soda contain bubbles that expand in your stomach. This increases pressure, which can push stomach acid back up into the esophagus and trigger heartburn.

Some people claim apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help by balancing stomach acid, but there is limited scientific evidence to support this. ACV is acidic and can worsen symptoms for some, so it should be used with caution and heavily diluted.

No, peppermint tea should be avoided. While it may soothe an upset stomach unrelated to reflux, it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to reflux and worsening symptoms.

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe stomach irritation. It may also help reduce gastric contractions that force acid into the esophagus, promoting better digestion.

For acidity relief, consume a small dose (e.g., 2 tablespoons) of purified and decolorized aloe vera juice per day. It helps soothe and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, but it's important to consult a doctor before starting.